URBIZTONDO BEACH, San Juan, La Union, Philippines (Thursday, September 25, 2025) β Today, the World Surf League (WSL) has announced that the World Junior Champions for 2025 will once again be crowned at the high-performance, reeling right point of Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union, this January 11β18, 2026.
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The announcement is thanks to the new partnership between WSL, Purefoods-Hormel, and Magnolia Inc., who have signed on for one year as the official partners for the 2025 WSL World Junior Championships. This collaboration highlights the growing support for surfing in the Philippines and showcases the countryβs ability to host major international sporting events. It reflects how far the local surf community has come and how much potential lies ahead.
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βThe WSL is thrilled to be returning to the Philippines for the 2025 World Junior Championships,β said WSL APAC President, Andrew Stark. βThe surf scene in the Philippines is growing at a rapid rate, and itβs incredible to see the number of WSL events scheduled in 2026 across multiple tours. The 2024 World Junior Championships witnessed amazing performances from the next generation of Championship Tour hopefuls at an exciting new location. It will be great to return in 2026 and see the next crop put on a show in the Philippines. Weβd like to thank our partners Purefoods-Hormel and Magnolia Inc. We look forward to a prosperous partnership for this event and beyond.β
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Purefoods-Hormel and Magnolia Inc. will be collaborating with the WSL for the first time. Their support will help bring the worldβs best 20-and-under surfers back to the Philippines and draw global attention to La Union. The event will also boost local tourism, showcase Filipino hospitality, and create opportunities for the surf industry and nearby communities.
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βWe are honored to support the World Surf League World Junior Championships, which showcases world-class talents and brings to the spotlight discipline, passion, and the quest for excellence,β said San Miguel Foods President Emmanuel B. Macalalag. His statement reflects the shared pride of many Filipinos who value determination, hard work, and national achievement.
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The 2025 WSL World Junior Championships Philippines presented by Purefoods-Hormel and Magnolia Inc. will feature 24 men and 24 women, aged 20 years and under, who will qualify from seven different regions around the world on their quest to become the 2024 WSL World Junior Champions. This event is considered one of the most important victories in the career of a young Pro Junior, as many past champions have gone on to become legends of the sport.
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Notable past winners include Joel Parkinson (AUS), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Andy Irons (HAW), and Gabriel Medina (BRA). Recent WSL Championship Tour surfers and Olympians Vahine Fierro (FRA) and Luana Silva (BRA) have also earned this prestigious title. Their success stories serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes who will compete in La Union.
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The 24 men and 24 women competitors will represent Australia/Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, Hawaii/Tahiti Nui, North America, and South America. Each regional series will qualify two men and two women, with eight international wildcards added. Two wildcard spots will go to the host nation, offering Filipino surfers a chance to compete in front of a supportive home crowd.
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The 2025 WSL World Junior Championships Philippines will take place at The Point at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union, Philippines, from January 11 to 18, 2026. Following the Junior Qualifying Regional Season, the full list of competitors will be announced in the coming months. Fans are already anticipating exciting matchups, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments.
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The 2025 World Junior Championships are presented by Purefoods-Hormel and Magnolia Inc. and proudly supported by San Miguel Infrastructure, SMC Infrastructure Inc., B-MEG/Nutri Chunks, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the National Youth Commission. With strong backing, passionate fans, and world-class waves, La Union is ready to welcome the world once again and celebrate the future of surfing.
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