<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2025 <a href="https://www.surfingchampionstrophy.com/" target="_blank">Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy</a> was today supercharged with the announcement that surfing powerhouses <strong>Owen Wright </strong>and <strong>Michel Bourez</strong>, along with Maldivian wildcard <strong>Ismail “Smiley” Rasheed</strong>, will be paddling out at the event at Sultans later this week, from September 4 to 11, to battle for bragging rights and USD 25,000 in prize money. They join a stellar field that features former Championship Tour standout Jesse Mendes, freesurfing icon Craig Anderson, and rising star Sierra Kerr; creating one of the most diverse and exciting lineups in the event’s history.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wright is one of surfing’s all-time greats, claiming four Championship Tour victories in a 12-year tour career that included claiming surfing’s most lucrative ever event, the Quiksilver Pro New York. This win came in the middle of a run of three straight finals with Kelly Slater, a feat that’s never been repeated, and which led to Wright finishing the season ranked third in the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2015, Wright sat out the next year of competition before shocking the world and winning his comeback event, the 2017 season-opening Gold Coast Pro. Wright then won surfing’s first ever Olympic medal, a bronze, to cap off an incredible career. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’ve surfed in the Maldives a lot,” says Wright, who has even won an event at Pasta Point previously. “I’ve scored pumping waves all over and can’t wait to score again. I’ve been working on my boards and am really looking forward to the event!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After 14 years and three wins on the Championship Tour, Pipe Master Bourez is Tahitian surfing’s most decorated competitor and respected ambassador. Bourez retired from competition to focus on coaching and mentoring Tahiti’s next generation of talent after representing France at the 2020 Tokyo Games, but he’s excited to pull a jersey once again at the Surfing Champions Trophy. “I’ve competed on single fins and twin fins and it’s always fun,” says Bourez, referring to the event’s multi-board format. “I haven’t surfed in a heat in a while but that’s okay! On my last trip to the Maldives we scored unforgettable waves but what I remember the most are the great times; it was all about fun and good vibes. Amazing memories!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As well as sharing a love of heavy waves, Bourez and Wright both have close friends who’ve previously competed at the Surfing Champions Trophy, Jeremy Flores and Matt Wilkinson.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Jeremy has only had positive things to say about the event!” says Bourez, “and not just the competition. He told me the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa is super fun, with good waves everywhere, and that the accommodation is next level. I’m so happy I get to bring my family, to enjoy the experience, and have the chance to be in another country, which will be really good for them.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Wilko won’t shut up about it!” laughs Wright. “He loved his time at the Four Seasons, and I know I will too. Any surf trip is great, but it’s nice to add a little luxury from time to time. Can’t wait!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rounding out the field at the 2025 Surfing Champions Trophy is Maldivian wildcard Ismail “Smiley” Rasheed, an explosive natural footer and longtime member of the Maldivian national team. “I can’t wait to share the lineup with some of the best surfers in the world,” says Smiley, who as a local surf guide shares waves with surfers from around the world for a living. “I surf Sultans a lot, and am really looking forward to competing out there, and enjoying a week at the Four Seasons too!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy runs from September 4 to 11 at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. With limited packages available, guests can secure the best seats in the house aboard one of the resort’s luxury yachts and watch the world’s top surfers go head-to-head at Sultans.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For those inspired to swap spectator for surfer, the resort’s Surf’s Up package offers four days of personalised coaching with Tropicsurf pros, from lagoon-based lessons for beginners to Perfect Wave excursions and Ride Clinics for seasoned riders. Days on the water are complemented by guided boat trips to world-class breaks, complimentary use of boards and paddleboards, and daily yoga to stay limber. Back on shore, the indulgence continues with round-trip speedboat transfers from Malé, daily breakfast at Café Huraa, and a 60-minute Surfer Massage for two at The Island Spa, the perfect balance of adrenaline and indulgence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To reserve your Surf’s Up stay, click here or contact our Central Reservations department at +960 66 00 888 or email <a href="mailto:reservations.mal@fourseasons.com" target="_blank">reservations.mal@fourseasons.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy last year's finals highlights below...</div>