The Lexus US Open of Surfing concluded with a thrilling all-Southern California showdown in the men's final, where Encinitas' Jake Marshall clinched his first championship title by narrowly defeating Huntington Beach local Kanoa Igarashi. The women's final saw Australian Sierra Kerr, who also has ties to Encinitas, emerge victorious against fellow Australian Isla Huppatz.
The men's final was a tense affair, decided in the closing minutes as both surfers sought crucial scores. Igarashi, aiming for his third US Open title, was unable to secure the 7.38 points needed on his last ride, allowing Marshall to secure the win. Marshall expressed his elation, telling the OC Register, "I can’t even put it into words, honestly. It’s a dream come true."
Marshall advanced to the final after defeating Gabriel Klaussner of Brazil and Hayden Rodgers of San Clemente. Igarashi reached the championship heat by overcoming Lucca Mesinas from Peru and Griffin Colapinto, another surfer from Southern California.
For Kerr, the women's victory held particular significance following a recent struggle with Lyme disease that required hospitalization. "No one saw the tears, pain, just not being able to get out of bed all night," Kerr shared with the OC Register. "Now I’m getting chaired up at the most prestigious events in the world. I can’t believe it."
The competition on Sunday featured smaller surf, which proved conducive to aerial maneuvers. Kerr secured her win with a late-scoring wave, while Marshall's decisive 8-point ride proved just enough to hold off Igarashi's final attempt. "Earlier this year, it was one of the hardest competitive years of my life, and to win this event means so much to me, just to win," Marshall said. "And all my friends and family are down here, it’s an amazing moment."
The US Open of Surfing took place in Huntington Beach, California.