Siargao just added another big milestone to its growing list of reasons to visit.

The island recently hosted the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at the iconic Cloud 9, bringing some of the world’s top surfers to one of the Philippines’ most famous surf destinations.

Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina and American Caitlin Simmers made history as the first men’s and women’s champions of the Philippines Pro, respectively. But beyond the competition, the event put Siargao’s waves firmly in the global spotlight.

A new chapter for Siargao’s surf scene

Known for its powerful waves and laid-back island atmosphere, Siargao has long been a favorite among surfers from the Philippines and abroad. Hosting a WSL Championship Tour event takes that reputation to another level, giving international audiences a closer look at what makes Cloud 9 and the island such a special place to surf.

The event also gave Filipino surfers a chance to share the lineup with some of the biggest names in the sport, including local favorite John Mark “Marama” Tokong, who became the first Filipino to win a Championship Tour heat.

For a destination already known for its waves, Siargao’s latest chapter is a pretty exciting one. More than just hosting a major surfing competition, the event showed the world what the island has always had to offer: world-class waves, a strong local surf culture, and an atmosphere that makes Siargao uniquely its own.

From a favorite island getaway to a stage for the world’s best surfers, Siargao continues to make waves on the global map. This time, the whole world was watching.