World Champ x 4!

HAPPY PLACE: Carissa Moore joins the big leagues of those with four titles. Photo WSL / Cestari

Although she defeated her closest opponent, 17-year-old Caroline Marks (USA), to clinch her fourth World Title, the two will represent America together as surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo next year.

“That was crazy and I was trying to keep my focus and emotions in check,” said Moore. “This is incredible! It’s been years of work and years of growing and learning. It’s been a journey and I’ve been really looking forward to this moment, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. So many of my family and friends are here and I’m so excited to share this with them.”

By clinching a fourth WSL Title, the 27-year-old from Honolulu joins the likes of Lisa Andersen (USA), Wendy Botha (ZAF) and Freida Zamba (USA), Layne Beachley (AUS), and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), further cementing her name in professional surfing’s history books. Moore also becomes Hawaii’s most-successful surfer ever on the world stage surpassing Andy Irons’ three World Titles and John John Florence’s two titles.

GIRL WITH GILLS: Stephanie Gilmore was in the hunt, but fell by the wayside. Photo WSL / Cestari

“I dreamed of this moment for a really long time,” continued Moore. “Each world title has been a little different and this one was definitely the hardest. Being in the Title race with Caroline and Lakey has been incredible and they’ve both really pushed me. I wouldn’t be here without my amazing support team. I felt so much love on this journey this year and it really pushed me through.”

Moore’s 2019 season is a remarkable example of consistency. In the season’s ten events, Moore hasn’t lost before the Quarterfinals, racking up three wins (South Africa, France, Portugal), two runner-up finishes, three equal 3rds and two equal 5ths to seal the deal on her fourth World Title. She is the only Top 17 surfer who managed to advance into the Quarters or better at all the events this year. Moore was stopped in the Semifinals by Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) who went on to defeat Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Final.

Moore’s achievement comes following the elimination of opponents Lakey Peterson (USA) and Marks at the lululemon Maui Pro. After Peterson’s elimination yesterday, Marks was the last contender standing to stop Moore. Unfortunately for Marks, she fell to seven-time WSL Champion Gilmore in the Quarterfinals.

TUBE TIME: Moore is one of the most accomplished tube riders out of anyone. Photo WSL / Cestari

Surfing will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020 and the 2019 WSL CT was a crucial qualification pathway for the world's best surfers. Following the season finale in Maui, the WSL rankings have determined the first eight eligible women to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, subject to all qualified surfers meeting the ISA’s and IOC’s eligibility requirements and being selected by their respective National Olympic Committee.

The eight provisional qualifiers are:

USA - Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks
Australia - Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons
Brasil - Tatiana Weston-Webb and Silvana Lima
France - Johanne Defay
Costa Rica - Brisa Hennessy