GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND – The iconic Burleigh Heads is set to host one of surfing’s most eagerly awaited annual events, the Gold Coast Open, which will signal the return of professional surfing to Queensland from 14-16 February.
The 2025 Gold Coast Open (GCO) will feature the return of the Australia/Oceania regional World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) with a QS 1000-rated event. The competition will provide competitors with a crucial opportunity to earn points and secure qualification for the 2026 WSL Challenger Series.
This event also marks the second consecutive year of the longboard QS (LQS) at Burleigh Heads, adding another layer of talent to this prestigious competition. As one of only two longboard QS events, it plays a crucial role in qualification for the Longboard World Tour.
WSL APAC Regional Tour Manager, Ty Sorati, shared his enthusiasm about the GCO returning to Burleigh in 2025.
“Burleigh Heads is an iconic, world-class wave, and it’s fantastic to see the event continuing to grow and evolve,” said Sorati.
“We’re excited to continue our strong partnership with Surfing Queensland and can’t wait to see the next wave of Australian and International talent qualify for the upcoming Challenger Series season and World Longboard Tour.”
The WSL QS divisions are primed to highlight world-class surfing, showcasing elite talents such as Taiwan Open of Surfing QS 5000 Men’s champion, Kyuss King (NSW) and the current male and female ISA World Junior Champions, Dane Henry (NSW) and Ziggy Mackenzie (QLD).
The LQS will showcase talents such as two-time Australian Longboard Champion and reigning GCO Men’s Longboard Champion, Declan Wyton (NSW), along with the GCO Women’s Longboard Champion, Tully White (NSW).
The three-day event at Burleigh Heads will deliver plenty of entertainment for spectators, including live music, sunrise yoga, skate clinics and pro demos, a beach bar, food trucks, and world-class surfing.
Surfing Queensland CEO Mark Flanagan is excited to watch some of surfing’s top male and female talent compete for a portion of the $30,000 prize pool that is up for grabs.
“The Gold Coast Open has been a key focus for Surfing Queensland, and we’re proud to host an event that highlights both local and international talent at an iconic location in Queensland,” said Flanagan.
“After the successful debut of a longboard QS at Burleigh Heads last year, we’re thrilled to witness such a diverse lineup of professional athletes competing. We invite everyone to join us for this three-day event, showcasing some of the finest surfing talent around.”
Previous winners of the Burleigh-based event include Queenslanders Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson and Isabella Nichols, as well as other World Championship Tour surfers Sally Fitzgibbons, Taj Burrow and Owen Wright.
The 2025 Gold Coast Open is supported by the WSL, Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank our corporate event partners for their ongoing support including, Suzuki Queensland, Travla, Dritimes, QMS, We Are Feel Good Inc, Ancestral Nutrition, Sunshine Coast Council, The Point Coolum and the Queensland Government.
