BANZAI PIPELINE, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi – , marked a triumphant day for Kauaʻi’s Gabriela Bryan, who secured victory at the 2026 Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong. The win, a first for Bryan in the Challenger Series, solidifies her position as a formidable competitor in the world of professional surfing and adds another chapter to the legacy of Pipeline.
Bryan navigated a challenging field, progressing through the Round of 32, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals before claiming the top spot at the famed reef break. The conditions, described as solid four-to-six-foot waves, tested the skills of all competitors, but Bryan’s poise and adaptability proved decisive.
The final heat featured a lineup of Championship Tour talent, including 2025 World Champion Molly Picklum, 2025 Rookie of the Year Erin Brooks, and rising Challenger Series standout Anat Lelior. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions – onshore swells and wind – Bryan delivered a performance that showcased her growth as a competitor. She ultimately defeated Brooks, Picklum, and Lelior.
“It feels so good to start the year off with a win after so much time off,” Bryan said after her victory. “Getting back in the jersey, feeling the nerves, and everything that comes along with competing. It gets me so fired up for the rest of the year. It’s a long year ahead, and we’re just beginning, but there’s no better way than to start with a win, especially at Pipe. That was a very talented final to say the least. It’s not ideal Pipe, but you never know what you’re going to get so every heat out here in onshore, incoming swell, windy or if it’s perfect, it’s worth it.”
This victory is particularly significant for Bryan, who has historically faced challenges in barreling reef breaks. Her performance at Pipeline demonstrates a clear evolution in her competitive approach, positioning her as a serious contender for the 2026 Championship Tour title. She finished third in the world rankings in 2025, with three CT event wins that year.
Beyond the competitive achievement, Bryan dedicated her win to the memory of Kauaʻi surfer Andy Irons, a legendary figure at Pipeline. “It’s so special to feel that spirit of Andy and I love to represent Kauai and where I come from,” she stated, acknowledging the presence of Irons’ widow, Lyndie. Bryan’s connection to Irons runs deep, as her first contest experience was at the Irons Brothers event.
The Lexus Pipe Challenger also had significant implications for Championship Tour qualification. Sally Fitzgibbons, a veteran of the tour and three-time world runner-up, officially requalified for the 2026 CT. This marks the third time the 35-year-old has been cut from the CT and successfully requalified through the Challenger Series, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Fitzgibbons’ qualification comes after a particularly emotional mid-year cut at Margaret River in 2025. Her ability to overcome adversity and return to the CT is a testament to her dedication to the sport.
Anat Lelior also made significant strides, leaping eight spots to ninth on the Challenger Series rankings. Her strong performance in the event positions her well for the final event of the season in Newcastle, Australia.
Erin Brooks, despite finishing as runner-up to Bryan, showcased exceptional surfing in the earlier rounds. Her performance in the quarterfinals, where she secured a 9.43 on her backhand, was the highest women’s score of the event and a total heat score of 16.26. This demonstrated her potential and marked her as a rising star in the sport.
The Lexus Pipe Challenger, despite some challenging wave conditions on the final days, has been hailed as a valuable addition to the Challenger Series. The event provided a platform for both established and emerging surfers to compete at one of the world’s most iconic surf locations.
Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong Women’s Final Results:
1 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.70
2 – Erin Brooks (CAN) 10.47
3 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 9.43
4 – Anat Lelior (ISR) 3.13
Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 9.37 DEF. Anat Lelior (ISR) 8.80, Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 6.70, Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 4.80
HEAT 2: Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.50 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 7.17, Alyssa Spencer (USA) 5.24, Francisca Veselko (POR) 4.07
Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Anat Lelior (ISR) 8.83 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 7.23, Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 5.64, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 2.60
HEAT 2: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.00 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 7.10, Isabella Nichols (AUS) 6.86, Laura Raupp (BRA) 5.83
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 9.57 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 9.50, Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 5.70, Sierra Kerr (AUS) 3.37
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
Lexus Pipe Challenger Presented by Billabong Women’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.06 DEF. Laura Raupp (BRA) 8.83, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 6.17, Chesney Guinotte (HAW) 2.97
HEAT 2: Anat Lelior (ISR) 9.83 DEF. Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 9.67, Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.67, Vahine Fierro (FRA) 4.93
HEAT 3: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 12.10 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 6.43, Arena Rodriguez (PER) 1.83, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) 0.57
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 13.17, Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 10.33, Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 4.77
HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.07 DEF. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 4.00, Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 3.40, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 0.90
HEAT 6: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 10.20 DEF. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 9.00, Luana Silva (BRA) 7.73, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 6.50
HEAT 7: Erin Brooks (CAN) 7.33 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 5.50, Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 3.97, Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 1.03
HEAT 8: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 10.73 DEF. Sierra Kerr (AUS) 5.77, India Robinson (AUS) 5.40, Sophia Medina (BRA) 2.47
