The Western Australia Margaret River Pro, the final stop on the Australian Championship Tour Leg and the last event before the Mid-Season Cut, has officially announced five Australian wildcard entries for the 2025 competition.
Local star Bronte Macaulay is set to make a highly anticipated return to elite-level surfing, competing in front of her home crowd less than a year after stepping away from the Championship Tour.
In the men’s division, two standout surfers from Australia’s Challenger Series will join the draw. Winter Vincent will make his Championship Tour debut, earning the wildcard after finishing runner-up at the WSL World Junior Championships. Mikey McDonagh returns as the official World Surf League (WSL) Event Wildcard following a strong 2024 Challenger Series season.
Additionally, local wildcards Jacob Willcox and Willow Hardy secured their spots through exceptional performances at the Think Mental Health WA Trials. Willcox, a former CT competitor, will compete once again at his home break, while Hardy will make her maiden Championship Tour appearance as she prepares for her first year on the Challenger Series.
The Margaret River Pro marks a critical turning point in the season, as it is the final event before the Mid-Season Cut narrows the field for the remainder of the year’s competition.
The women’s division faces a unique scenario this year. With the Championship Tour expanding from 18 to 24 surfers in 2026, only one athlete will be relegated after this event. That precarious position is currently held by Sally Fitzgibbons, despite her impressive run to the Final at the recent Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro. With less than 3,200 points separating 9th and 15th place, the results in Margaret River could significantly alter the rankings.
On the men’s side, several Australian surfers are fighting to remain inside qualification range. Joel Vaughan currently holds 14th place, just inside the cut line, while George Pittar (24th) and Liam O’Brien (25th) remain within striking distance. Pittar, who placed third at Margaret River last year as a wildcard, and O’Brien, known for his strong performances in West Australian conditions, will be competing hard to secure their Championship Tour status.
The event runs from May 17 to 27, promising a dramatic and action-packed contest.