CLOUD 9, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES (Thursday, October 30, 2025) – Burleigh Boardriders rising stars Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie and Isla Huppatz have put on a dominant display at the 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup, with Mackenzie claiming victory and Huppatz finishing runner-up in an all-Queensland Final at one of the world’s most iconic waves.
The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 6000 event delivered six straight days of flawless three-to-four-foot surf at the Philippines’ famed Cloud 9, providing the perfect stage for the young Gold Coast surfers to showcase their talent against a stacked international field.
Competing in just her fifth QS event, Mackenzie overcame close friend and fellow Burleigh Boardrider Huppatz in a thrilling final. The 17-year-old former U/16 ISA World Junior Champion, who grew up surfing in Bali before relocating to the Gold Coast, displayed a mix of power and poise beyond her years. Trailing with only minutes remaining, Mackenzie threaded a deep barrel to post a 7.50 and secure the biggest win of her career—catapulting her to No. 4 on the regional QS rankings.
“I came into this event just wanting to have fun and enjoy surfing Cloud 9 with no one else out. I’m honestly shocked and so stoked,” said Mackenzie. “Isla is one of my best mates and she was surfing amazing, so I knew I had to give it everything. That last barrel was all-time.”
Huppatz, fresh off being crowned Australia/Oceania Junior Champion, continued her incredible form throughout the event with powerful rail surfing and precision wave selection. Her runner-up finish at Cloud 9 now moves her to the top of the region’s QS rankings, setting her up perfectly for a potential 2026 Challenger Series debut.
“It’s been such an amazing week sharing this experience with Ziggy and the other girls,” said Huppatz. “I’m so proud of what we’ve both achieved representing Burleigh and Australia—it’s a huge confidence boost heading into the rest of the season.”
The result marks a significant milestone for the Burleigh Boardriders Club, which continues to produce some of Australia’s brightest emerging talents. Both surfers will now turn their attention to upcoming QS events in Taiwan before Mackenzie and Huppatz return to the Philippines in January for the WSL World Junior Championships.
The 2025 Siargao International Surfing Cup QS 6000 was held at Cloud 9 from October 24–31, 2025. For more information, results, and event replays, visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the free WSL app.
