The perfection of Cloud 9 awaits the best surfers from throughout the Asia and Australia / Oceania regions when the 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup QS 6000 gets underway tomorrow.
CLOUD 9, Siargao Island, Philippines (Thursday, October 23, 2025) – A huge international field of competitors has arrived in the Philippines for the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup QS 6000. Over 180 surfers from throughout the Asia and Australia / Oceania regions have made their way to Siargao Island for the 29th edition of the event that takes place on the famed reef of Cloud 9.
“The forecast looks promising to start the event in great waves from day one,” said WSL APAC Tour Manager Ty Sorati. “Cloud 9 is an incredible wave that delivers consistently perfect barrels and is a highlight of the year for many of the athletes. The WSL would like to thank our partners here in the Philippines for once again welcoming the best surfers from across the Asia and Australia / Oceania regions to this prestigious and long-standing event. We’re looking forward to an amazing week of competition.”
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The co-sanctioned event carries crucial points for surfers chasing 2026 Challenger Series qualification and serves as the penultimate stop of the Bonsoy Asia Super Series. Current Asia regional and Super Series rankings leaders Kana Nakashio (JPN) and Kei Kobayashi (JPN) will look to extend their advantage in both races. Nakashio will be aiming to build on her victory at the previous Super Series stop, the Tahara Pro, while Kobayashi carries momentum from the QS 2000 series in Japan, where he’s fresh off a third straight win.
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Leading the charge for the Australia / Oceania region, Charli Hately (AUS) and Lennix Smith (AUS) are both aiming to break through for their first QS 6000 wins. Each has already made a Final at this level, including Hately’s appearance in the 2024 Siargao International Surfing Cup, and now look to convert that consistency into victory.
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A major element of the long-running event is the strong local contingent, led by former winners Nilbie Blancada (PHL) and John Mark Tokong (PHL), whose exceptional track record continues to inspire. Out of eight events entered at the QS level, Tokong has appeared in an incredible five Finals and claimed four wins. The 29-year-old will look to repeat his success at home and climb the rankings in pursuit of a return to the Challenger Series.
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“I’m so happy to be back here in Siargao for the QS 6000,” said Tokong. “The vibe has been really good, and I’ve seen so many athletes catching great waves. I’m hoping we get some good swell so everyone can have fun out there. With around 170 surfers competing, I just want to wish everyone the best of luck in the competition.”
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The 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup QS 6000 presented by Philippine Sports Commission is proudly supported by the Municipality of General Luna, the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Norte, and SISA. Sponsored by PAGCOR, Kudosurf, Vissla, Lamari, and SDMI Sports.
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