In 2026, the World Surf League (WSL) will return to its previous format of crowning world champions based on cumulative points earned over the course of the season, marking the end of the five-year era of the “Final 5” world titles. As the surf world looks ahead to this shift, many are questioning how the titles won between 2021 and 2025—under this temporary format—will be viewed in the years to come. Will these titles blend seamlessly into the broader history of world surfing champions, or will they be marked with an asterisk, forever regarded as less legitimate?
While the debate may persist among fans and analysts in the short term, history will likely view these titles as equal to those earned through the more traditional point-based format, as long as the context and evolution of the sport are considered. Similar situations in other professional sports can offer insight into how these “anomalous” titles may ultimately be perceived.
Historical Precedents: Context Matters
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the New York Yankees are widely regarded as the most successful franchise in the sport’s history, with 27 World Series championships. Yet, 11 of those titles were won during an era when the league was segregated, long before African American players were integrated into the game in 1947. Today, no one disputes the legitimacy of those titles, despite the clear differences in the competitive landscape at the time. The significance of the Yankees’ championships is unquestioned—part of the fabric of the sport’s history.
Similarly, Babe Ruth, one of baseball’s most legendary players, is still celebrated despite never having faced the top African American pitchers of his time. While his achievements came in a different era, they are recognized as legitimate, and his place in history remains secure.
These examples suggest that even if the format of the WSL’s world titles deviates significantly from the norm, as the “Final 5” era does, the titles will likely be viewed as legitimate in hindsight. Surfing’s champions during this period, like Filipe Toledo and Carissa Moore, will be celebrated for adapting to the conditions of their time, much like past athletes in other sports.
Short-Term Skepticism
In contrast, short-term reactions to unconventional titles tend to be more skeptical. Take, for example, the 2020 NBA season, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, won the NBA title in a unique and controversial environment: a “bubble” in Orlando, Florida, where teams were isolated without fans in attendance. This deviation from the traditional playoff format sparked debates over the legitimacy of the title. Even years later, the discussion around whether the 2020 championship was as meaningful as other NBA titles remains active.
Similarly, in baseball, Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th home run continues to be marred by controversy over his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Although Bonds’ achievements are undisputed in terms of statistics, his place in baseball’s Hall of Fame has been clouded by questions surrounding the ethics of his accomplishments. While some argue that his success was achieved under the same competitive conditions as other players, others continue to view his records with skepticism.
In both cases, the short-term perception of these “irregular” achievements has been clouded by the circumstances of the time. However, history often looks beyond these issues, and long-term perceptions may evolve as new generations of fans and analysts assess the achievements without the biases of the present.
The Long-Term View: Equal Footing
In the case of the WSL’s Final 5 titles, history will likely treat them with the same respect given to titles won in other formats. Surfers like Toledo, who secured two world titles during this era, and Moore, who faced new challenges under the Final 5 structure, will not be judged as inferior for succeeding in a different system. Just as in baseball, the fact that the rules and format were in place at the time will be recognized. Surfers knew the parameters for winning a title during this five-year stretch, and those who adapted effectively to the format will be seen as champions in their own right.
By 2055, when the surfers of that era look back at the world champions from the Final 5 era, they will likely see no distinction between the titles won under this system and those secured under the traditional point format. In fact, it’s possible that the discussion around these titles will fade into history altogether, with the accomplishments of the athletes standing as a testament to their skill, determination, and adaptability.
Conclusion
While the legitimacy of the WSL’s Final 5 titles may remain a topic of debate for some in the immediate aftermath, the long-term perspective will likely embrace them as integral to the sport’s history. Just as athletes from earlier eras are now recognized for their achievements, regardless of the circumstances that shaped their time, so too will the champions of the Final 5 era. Their titles will stand not only as proof of their prowess but as a reflection of the evolving nature of professional surfing.