BURLEIGH HEADS, QUEENSLAND (Friday, February 20, 2026) – Challenging conditions tested competitors on Day Three of the Gold Coast Open at Burleigh Heads, with competition briefly placed on hold as the swell was swallowed by the tide. Despite the inconsistent surf, standout performances emerged as the event edged closer to the business end of the draw.
Burleigh Boardriders’ Liam O’Brien (AUS), Rinata Oooto (JPN), Sol Gruendling (AUS) and Shohei Kato (JPN) all rose above the tricky conditions to secure their places in the Men’s Round of 32.
O’Brien was particularly thrilled to be competing at his home break with the event elevated to QS 4000 status this year, embracing the opportunity to perform in front of a local crowd.
“It’s so special to be competing at my home break, especially with the event now a QS 4000. To see it elevated like this is incredible for Burleigh and for Queensland surfing,” said O’Brien
“It was such a beautiful morning to be out there and I managed to dodge the rocks! It’s unreal being able to surf here in competition. It’s such a great place to hang out and compete, and I’m stoked to be here. I’m keen to see what the weekend has in store.”
In the Women’s Round of 48, eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) opened the day by progressing through her heat alongside heat winner Gia Lorentson (AUS). Burleigh Boardriders’ Ziggy Mackenzie (AUS) and standout Milla Coco Brown (AUS) faced off in the same heat, with both surfers advancing to the next round.
Lorentson backed up her strong morning performance with another heat win in the afternoon, booking her place in the Women’s Round of 16.
In one of the most unusual moments of the event, Gilmore found herself in a rare three-way tie alongside Shino Matsuda (JPN) and Kana Nakashio (JPN). The advancing positions were decided on countback, with Gilmore progressing thanks to her highest single-wave score of 7.50 (out of a possible 10).
Gilmore said the experience was both challenging and refreshing as she continues to rebuild momentum in the competitive arena.
“These events are so important for building confidence, and I’m really proud of women’s surfing and how far it has come,” said Gilmore
It was a tricky heat, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in a three-way tie before, so that was definitely new. Getting that higher single score was the key for me. I’ve been riding this fun little quad-fin board that I’m loving, and just generating speed and getting going felt like what the judges wanted to see.”
Competition is set to resume tomorrow with the remainder of the Women’s Round of 32, where Championship Tour competitor Isabella Nichols (AUS) is scheduled to make her first appearance at this year’s event.
The Gold Coast Open runs at Burleigh Heads through February 22, 2026, with a live broadcast scheduled for Saturday and Sunday as the event reaches its finals stages.
Previous winners of the Gold Coast Open (formerly the Burleigh Pro) include CT standouts Taj Burrow (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS), Dimity Stoyle (AUS), Owen Wright (AUS), Sophie McCulloch (AUS) and Mitch Crews (AUS).
Beyond the competition, the Gold Coast Open will deliver five days of entertainment and community engagement at Burleigh Heads. Spectators can enjoy live music performances from bands including Cosmic Vice, PowderKeg and Thirst Trap, along with skate clinics and demonstrations, sunrise yoga sessions, community activities, food vendors, a beach bar and a range of interactive experiences.
The 2026 Gold Coast Open is supported by the World Surf League, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Experience Gold Coast.
Surfing Queensland thanks the event partners for their support: BYD Gold Coast, Dritimes, QMS Media, We Are Feel Good Inc, Mogu Mogu, Blue Horizon, Travla, Hard Fizz, Sip Coco, Fast Twitch Energy, Blackroll Australia, Chiggy’s Skateboarding, Kennards Hire.
The 2026 Gold Coast Open is set to run at Burleigh Heads from February 18 – 22, 2026.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
2026 GOLD COAST OPEN
Running from February 18 – 22, the five-day event is more than just a surfing competition, delivering a host of diverse experiences. Event highlights include sunrise yoga and pilates sessions, women’s group surfing with Sirens Surf Club, a selection of food trucks, a skate ramp featuring professional demonstrations and skate clinics, and a pop-up beach bar serving Travla beer and Hard Fizz, alongside a range of additional activities.
HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL SURFING AT BURLEIGH HEADS
The Gold Coast Open carries forward a rich tradition of competitive surfing that began with the groundbreaking Stubbies Surf Classic in 1977. Pioneered by surfer Peter Drouyn, this event revolutionised professional surfing by introducing the head-to-head heat format. First implemented at Burleigh Heads nearly five decades ago, this format has since become the global standard for professional and grassroots surfing competitions.
