<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Eden Walla</strong> (USA), <strong>Taj Lindblad</strong> (USA), <strong>Talia Swindal</strong> (USA), and <strong>Enzo Ackermann</strong> (USA) have earned wins at the <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/qs/486/btmi-barbados-surf-pro/main" target="_blank">BTMI Barbados Surf Pro</a> and <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/jun/484/live-like-zander-junior-pro-in-loving-memory-zander-venezia/main" target="_blank">Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International</a>, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 6,000 and Pro Junior (JQS) 1,000-level event. Defining performances from Walla, Lindblad, Ackermann, and Swindal separated them from some of the region's top contenders. For Walla and Lindblad, it accounted for a San Clemente, Calif., sweep alongside finising atop the North America QS rankings. Plus, back-to-back wins for Swindal and a first-ever WSL win for Ackermann earned them respective titles at Soup Bowl.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Walla and Lindblad Provide San Clemente Sweep at Soup Bowl</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An incredible finish to <strong>Eden Walla's </strong>(USA) 2025/2026 North America QS season culminated with her biggest-career victory so far, her fifth QS win, and claimed the QS regional title. Walla, 16, earned her fifth consecutive Finals appearance after breaking through a hefty Semifinal against defending event victor<strong> Talia Swindal</strong> (USA) and then earning a massive win over Puerto Rico's <strong>Havanna Cabrero</strong> (PUR).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I'm super happy. Coming here, I wanted to show my surfing and I know it improved so much from last year, and the win is a bonus," said Walla. "Winning the region was a super big one. There were a lot of unknowns, so to come out with a win and also make the Challenger Series as well, it's all sinking in. I want to say hi to my grandparents and thank you to them, to all my sponsors, especially ...Lost Surfboards under my feet and all their support. And also just thank you to God. I wouldn't be here without him. He's given me these gifts I love, and I'm just so happy." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The women's Final featured Walla and former Challenger Series contender <strong>Havanna Cabrero</strong> (PUR) after taking respective Semifinal victories. Walla wasted no time showcasing more of her stunning forehand attack on a Soup Bowl wall to post a 7.83 (out of a possible 10) for an impressive start. Then, Cabrero was able to find her response in the form of a 6.00. But, heading deeper into the bout, Walla was able to find the best opportunity of the Final and blasted through multiple sections to post an excellent 8.50 and put Cabrero in a 16.33 (out of a possible 20) combination. With time expiring, Cabrero wasn't able to find the score she needed to break the combination and Walla emerged victorious. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walla's fellow San Clemente standout <strong>Taj Lindblad</strong> (USA) ended his season with a phenomenal run through the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro to claim a major victory and firmly planted himself atop the regional rankings. This marks Lindblad's fourth-career QS victory, and second over Championship Tour (CT) competitor <strong>Alan Cleland Jr.</strong> (MEX) in their 2024 SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach rematch. Now, Lindblad, 22, prepares for the 2026 Challenger Series as the North America QS Regional victor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I'm tripping right now. That was crazy and I'm just so stoked," said Lindblad. "That was a scary heat with Al [Cleland], and luckily it went flat for 20 minutes because he only needed a 6.10 or something. I don't know how the ocean did that, but he's a great surfer and if the wave came I know he would've gotten it. I don't know any other way to put it other than I was just scared (laughs). My sister, my mom, and grandparents, I love you guys and having my dad here is so special."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The two event standouts, Lindblad and Cleland, clashed early in the Final with Soup Bowl providing moments to strike. Cleland was able to get the better of the exchanges, posting a 6.10 to Lindblad's 6.00. But, Lindblad's explosive tendencies led him to open up on a critical section before staying on his feet to complete the wave and post a 6.90 to overtake the lead. Then, Cleland showed his patience with priority after posting a minimal 4.00. However, the ocean's silence didn't break until the dying moments and he was able to find one last opportunity before time ran out that led to a 4.80 and Lindblad's massive win.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Swindal Goes Back-to-Back, Ackermann Earns Maiden WSL Win in Live Like Zander Junior Pro</strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of Mexico's rising talents, <strong>Enzo Ackermann </strong>(MEX), leaves Soup Bowl as a proven contender among the North American contingent. Ackermann, 19, earned his maiden WSL victory with a win over current No. 1 and reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor <strong>Will Deane</strong> (USA), 2025 Challenger Series contender<strong> Lucas Cassity</strong> (MEX), and breakthrough performer <strong>Laird Lavik</strong> (USA). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"It doesn't feel real. I almost had a heart attack when I was getting chaired and I just can't believe it," said Ackermann. "I've actually been visualizing and manifesting this win for two months. Every night before I go to bed and every morning when I wake up, and I can't believe it happened. To be in the Final with one of my best friends, Lucas [Cassity], was more than enough and then to win it just feels unreal."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I'm really stoked to represent my country and where I'm from. I want to thank everyone back home in Sayulita, all my friends, my coach Ryan. If it wasn't for him or my mom I wouldn't be here right now. I just want to thank all the people who were a part of this. Guys like Alan [Cleland] who won this event as a junor, as a Mexican, it was so inspiring and I look up to guys like him."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A stout Final witnessed Ackermann answer his opponents opening rides with a heat-best 7.83 to overtake the lead from Deane, who posted a 6.27 of his own after to keep pace. Ackermann's minimal backup was upped with more of his precise forehand attack in tricky conditions, posting a 5.40 to push Deane's requirement. Soup Bowl came to life one last time for Deane in the dying moments, but it wasn't enough to overtake Ackermann as he earned a major breakout win. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A defiant run from <strong>Talia Swindal </strong>(USA) nearly earned her the back-to-back Soup Bowl sweep as she powered her way into Finals Day for both events once again. Swindal's, 20, return atop the Live Like Zander Junior Pro marked a third WSL victory after overcoming eventual QS victory Walla, 2025 event runner-up <strong>Reid Van Wagoner</strong> (USA), and 2026 Challenger Series contender <strong>Bailey Turner </strong>(USA). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I just left it up to the ocean. I'd been sitting for twenty minutes, and if a wave came, it came, and if not, then it didn't, and I just put all my trust into that," said Swindal. "I'm so thankful that wave came, and I'm super stoked. I went into that heat just wanting to enjoy it. I'm aging out this year so this win is special. I want to thank the whole Bathsheba community for supporting me, the WSL for hosting this event, Josh Burke for coaching me. All my family and sponsors for supporting me, I'm so grateful."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walla kicked off the Final with a 6.00 to take control of the heat before Swindal was able to respond with a 5.00 of her own. But, Turner's 7.67 raised the standard among her opponents. Toward the halfway mark, Van Wagoner was able to enter the heat with a mid-range score before the ocean went quiet. But, heading into the final two minutes, Swindal found a gem she'd been waiting for since her first wave and unleashed an excellent 8.00 to overtake the lead. Turner had one last opportunity to raise Swindal's requirement, but fell short and Swindal took the win. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>North America Challenger Series Qualifiers and Regional Victors Emerge</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This event marks the end of the North America QS season with final Challenger Series qualifiers confirmed, along with <strong>Taj Lindblad</strong> (USA) and<strong> Eden Walla</strong> (USA) earning their maiden QS regional titles to lead the 2026 Challenger Series representatives. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walla will be joined by <strong>Ella McCaffray </strong>(USA),<strong> Bailey Turner</strong> (USA), and <strong>Leilani McGonagle</strong> (CRC). McCaffray and McGonagle make their big return to the Challenger Series stage as this marks Turner's first qualification. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lindblad leads a stacked field of North America competitors, including former CTer <strong>Lucca Mesinas</strong> (PER), 2025 Challenger Series competitors <strong>Dimitri Poulos</strong> (USA) and <strong>Josh Burke</strong> (BAR). Plus, Challenger Series rookies include <strong>Hayden Rodgers </strong>(USA), <strong>Lucas Owston</strong> (USA), and<strong> Luke Guinaldo</strong> (USA). If Poulos, who currently sits at No. 14 on the Challenger Series, double-qualifies, the next competitor in line to qualify would be <strong>Owen Moss</strong> (USA). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2026/2027 North America QS season will begin at the Vans Jack's Surfboards Pro beginning April 22 through 26 in Huntington Beach, Calif. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Final 2025/2026 North America Women’s Rankings:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Eden Walla (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Ella McCaffray (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Bailey Turner (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Leilani McGonagle (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wildcard To Be Determined</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Final 2025/2026 North America Men’s Rankings:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Taj Lindblad (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Lucca Mesinas (PER)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Dimitri Poulos (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Hayden Rodgers (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Josh Burke (BAR)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Lucas Owston (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Luke Guinaldo (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Owen Moss (USA)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wildcard To Be Determined</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Barbados Surf Pro Men’s Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 - Taj Lindblad (USA) 12.90 </div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 - Alan Cleland (MEX) 10.90</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Barbados Surf Pro Women’s Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 - Eden Walla (USA) 16.33</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 - Havanna Cabrero (PUR) 10.33</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Live Like Zander Junior Pro Men’s Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 - Enzo Ackermann (MEX) 13.23</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 - Will Deane (USA) 11.20</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 - Laird Lavik (USA) 8.60</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 - Lucas Cassity (MEX) 5.67</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Live Like Zander Junior Pro Women’s Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 - Talia Swindal (USA) 11.83</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 - Bailey Turner (USA) 11.67</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 - Reid Van Wagoner (USA) 10.26</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 - Eden Walla (USA) 10.23</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Barbados Surf Pro Men’s Semifinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Alan Cleland (MEX) 16.10 DEF. Josh Burke (BRB) 12.77</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Taj Lindblad (USA) 15.14 DEF. Lucas Owston (USA) 14.94</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Live Like Zander Junior Pro Men’s Semifinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Will Deane (USA) 11.67 DEF. Enzo Ackermann (MEX) 11.26, Cannon Carr (USA) 10.93, Cose Stoyanoff (USA) 10.76</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Lucas Cassity (MEX) 12.57 DEF. Laird Lavik (USA) 12.17, Eeli Timperi (FIN) 11.66, Luke Wyler (USA) 8.56</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Live Like Zander Junior Pro Women’s Semifinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Talia Swindal (USA) 11.50 DEF. Reid Van Wagoner (USA) 8.30, Alana Lopez (USA) 8.17, Lanea Mons (USA) 2.70</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Eden Walla (USA) 14.50 DEF. Bailey Turner (USA) 13.44, Zoe Chait (USA) 8.00, Olivia Storrer (USA) 7.06</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>This event is proudly sponsored by BTMI, Diamonds International, Chickmont Foods Ltd., Infra Rentals, Insync Pros, Surf Promotions Ltd., and the Zander Venezia Trust.</em> </div>