The 2025 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Pushes Surfing's Elite

Originally posted on Outdoors on SI | By Brad Repka | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Elite Big Wave Surfing

The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is a premier surfing event on the Big Wave surfing calendar. The event draws elite surfers from across the globe to the treacherous waves of Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. This invite-only event festures the absolute best surfers in the world, and the most dynamic venue.

The 2025 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge

The 2024/2025 competition in this prestigious event window runs from November 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. What's unique about this event is subjuctive nature surrounding the actual day it takes place. Event organizers diligently monitor ocean conditions to identify the optimal day for the competition. With their decision, the event gets the green light to surf.

This is something that not only ensures each year's wave will be the best it can be, but also bolsters the safety of the participants. When the criteria for the event are met, a "Yellow Alert" is issued 72 hours in advance when forecasts predict wave faces of at least 25 feet, along with tidal and favorable wind conditions. They endeavor to find the best big wave day with acceptable safety conditions.

This alert is a beacon for fans and participants to begin preparing for the big event. When the go-ahead commences, teams comprised of two riders take turns surfing or piloting the jet ski tow-in vehicle.

The competition features not only the individual skill of each surfer, but showcases their ability to work together as a team. The waves are massive, the frequencies are fast, and time is of the essence. Each team rides in two of the six 40-minute heats. The two best waves for each surfer are recorded.

The highest-scoring wave receives double points, which adds a bit of strategic depth and luck to the competition. Awards are presented in three categories: Best Male Performance, Best Female Performance, and Best Team.

WSL Selection Process

The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is invitation-only, and only the best surf teams in the world get such invites. The World Surf League (WSL) handles the selection process, with invited teams not only showing excellent prowess and skill, but a penchant for evolving the sport of Big Wave Surfing.

The WSL looks at past performances, experience in similar conditions, and overall contributions to the sport of every surfer before making their selections. This selection process makes this event unique. These measures are necessary considering how dangerous the extreme waves at Nazaré truly are. Live broadcasts are available through official WSL channels and affiliates, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the event.