Mason Ho Confirmed for the 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

19 June, 2026

The world’s most luxurious surfing event is set to return in 2026, and the lineup is already shaping up to be legendary. Mason Ho, the Hawaiian surfing icon known for his unorthodox style and infectious personality, has been confirmed as the second competitor for the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2026, joining multi-discipline world champion Kai Lenny.

What Is the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy?

Often regarded as the world’s most luxurious surfing event, the Surfing Champions Trophy takes place every September just minutes from the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Now entering its 14th edition, the invitation-only contest runs from September 4 to 11, 2026.

What sets this event apart is its unique format: six of surfing’s most celebrated athletes compete across three iconic board divisions—single fin, twin fin, and thruster. This structure celebrates the sport’s past and present while challenging competitors to adapt their approach throughout the week.

Mason Ho: A Perfect Fit for the Champions Trophy

“There are surfers who follow a game plan. And then there’s Mason Ho.” That opening line from the official announcement captures exactly why the Hawaiian surfer is such a natural fit for this event.

A member of surfing royalty—son of legendary surfer Michael Ho, brother of World Tour athlete Coco Ho, and nephew of Hawaii’s first world champion Derek Ho—Mason Ho has built a career doing things his own way. He’s known for pushing the limits across challenging reef breaks, riding unconventional equipment, and bringing an improvisational style that makes him a fan favorite.

Ho’s adaptability across different board types makes him particularly suited to the Champions Trophy’s three-division format. As he explained:

“I try to approach it like I’m living in another time. If it’s single fin day, I think about guys like Michael Peterson, my dad and Uncle D. Then when it’s twin fin day, I start thinking about MR and all the stories my dad used to tell me. That’s what makes this event so unique. You get to step into different eras of surfing throughout the week.”

Returning for a Second Appearance

Ho competed in the Surfing Champions Trophy for the first time in a previous edition, making it to the semifinals alongside his sister Coco Ho. That experience has only increased his anticipation for 2026:

“Last time I didn’t really know what to expect. This year I’ve got a slight clue, which makes me even more excited to come back healthy. The waves have been super fun the last few years, the resort is amazing and there’s always a really cool crew around. I can’t wait to get back out there.”

Event Director Weighs In

Mark Winson, Event Director, summed up what makes Ho such a compelling addition:

“Mason brings a completely unique energy to this event. You genuinely never know what he’s going to do next—whether it’s on a wave, on a board, or in the channel between heats. But underneath all of that personality is one of the most naturally gifted surfers on the planet.”

The Venue: Sultans Break at Kuda Huraa

The competition takes place at Sultans, a renowned reef break in the North Malé Atoll known for its clean, high-performance waves. Competitors, judges, and guests alike use the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa as their garden-island base.

The resort itself is an ocean lover’s dream, featuring a collection of overwater suites and garden villas, plus ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island wellness centre. Its partnership with Tropicsurf offers guests professional coaching and escorted surf sessions to world-class breaks.

A Legacy of Surfing Royalty

First staged in 2011, the Surfing Champions Trophy has hosted a roll call of surfing legends. Past winners include:

• Mark Occhilupo (2011)

• Damien Hardman (2012)

• Taylor Knox (2013)

• Dave “Rasta” Rastovich (2014)

• Shane Dorian (2015)

• Taj Burrow (2016, 2017, 2024)

• Josh Kerr (2018, 2019)

• Kelly Slater (2022)

• Joel Parkinson (2023)

• Michel Bourez (2025)

The guest list over the years has also featured Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, and many more.

What to Expect in 2026

With Kai Lenny confirmed as the first competitor and Mason Ho as the second, the 2026 lineup is already generating significant excitement. Lenny, a multi-time world champion known for his versatility across disciplines, is shaping the boards he will ride throughout the event. Ho brings his unique, instinct-driven approach and deep surfing heritage.

The remaining four competitors will be announced in the coming weeks, with updates shared across surfingchampionstrophy.com and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa channels.

How to Experience the Event

For guests wanting to witness the action up close, the Four Seasons offers front-row seats aboard plush yachts during the competition. Beyond spectating, guests can:

• Join surf clinics with expert coaches

• Take seaplane surf safaris to discover the Maldives’ most carvable waves

• Learn from surfing pros who sometimes join the excursions

Final Thoughts

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions yet. With Mason Ho bringing his signature style, energy, and surfing heritage to the lineup alongside Kai Lenny, fans can expect a week of unforgettable performances at one of the world’s most stunning surf destinations.

Mark your calendars for September 4–11, 2026—this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Check Availability and Prices

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For more information and updates, visit surfingchampionstrophy.com or follow Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa channels.

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