Aussie Picklum aglow on top of WSL standings after Portugal win

Australian surfer Molly Picklum has won the Rip Curl Pro title in Portugal, moving back to the top of the World Surf League standings. According to ABC News, Picklum beat American Caitlin Simmers in the final, securing a maximum 10,000-point haul and overtaking Hawaiian Carissa Moore at the top. The win came at the perfect post-season moment, with just two events left in the season.

The Guardian reports that Picklum has had a strong season, but this is her first victory of the year. She had set her sights on securing a win in Portugal ahead of the season finale in Hawaii in December. Picklum said, "It was a dream of mine to win here. Portugal is like the cross between the Brazilian energy and Pipeline. Those are two of my favourite things."

Picklum's triumph at the Supertubos waves in Portugal gave her the lead, with a two-wave total of 13.33 to Simmers' 12.84. The Australian was given a triumphant ride on a jet ski after clinching the final win before she threw herself into the water to celebrate.

Griffin Colapinto also won the men's final, scoring a near-perfect barrel to beat Gabriel Medina. Colapinto has developed a special relationship with the powerful, punchy tubes around the seaside town of Peniche, securing event wins in 2022, 2024 and now 2026.