Victor Bernardo Confirmed for 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

13 August, 2026

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has confirmed that Brazilian freesurfer Victor Bernardo will compete in the 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, joining Hawaiian surfer Mason Ho in a growing field of world-class athletes.

Taking place from September 4 to 11, 2026, the invitation-only contest returns to the legendary Sultans break in the North Malé Atoll for its 14th edition. Six of surfing’s most celebrated athletes will compete across three iconic board divisions—single fin, twin fin, and thruster—with an overall champion crowned after three distinct eras of surfboard design have been put to the test.

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Who Is Victor Bernardo?

At 28 years old, Victor Bernardo has established himself as one of contemporary surfing’s most accomplished all-round stylists. Born in Guarujá on Brazil’s São Paulo coastline, Bernardo first paddled out at the age of four alongside his family. He spent more than a decade progressing through the professional ranks, winning the Oakley Pro Junior and establishing himself as one of Brazil’s leading competitive prospects before transitioning into freesurfing.

Now based in Oceanside, California, Bernardo has stepped away from the traditional competition circuit to embrace freesurfing. Working closely with shaper Matt Parker, he experiments with alternative board designs while bringing creativity, style, and a deep connection to the ocean into his sessions.

“I surf different boards every day, and to me it’s the most fun thing in surfing,” Bernardo said. “To be in an event like this has always been my dream. I’m very excited for it.”

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A Format That Rewards Versatility

Unlike traditional surfing competitions, the Surfing Champions Trophy challenges athletes to adapt their style across three distinct eras of surfboard design. The unique format rewards technical versatility, creativity, and board knowledge rather than performance on a single type of equipment.

Bernardo’s skill set makes him particularly suited to this format. Whether threading tubes on a quad, drawing extended lines on a twin fin, or producing powerful turns on a modern thruster, his approach reflects an instinctive understanding of how different boards shape a wave. Widely regarded as one of modern surfing’s most versatile freesurfers, he has built an international reputation for seamlessly transitioning between alternative surfboard shapes and high-performance equipment.

“I love that it’s very selective, and it seems to be an incredible experience,” Bernardo added. “I am honoured and excited.”

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Beyond the Competition: A Personal Journey

Bernardo’s invitation to the Maldives carries significance beyond the competition itself. “What I’m most excited about is bringing my mum on her first international trip, enjoying our time together and having fun,” he shared.

For guests staying at Kuda Huraa, the Trophy offers intimate access to the competition and the athletes taking part. Sultans is reached within minutes of the resort, while the week extends beyond the heats through post-surf conversations, sunset gatherings, and opportunities to experience the wider surf culture of the island.

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The World’s Most Luxurious Surf Contest

Often regarded as the world’s most luxurious surfing event, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy combines elite competition with the freedom and experimentation of classic surfing. Its compact field, three-board format, and island setting have helped distinguish it from conventional professional contests.

First staged in 2011, the Trophy has welcomed an extraordinary roster of athletes including Mark Occhilupo, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Michel Bourez, Carissa Moore, and Maya Gabeira. The 2025 edition saw Michel Bourez complete a comeback from injury to win the overall title, recording the event’s only perfect 10 along the way.

With Bernardo now joining Mason Ho and Kai Lenny for 2026, the next edition is already taking shape as one of the most unpredictable in the event’s history. Further competitors will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Plan Your Visit

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offers guests direct access to the competition, with Sultans located just minutes from the resort. The Surf’s Up package provides four days of expert coaching with Tropicsurf pros, guided boat trips to legendary breaks, and daily yoga.

Located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort has worked alongside Tropicsurf for more than two decades, offering guests access to some of the Maldives’ most renowned surf breaks including Sultans, Honkies, Cokes, Chickens, Ninjas, and Jails.

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Key Details at a Glance

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Stay Updated

For the latest competitor announcements and event updates, follow surfingchampionstrophy.com and the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa channels. To reserve a stay during the 2026 Surfing Champions Trophy and inquire about the Surf’s Up package, contact [email protected] or call +960 66 00 888.

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Will Victor Bernardo claim the crown at Sultans? With his versatility, creativity, and passion for alternative board designs, the Brazilian freesurfer is certainly one to watch when the world’s most luxurious surf contest returns this September.

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