Corona Cero Open J-Bay 2025 preview: Dates, surfers, and what's at stake
Running from July 11 to 20, this iconic event at Jeffreys Bay serves as the penultimate stop of the regular season – and a critical opportunity for surfers chasing a coveted place in the Final 5 for the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji this September.
With high stakes, world-class waves, and a packed leaderboard, J-Bay promises plenty of drama. Here's what you need to know heading into the event.
After an incredible 18 years on the Championship Tour, South Africa's surfing hero Jordy Smith is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career.
After two CT wins and currently ranked No.1 in the world, Smith's goal is to put himself in the best position possible for the Lexus WSL Finals. As a two-time winner in Jeffreys Bay, he will be one of the favorites at Supertubes for his third CT win in front of family and friends.
'We all know J-Bay is one of the world's best waves,' said Smith. 'More importantly for me, it's a place to reconnect with old friends that I've grown up with my whole life. There's a lot less pressure I put on myself. I spend my entire off season there, I have a house on the beach, so it's a very comfortable place for me, and I can surf with ease.
'To come in wearing the Yellow Jersey is epic. It's testament to the hard work and sacrifices over the years, and we keep swinging and see how the rest of the year plays out.'
As the penultimate stop of the regular season, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has the potential to break hearts or ignite World Title dreams, as the race for the WSL Final 5 intensifies.
After taking out the win at the Rio Pro, Griffin Colapinto (USA) moved up three spots up the rankings to challenge for the Final 5 cutoff, while former J-Bay winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) is holding onto fifth place.
Molly Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Jersey in J-Bay after her win at the Rio Pro. Picklum finished runner-up in J-Bay in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA) and has proven herself as a formidable threat at Supertubes. 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) has enjoyed three Finals Day appearances in J-Bay, and she's on the cusp of the Final 5 cut-off.
Three more South Africans will be in the Corona Cero Open J-Bay lineup alongside Jordy Smith. Former CTer and J-Bay local Matthew McGillivray received the call up from Tours & Competition, while top ranked Challenger Series contenders Sarah Baum and Luke Thompson received the regional wildcard spots. Baum previously earned a Quarterfinals appearance as a wildcard in 2023, and won the J-Bay Classic Specialty in 2024.
'It means the world to me to get the wildcard,' said Baum. 'I surf these Challenger Series events to get to that world stage and showcase my surfing. Getting a 5th in 2023, surfing against Carissa Moore and Lakey Petersen was incredible. I hope I can ruffle a few feathers again this year.'
Since being announced as the official global 0.0% alcohol beer partner of the WSL in March 2025, Corona Cero has brought a fresh energy to the Championship Tour.
In the year that marks 100 years of Corona's connection to the beach, the brand's evolution at J-Bay reflects a continued commitment to more mindful ways to unwind and celebrate—without compromising on experience.
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay is not only a continuation of this legacy, but also a celebration of how beach culture, surfing, and conscious living are coming together in South Africa's most iconic coastal town.
'This year marks 100 years of Corona's connection to the beach, and there's no better place to celebrate that legacy than Jeffreys Bay,' says Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa.
'As we evolve into a new era of mindful celebration, we're proud to bring Corona Cero to one of the most iconic stops on the tour. This occasion, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, reflects our long-standing support of the surf community and South Africa's beloved beach culture.'
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay holds a competition window from 11 – 20 July 2025.
The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners.
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