History made and a wild conclusion to the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill witnessed Luke Thompson and Nadia Erostarbe achieve maiden Challenger Series wins.
South Africa's own Luke Thompson carried his home support all the way to the top of the podium, culminating in his win against George Pittar with only two minutes remaining. Thompson becomes the first South African to win in Ballito since CT veteran Jordy Smith in 2017 and now sits at No. 3 on the Challenger Series rankings. An incredible win for Erostarbe helped catapult her up the ranks to No. 4 as she looks to rejoin the world's best following her 2025 CT Injury Replacement season. This marked the Basque Country contender's first Challenger Series win, taking down an in-form Yolanda Hopkins, and now Erostarbe officially enters the CT qualification race.
Looking back at the 2025 Ballito Pro, Top 5 moments included Lucas Silveira's barrel, teenage phenoms Tya Zebrowski and Kiara Goold shining, and Lucas Cassity's 10-point ride. Rounding out the Top 5, Erostarbe and Thompson's victories take the No. 1 spots in deserving fashion.
Next up, the Challenger Series heads for summer in Southern California alongside the world's best longboarders at the iconic Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico starting July 26 through August 3.