MEREWETHER BEACH, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Sunday, March 15, 2026) – North Shore Boardriders’ Alister Reginato, Burleigh Boardriders’ surfers Ziggy Mackenzie and Liam O’Brien were among the standout storylines at the World Surf League (WSL) Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy, closing out the 2025/2026 Challenger Series (CS) season in memorable fashion.
Reginato claimed the biggest win of his career, Mackenzie delivered a breakthrough runner-up finish, and O’Brien secured his return to the Championship Tour (CT) in dramatic circumstances.
Reginato Rises for Career-Defining Victory
Fresh off a string of strong results, Alister Reginato carried serious momentum into Newcastle, arriving after an all-night drive from the Australian Boardriders Battle. The 25-year-old built through the event before delivering when it mattered most on Finals Day.
Reginato overcame Olympic Gold Medalist Kauli Vaast (FRA) in the Final, showcasing his progressive approach and composure under pressure. His performance was highlighted by an excellent 8.67 in the closing moments — the highest single-wave score of the day.
“I can’t really believe it, what a couple of weeks, I’m so stoked,” Reginato said. “To get a win in Newy is special. I love this place.”
The victory caps off a remarkable run for the Sunshine Coast surfer and signals his intent to push for CT qualification in the upcoming season.
Mackenzie’s Dream Run Signals Rising Star
Burleigh Boardriders’ Ziggy Mackenzie continued her rapid rise, producing one of the defining performances of the event with a runner-up finish as a wildcard in just her second Challenger Series appearance.
The 17-year-old eliminated a string of top-ranked surfers on her way to the Final, showcasing maturity and confidence beyond her years. Already a standout at junior level, Mackenzie’s performance in Newcastle cements her as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging talents.
“None of this would have been possible without all of the incredible support I have,” Mackenzie said. “I’ve learned so much this week and I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
O’Brien Returns to CT in Dramatic Fashion
Fellow Burleigh Boardriders surfer Liam O’Brien secured his place back on the Championship Tour in one of the most emotional storylines of the event.
Entering Newcastle ranked No. 9, O’Brien’s campaign took an early hit after being eliminated in his opening heat, leaving his qualification hopes dependent on results for the remainder of the week. After days of uncertainty, his position was ultimately confirmed when the final challenger was eliminated in the Quarterfinals.
“I had my chance at the start of the week and just blew it,” O’Brien said. “I was pretty sure I was going to pack my bags and head home after that.”
The 26-year-old, who previously spent three consecutive seasons on the CT, remained in Newcastle to support partner Sophie McCulloch, adding to the emotional weight of the week before receiving confirmation of his qualification.
“I was assuming I was probably done, and then I got the message that I was through. It was a weird day, but I’m very relieved,” he added.
Boardriders Pathway on Full Display
The performances of Reginato, Mackenzie, and O’Brien highlight the continued strength of Australia’s boardriders club system, with North Shore and Burleigh Boardriders producing world-class talent across both emerging and elite levels.
As Newcastle SURFEST celebrated its 40th anniversary, the event not only honoured its legacy but showcased the future of Australian surfing, with the next generation stepping confidently onto the world stage.
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Women’s Final Results:
1. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.74
2. Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (QLD) 3.63
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Men’s Final Results:
1. Alister Reginato (QLD) 16.00
2. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 9.57
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (QLD) 13.10 DEF. Sol Aguirre (PER) 8.93
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 14.57 DEF. Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 10.67
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Alister Reginato (QLD) 16.27 DEF. Dakoda Walters (AUS) 11.23
HEAT 2: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 11.67 DEF. Lucas Cassity (MEX) 8.10
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (QLD) 11.73 DEF. Ellie Harrison (AUS) 11.30
HEAT 2: Sol Aguirre (PER) 13.16 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (QLD) 10.27
HEAT 3: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 14.83 DEF. Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) 7.26
HEAT 4: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 15.63 DEF. Sarah Baum (RSA) 12.27
Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Dakoda Walters (AUS) 14.00 DEF. Caleb Tancred (AUS) 8.00
HEAT 2: Alister Reginato (QLD) 9.84 DEF. Finn McGill (HAW) 7.33
HEAT 3: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 13.16 DEF. Levi Slawson (USA) 11.90
HEAT 4: Lucas Cassity (MEX) 13.33 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 11.00
