BURLEIGH HEADS, QUEENSLAND (Wednesday, February 18, 2026) – The 2026 Gold Coast Open got underway today in clean morning conditions and a playful two-foot swell wrapping down the iconic Burleigh Heads point break, setting the tone for an exciting opening day of competition.
Proceedings began with a Welcome to Country before the first heats of the Men’s Round of 128 hit the water. Competitors made the most of the clean early conditions before a tricky afternoon sea breeze tested even the most experienced campaigners. Competition concluded with Heat 10 of the Men’s Round of 96, with plenty of standout performances already shaping the narrative of the event.
Among the day’s highlights was Maverick Wilson (AUS), who delivered the highest single-wave scores of the event so far, posting an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) in challenging afternoon conditions. Wilson’s ability to find quality on the tightening point break proved critical as conditions became more difficult.
Sammy Lowe (AUS) and Dom Thomas (AUS) were standouts in the Men’s Round of 96, eliminating Zeb Stokes (AUS) and Okie Fraser (AUS) to move deeper into the draw. Showing smart wave selection and composure under pressure, both surfers secured their spots in the next round.
Earlier in the day, Darcy Dwyer (AUS) set the benchmark in Heat 15 of the Men’s Round of 128, finishing well ahead of the field with a commanding two-wave total of 13.25 (out of 20). Ben Zanatta Creagh (AUS) was another surfer in fine form, advancing through to the Round of 96 with a strong heat total of 13.75. He will now look to build momentum as he vies for a coveted spot in the Round of 64.
With the men’s early rounds now underway, attention turns to the women tomorrow as the Round of 64 hits the water. The draw features Queensland Champion Sarah Young (AUS) alongside standout competitors Jordy Halford (AUS), Milla Coco Brown (AUS), Ocea Curtis (AUS) and previous event winner Dimity Stoyle (AUS), promising another exciting day of action at Burleigh Heads.
Competition at the QS 4000 Gold Coast Open runs through to February 22, with crucial Challenger Series qualification points on the line as surfers look to make their mark on the 2026 season.
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 18–22 February, 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.
