Get ready for an epic surfing showdown at the Gold Coast Open! This QS 4,000 event is back at the iconic Burleigh Heads, and it's bringing together an elite field of surfers from across the globe. But here's where it gets controversial... this competition is not just about the waves; it's a celebration of the entire surfing lifestyle!
The Gold Coast Open, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series event, has been upgraded to the QS 4,000 level for 2026. From February 18-22, the iconic right point break of Burleigh Heads will host over 175 of the best surfers from the Australia/Oceania and Asia QS regions. This event will play a crucial role in determining who qualifies for the 2026 Challenger Series (CS) season, making it a highly anticipated and competitive tournament.
Among the participants are current and former Championship Tour (CT) surfers, Olympians, top CS competitors, and multiple WSL World Junior Champions. The current CT surfers Joel Vaughan (AUS), Isabella Nichols (AUS), and Rio Waida (INA) will be donning their jerseys at Burleigh Heads this week. Nichols, the event winner in 2017, is joined by six other WSL World Junior Champions, including the recently crowned 2025 champions, Dane Henry (AUS) and Isla Huppatz (AUS).
"I'm thrilled to be back at Burleigh for the Gold Coast Open," said Nichols. "Surfing here last year was an incredible experience, and as a Gold Coast resident, I'm excited to compete on one of the world's true heritage waves. It's all about getting back into the competitive groove and enjoying the high level of competition from my fellow surfers."
Waida, who last competed in the 2025 CT regular-season finale in Tahiti, is eager to build momentum for the upcoming 2026 season. "I'm looking forward to putting on the jersey again and feeling that competitive buzz. It's been a while, and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things. The competition will be fierce, and I'm excited to test my skills against some of the best Aussie surfers."
Nine former CT surfers, including local Burleigh surfer Liam O'Brien (AUS), are also hoping to make their mark on the Gold Coast. O'Brien, who fell off Tour in 2025 after three consecutive seasons among the world's best, is currently within the qualification cutline on the CS rankings and is poised to make a comeback on the CT in 2026. With the hometown support behind him, O'Brien is sure to put on an impressive display.
The current QS contenders will face a tough challenge against this stacked field, but frontrunners like Kana Nakashio (JPN), Reef Heazlewood (AUS), Lucy Darragh (AUS), and others are ready for the task. CEO of Surfing Queensland, Luca Liussi, emphasizes that the event is about more than just professional surfing. "It's a celebration of the surfing lifestyle," he said. "We want to bring people together to experience the culture, community, and energy that surfing embodies."
Previous winners of the Gold Coast Open (formerly Burleigh Pro) include legendary CT surfers like Taj Burrow (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS), and others. Beyond the competition, the Gold Coast Open will offer five days of entertainment and community engagement at Burleigh Heads. Spectators can enjoy live music, skate clinics, yoga sessions, community activities, food, and more.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of surfing and experience the magic of the Gold Coast Open? Mark your calendars for February 18-22, 2026, and get ready for an unforgettable week!
