SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards 2024
Gala in Nazaré solidifies the location as the mecca of big waves
The "SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards 2024" event took place in Nazaré, Portugal, on October 19, 2024, honoring the best big wave surfers in the world for their achievements over the past 12 months, as well as recognizing achievements from photographers and other contributors in the field.
Event Results
In various categories, with winning surfers from around the world, including other big wave spots such as Mavericks and Mexico, Nazaré dominated by winning both awards for the biggest wave!
- MEN’S BIGGEST WAVE: Lucas Chianca, Nazaré, Portugal, February 24, 2024
- WOMEN’S BIGGEST WAVE: Michelle Des Bouillons, Nazaré, Portugal, November 19, 2023
The event had a total prize pool of $150,000 and recognized notable achievements such as "Surfer of the Year," "Wave of the Year," and other important categories. Under the leadership of Bill Sharp, the event continued its success from its debut in 2023.
On a night full of "good vibes," a large part of the big wave community was present — from world record holders to the new generation of adventurers, including local "groms" and even the harbor master of Nazaré — making it a memorable event.
Nazaré maintained its prominence by winning the "BIGGEST WAVE" categories, being the location where most of the nominated waves were surfed, further establishing itself as the mecca of big waves. The intense 2023/24 winter in Nazaré, with many giant swells, also contributed to its success.
Watch the full video of the "SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards 2024:
The day after the awards event, the waves were big (as per our forecast), they weren't giant, but there were some "bombs" that several surfers present at the event took advantage of. Big wave surfers from all over the world went there to surf. Check out the raw video:
Nic Von Rupp also shared a video on his YouTube channel of the surf sessions he had in Nazaré the day after the gala, where he presented the award for the biggest wave (as he was the previous year's winner), along with some scenes from the event:
The new big wave season of 2024/2025 is just beginning. Follow our website to track the massive swells coming our way! The competition will be fierce for next year's awards.
