When it comes to waves of unusual size and power, 2026 may not go down in history as the “biggest ever,” but it still packed a punch, and more than that, it showcased just how wide-ranging and diverse the scene has become in recent years. The nominees for the 2026 Big Wave Challenged exemplify this.
Consider all of the Ride of the Year nominees, both men and women, come to us from either Teahupo’o in the South Pacific or Mullaghmore Head in the North Atlantic. Traditional big-wave fields like Peah’i, Waimea, Maverick’s, Todos Santos, or even Dungeon’s didn’t factor into that specific category at all. To be fair, Todos is a player in the Paddle category, but you get the point. Girth, weight, and heaviness have taken over the spotlight, while sheer height does not always take the cake.
Of course, in the Biggest Wave category one spot is responsible for every nominee: Nazaré. Previous Big Wave Challenge winners Justine Dupont and Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca front the field, but there’s an interesting crew of young chargers and local legends hot on their heels, especially on the women’s side.
Now in its 26th running, the Big Wave Challenge awards ceremony, presented by Aquamar Seafood, will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the historic Lido Theater in Newport Beach, California. With over $100,000 in prize money on the table, and fragile egos hanging in the balance, we’re officially a month out from learning who rode the biggest waves of 2026. Keep it locked here as things will surely continue to develop.
Men’s Ride of the Year
Matahi Drollet at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Video by Maiko Mou
Natxo Gonzalez at Mullaghmore Head, Ireland. Video by Clem McInerney
Tom Lowe at Mullaghmore Head, Ireland. Video by Michael Darrigade
Women’s Ride of the Year
Justine Dupont at Mullaghmore Head, Ireland. Video by Peter Clyne
Izzi Gomez at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Video by Owen Milne
Aelan Vaast at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Video by Kotaha Surfing Productions
Stephan Mathers
Men’s Biggest Wave
Lucas Chianca at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Rennan Chaves
Rodrigo Koxa at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Mattias Hammar. Photos by Jayden Cheo, Stephan Mathers and Ianco Rocha
Clement Roseyro at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Arthur Picard
Women’s Biggest Wave
Michelle Des Bouillons at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Rennan Chaves
Justine Dupont at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Rennan Chaves. Photos by Laurent Masurel and Aurnad Plas
Michaela Fregonese at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Kaique Silva
Aurnad Plas
Men’s Paddle
Grant Baker at Nazaré, Portugal. Photos by Peter “Joli” Wilson
Nic Lamb at Todos Santos, Mexico. Video by Thriller at Killers. Photo by Frank Quirarte
Jojo Roper at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Maria Fernanda. Photo by Arenui Frapwell
Women’s Paddle
Zoe Chait at Todos Santos, Mexico. Video by Thriller at Killers. Photos by Frank Quirarte and Billy Watts
Domi Charrier at Punta de Lobos, Chile. Video by Rodrigo Farias
Katie McConnell at Todos Santos, Mexico. Video by Thriller at Killers. Photo by Billy Watts
Related: 25ft Todos Santos: Thriller at Killers Highlight Reel (Video)
Wipeout of the Year
Lucas Chianca at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Rennan Chaves
Eric Nicholson at Maverick’s, California. Video by Jack Sandler
Alberto Truncer at Nazaré, Portugal. Video by Helio Antonio
Men’s Surfer of the Year
Grant Baker (Durban, South Africa)
Mason Barnes (Wilmington, North Carolina, USA)
Tom Lowe (Cornwall, United Kingdom)
Women’s Surfer of the Year
Domi Charrier (Pichilemu, Chile)
Justine Dupont (Seignosse, France)
Katie McConnell (Encinitas, California, USA)
Related: Meet the 19-Year-Old Woman Reimagining Northern California’s Big-Wave Scene