SOME of the world’s best surfers are set to compete at Boardmasters this year after the competition was upgraded to one of Europe’s biggest events.

The Boardmasters Open at Fistral Beach will run from August 5 to 9 with a new Qualifying Series 4,000 status, up from QS 2,000 last year.

The upgrade is expected to attract a strong field of international competitors as the new rating increases the ranking points available.

Rob Gunning, the WSL Europe tour manager, said: “The WSL and our athletes are very excited to see the Boardmasters Open upgrade.

“The added QS ranking points and importance on our European Qualifying Series will be impactful with a stronger field of athletes making the trip to Newquay to battle it out for this year’s trophy.

“The Boardmasters events team have put in a huge effort along with event sponsors and partners to make this upgrade a reality in 2026 and we are looking forward to some splendid competition during the entire event window.”

The Boardmasters Open will offer local surfers the opportunity to compete against some of the top surfers on the tour, which include Lukas Skinner from Perranporth who will be defencing his title after winning the competition in 2025 and 2024.

Wildcard entries for the QS 4,000 have been awarded to surfers from Surfing England's Pro Junior competition held at Watergate Bay on May 26, which include winners Skinner and Georgie May-Hicks, as well as runners-up Willow Smith and Fynn Gillespie.

The opportunity aims to create a direct competitive link between grassroots development and elite international surfing.

The Boardmasters Open will also introduce a number of selective wildcard entries into the QS 4,000 field, providing emerging British talent with the opportunity to compete directly against an elite international draw on home soil.

The wildcards form part of a longer-term commitment to building a credible competitive pathway for UK surfers, with the 2028 LA Olympics providing a clear horizon for athlete development and national ambition.

Vicky Gosling, chair of GB Surfing, added: “The upgrade of Boardmasters to a QS 4,000 event is a significant milestone for British surfing.

“It gives our athletes the opportunity to compete against Europe’s best and earn valuable ranking points on home waves, while reflecting the continued growth and progress of the sport in the UK.

“Our LA 2028 Olympic hopefuls will be competing, and we are seeing them develop with real confidence and consistency as they progress along the Olympic pathway.

“We believe they have the talent and potential to achieve outstanding results on the Olympic stage in the years ahead, while inspiring the next generation of British surfers to pursue their own Olympic ambitions.”

Lukas said: “I’m super looking forward to Boardmasters this year, being upgraded to a QS 4,000 is massive.

“I feel super confident and strong so I’m going to try my absolute best to go three in a row, but the main thing is enjoying it.”