The World Surf League (WSL) formally announced the addition of Cloud 9 in Siargao into the 2026 Championship Tour (CT) from 31 October to 10 November.

With that, the Philippines Pro presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been upgraded from a QS 6,000 International to a CT stop for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The WSL has added an additional location to the CT schedule for 2026 to ensure a minimum of 12 events can be delivered this season should the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro be unable to run as scheduled. This new event ensures that the WSL can protect the integrity of the new CT format and calendar.

“We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour, thanks to the support of the Philippine government,” WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said.

“Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership. It’s a deserving addition to the schedule that will challenge the world’s best surfers as the World Title race enters its final stages.”

Cloud 9 delivers a perfect right-hand tube offering CT surfers one of the best barrels in the world. Local wildcards will be awarded to the man and woman who win the exclusive Philippines Pro CT Trials event to be staged at Cloud 9 prior to the CT event.

“Going to a new location is always exciting,” said Leonardo Fioravanti, the current CT world No. 1 surfer. I’ve seen some footage of Cloud 9, and it looks like a really fun slab barrel into the air. I am really excited being a regular footer and getting barreled on my forehand, which kind of only happens when we go Pipe surfing Backdoor, so I think it’s gonna be super exciting.”

The Philippines has a strong track record of hosting elite professional surfing competitions. The Siargao International Surfing Cup, first staged in 1996, is the longest-running international surfing event in the Philippines and has featured on the WSL Qualifying Series since 2014. Alongside the CT event, the WSL are excited to announce a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027 in La Union, cementing the country’s reputation as a global destination for all surfers.

“The Championship Tour belongs to the world’s greatest waves, and we are confident that Cloud 9 in Siargao is one of them,” said PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

“This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and the CT will usher the sport into a new era. Let it inspire a new generation of athletes. Let the world discover not just our waves, but the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people.”