The ultimate challenge toward 2026 Championship Tour qualification has its frontrunners in Francisca Veselko and Jacob Willcox with Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy wins.
A surge from 2022 WSL World Junior Champion Francisca Veselko took her through an incredible Finals Day run that culminated in besting three-time SURFEST winner Sally Fitzgibbons. This marks Veselko’s first Challenger Series win and now sits atop the 2025 rankings. Joining Veselko at the top, Willcox’s backhand power was center stage from start to finish on Finals Day and had to overcome 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Kauli Vaast in an all-goofyfooted Final. Now, CT qualification hopefuls prepare for battle at the Ballito Pro starting June 30 through July 6.
Burton Automotive Newcastle Surfest, presented by Bonsoy, is made possible thanks to the support of our partners, including Burton Automotive, the NSW Government and Destination NSW, City of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle, Reflections Holidays, Newcastle Airport, and many more. Newcastle Surfest 2025 will feature World Surf League (WSL) professional and amateur surfing contests including the opening event of the 2025 Challenger Series.
