The eyes of the surfing world are locked on WA’s South West as the Western Australia Margaret River Pro kicks off today, bringing with it a wave of world-class talent, global attention, and a boost to the local economy.
Running from May 17th to 27th, the Margaret River Pro is one of the crown jewels of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, drawing the sport’s top-ranked men and women to compete for important championship points — and, crucially, to survive the season’s Mid-season Cut.
That cut-off point raises the stakes and makes the Margaret River leg one of the most fiercely contested events on the calendar. For some, it’s a chance to surge ahead; for others, it’s their last shot at staying in the race.
Last year, the event attracted over 3,500 visitors and injected over $8 million into the local economy. With thousands of fans, surfers, and support crews descending on the region, local tourism operators, restaurants, wineries, and accommodation providers are set to enjoy another strong showing.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the Government had supported the Margaret River Pro for more than 25 years, calling it “one of our most iconic and beloved events.”
“This event brings thousands of visitors to the Margaret River region, creating a recurring boost to the local economy as visitors book out the region’s hotels, explore its wineries and restaurants, and engage with local tourism operators,” Minister Whitby said.
“The high-profile talent this event brings to Margaret River is always cause for excitement and presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the beauty and wonder of the region through the surfers’ social media platforms, which are followed by millions of people across the world.”
This year’s lineup is stacked with global surfing stars, including Italo Ferreira, Caroline Marks, Jack Robinson, Caitlin Simmers, Filipe Toledo, and Tyler Wright, all of whom bring not just elite talent, but huge international followings that shine a spotlight on WA’s Margaret River region.
Broadcast live around the world and amplified across social media, the Western Australia Margaret River Pro doesn’t just deliver thrilling competition — it doubles as a global tourism showcase for one of WA’s most spectacular natural regions.
Whether you’re a seasoned surf fan or just keen to soak up the energy on the shoreline, the next ten days in Margaret River are set to be nothing short of electric.
For more about the WSL Championship Tour and to catch the action live, head to worldsurfleague.com.
