Callum Robson Wins Lexus Pipe Challenger, Secures CT Qualification Bid

Robson’s Resilience Pays Off at Lexus Pipe Challenger

Pipeline, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi – Friday, February 6, 2026 – The Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong concluded today with a compelling victory for Australian surfer Callum Robson. The event, a pivotal stop on the 2025/2026 Challenger Series, saw Robson overcome a competitive field in challenging conditions, securing a win that significantly boosts his chances of qualifying for the Championship Tour (CT).

Robson’s triumph came against a formidable lineup including Eli Hanneman, Griffin Colapinto, and Morgan Cibilic. Despite the final not presenting classic Pipeline conditions, Robson demonstrated composure and skill, highlighted by a full rotation air at Backdoor that separated him from his competitors. The win propels him up 23 places to eleventh in the Challenger Series rankings, leaving him just one spot shy of automatic CT qualification with one event remaining: the Newcastle SURFEST in March.

“It’s pretty crazy, to be honest,” Robson said after his win. “It’s not classic Pipeline in that final, but to be out there with Morgs, Griffin, and Eli, they’re obviously really good surfers in that heat. I just can’t believe I’ve just won this competition. From the start of this week and believing you’re going to win the event is pretty crazy. I don’t really know how to feel right now, but I’m tripping.”

Robson acknowledged the challenges he’s faced this year on the Challenger Series, stating, “It hasn’t obviously been my best year on the Challenger Series, but being eleventh is way better than 30-something that I was coming in here. I just refocused on that little bit of time off, and I was just stoked to come surf Pipeline. I surfed it on the CT, and I just love this place, I love this wave.”

Cibilic’s Strong Performance and Hanneman’s CT Requalification

Morgan Cibilic’s runner-up finish also deserves recognition. Cibilic, who showed early promise on the CT in 2021 before being cut mid-season in 2022, has been working as a lifeguard while pursuing his surfing career. His performance at Pipeline demonstrated his ability to excel in demanding waves, including a standout 9-point ride that eliminated Barron Mamiya. Cibilic’s result moves him up seven spots to seventh in the Challenger Series rankings, setting the stage for a crucial final event at his home break of Merewether Beach in Newcastle.

“I just felt in the zone,” Cibilic commented. “It felt real nice to put up that Quarterfinal performance even though I was a bit nervous at the start. The 9 felt really good. I just faded off the takeoff, and I’m just so stoked to be here and lapping it all up. Surfing Pipe with no one else, and it was pretty cooking. Thanks to the locals and the Hawaiian water patrol for getting me back.”

Adding another compelling narrative to the event, Eli Hanneman officially requalified for the CT by reaching the semifinals. He is the first man on the Challenger Series to secure a CT spot this season. Hanneman has overcome injuries since his rookie CT season in 2024, and his recent performance indicates significant improvement, particularly at Pipeline and Backdoor.

“This is crazy,” Hanneman said. “In Brazil, I needed to win the event, and got second, and I just knew it was going to happen here at home. This is better than I could ever imagine. All my friends and family on the beach to congratulate me was so special. It’s weird right now because I’m still in the event, and it doesn’t feel real because I’m still working toward something, which I am. Just looking back on the last few years feels like such a wild ride, but it feels so good to be back.”

Exceptional Waves and Standout Performances

The Lexus Pipe Challenger was characterized by powerful waves, with sets reaching over eight feet. Several surfers delivered exceptional performances, including George Pittar, who scored a 9.77 for a double-chambered barrel, the highest single wave score of the event. Liam O’Brien, Xavier Huxtable, Griffin Colapinto, Ian Gentil, Jackson Bunch, Charly Quivront, Joey Johnston, and Benji Brand also earned recognition for their impressive surfing.

The women’s competition is set to begin today, February 6th, with the Round of 32. Conditions are expected to remain challenging, with slightly smaller but still powerful North Shore swells.

Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong – Men’s Results

Final

• 1 – Callum Robson (AUS) 14.00
• 2 – Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 13.37
• 3 – Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.17
• 4 – Eli Hanneman (HAW) 3.07

Semifinals

• HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.10 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.83, Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 8.27, Joey Johnston (HAW) 2.26
• HEAT 2: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 12.67 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 5.80, Liam O’Brien (AUS) 5.43, Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 2.53

Quarterfinals

• HEAT 1: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Ryan Huckabee (USA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
• HEAT 2: Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Joey Johnston (HAW) vs. Charly Quivront (FRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)
• HEAT 3: Benji Brand (HAW) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
• HEAT 4: Riaru Ito (JPN) vs. Callum Robson (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS)

Round of 32

• HEAT 1: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 15.33 DEF. Joey Johnston (HAW) 11.16, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 5.77, Carlos Munoz (CRC) 3.33
• HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 14.77 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 12.83, Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.83, Lucas Silveira (BRA) 8.83
• HEAT 3: Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 10.00 DEF. Ryan Huckabee (USA) 9.80, Lucas Vicente (BRA) 8.66, Taro Watanabe (USA) 6.66
• HEAT 4: Charly Quivront (FRA) 12.10 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 9.93, Ian Gentil (HAW) 9.77, Winter Vincent (AUS) 9.00
• HEAT 5: Benji Brand (HAW) 16.80 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 11.00, Mikey McDonagh (AUS) 9.77, Luke Thompson (RSA) 6.53
• HEAT 6: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 14.14 DEF. Jacob Willcox (AUS) 10.17, Nolan Rapoza (USA) 9.10, Jackson Baker (AUS) 2.14
• HEAT 7: Riaru Ito (JPN) 13.50 DEF. Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 11.73, Adur Amatriain (EUK) 9.94, Shohei Kato (JPN) 3.17
• HEAT 8: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 15.93 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 14.87, Seth Moniz (HAW) 14.67, Shion Crawford (HAW) 6.06

Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong – Women’s Round of 32

• HEAT 2: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Tya Zebrowski (FRA) vs. Anat Lelior (ISR) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
• HEAT 3: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) vs. Arena Rodriguez (PER) vs. Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN)
• HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) vs. Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW)
• HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
• HEAT 6: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
• HEAT 7: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR)
• HEAT 8: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. India Robinson (AUS) vs. Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)