Siargao, Philippines, to host World Surf League qualifiers

Philippine surfing is set to make waves once more as the Siargao International 6000 Surfing Cup takes place from October 23 to 31 in the breathtaking island paradise of Siargao.

This will be the country’s highest-ranked event in the World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing reputation as a premier destination for international surfing competitions. The tournament is open to elite surfers from across the globe, extending well beyond the Asia-Pacific region.

A total of 128 male and 64 female athletes from countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand will compete for a share of the $50,000 prize purse.

Earlier this year, the WSL staged the World Junior Championships in La Union. Now, an even bigger event is set to boost sports tourism in the Philippines, further solidifying its place on the global surfing map.

“It’s not just for the athletes but for the local communities as well,” said Presidential son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos during Tuesday’s special Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Wild Flour in Makati.

LOOK: Special session for the World Surf League Qualifying Series PH with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, sports ambassador Vincent Marcos, no. 3 World Longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel, tech director John Carby, and Siargao Surf Association’s Nildie Blancada. | via… pic.twitter.com/baFWnAhLqh

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) August 12, 2025

“I love all sports but surfing has a very special place in my heart,” added Marcos, who is a surfer himself. He emphasized that the event is a perfect opportunity for the Philippines to promote sports tourism and showcase its “world-class” surfing destinations.

Joining the forum were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, Isabela 5th District and House Committee on Youth and Sports chairman Rep. Mike Dy, Aurora Lone District Rep. Rommel Angara, United Philippine Surfing Association president Dr. Raul Canlas, tournament technical director John Carby, world No. 3 and longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel, and Nildie Blancada of the Siargao Surf Association.

“This hosting is part of the sports tourism program that we are pursuing. We believe that sports tourism is an economic driver. And why surfing? Because it’s a beautiful sport,” said Gregorio.

“And with 7,100 islands, how can we go wrong? As long as we see the leaders really pushing, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t support it,” he added.

“This is a top-level event. It’s world class,” said Carby, highlighting that Philippine surfing hubs like Siargao, Baler, and La Union are not only blessed with world-class waves but also unmatched hospitality—making them ideal for hosting WSL events.

“There’s magic in Siargao, there’s magic in Baler, there’s magic in La Union,” said Gregorio

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