BURLEIGH HEADS, QUEENSLAND (Thursday, February 19, 2026) – The 2026 Gold Coast Open delivered another action-packed day at Burleigh Heads, with major upsets shaking the men’s draw and the women’s division launching in small point break conditions. As the event builds momentum, all eyes now turn to tomorrow’s highly anticipated appearance from eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore.
When competition resumes tomorrow, eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) will don a Qualifying Series (QS) jersey for the first time in seven years. Returning to Burleigh Heads, where she last competed as a Wildcard in the 2025 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, surfing’s most decorated champion is looking to reignite her competitive drive ahead of her return to the Championship Tour (CT) following two seasons away.
With the 50th anniversary CT season kicking off at Bells Beach in April, Gilmore is eager to be back in her element on the Gold Coast.
Competition continued today at the 2026 Gold Coast Open with the opening round of the women’s division taking to the water in clean morning conditions at Burleigh Heads.
Ocea Curtis (AUS), Milla Coco Brown (AUS), Nao Omura (JPN) and Ava Arghyros (AUS) were among the standout performers, each advancing confidently through to the Round of 48 after strong displays on the iconic point break.
Attention then shifted to the Men’s Round of 64, where several Challenger Series (CS) and CT competitors were knocked out in a dramatic day of upsets.
I Made Ariyana (INA) impressed in the small point break conditions, eliminating local talent Oscar Berry (AUS) with a polished performance. Jackson Baker (AUS) and Callum Robson (AUS) both progressed through to the Round of 32, navigating the tricky afternoon conditions with experience and composure.
Kei Kobayashi (JPN) stood out in his heat, posting a 7.25 (out of a possible 10) as conditions became more challenging later in the day.
CT surfer Joel Vaughan (AUS) successfully advanced to the Round of 32, while fellow CT competitor Rio Waida (INA) was eliminated in a tightly contested heat by Taj Stokes (AUS) and Ocean Lancaster (AUS).
One of the biggest upsets of the day came when Burleigh Boardriders’ Tom Whitpaine (AUS) and reigning World Junior Champion Dane Henry (AUS) advanced through their heat, knocking out defending Gold Coast Open champion Morgan Cibilic (AUS).
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 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.
