Picklum Capitalises on Consistency with First Win of the Season Solidifying Strong Rankings Lead

Capitalising on her position as the only woman in the Top 5 to make it past the Elimination Round, Molly Picklum (AUS) solidified a strong lead in the rankings, having moved to the No. 1 position after making the Semifinals. Picklum’s third CT victory, her first outside of Sunset Beach, Hawai‘i, caps a season that has seen the 22-year-old as the most consistent surfer on Tour, making at least Quarterfinals in eight out of nine events, including three Finals. Often starting strongest early in the season, Picklum now finds herself leading the pack with just two regular-season events remaining on the calendar.

“I’ve worked so hard this year to really put my best foot forward,” Picklum said. “Actually, before I was going out I felt nearly emotional because I was just like, okay, I get another chance to try and get a victory. I’ve dreamt so much of winning here in Rio, too. I’m a real energetic person, I love the Brazilian energy, and to get a win this year means so much for sure. Thank you so much and shout out to everyone back at home. I know you’re all probably up watching and I felt all the love. I actually ran in and started calling my family straight away because I wanted to share it with the people I love and the people that have supported me through the entire time, big love to you guys.”

Picklum dominated the Final, wasting no time before opening with a strong single backhand hit for a 6.83 (out of a possible 10). The Australian backed it up quickly to place Luana Silva (BRA) in an early combination situation that grew exponentially after Picklum posted the highest single wave score of the event for the women, an 8.17. Earning the number from a dramatic finish to a critical two-turn combo on the right, Picklum’s 15.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total was also the highest of the event for the women. Silva was eventually able to break the combo with a 6.63, but was left needing a better number than Picklum’s event-high score when the buzzer sounded.

“Luana [Silva] is definitely the favorite, and so she should be,” Picklum continued. “She’s been surfing so well. I knew she’s such a competitor and she’s such a fighter. I was pretty scared all the way till the end even though I had a couple of good scores. But yeah, she’s capable of great things and I’m so happy to get that one over her.”

Silva Mows Through World Champions to Add Her Name to Brazilian Legacy

The first Brazilian woman to make a Final on home ground since Silvana Lima (BRA) in 2007, Luana Silva (BRA), had undoubtedly the most difficult run through the event. Every one of Silva’s three heat wins in the event were over World Champions, first defeating reigning World Champion and back-to-back VIVO Rio Pro winner Caity Simmers (USA) in the Elimination Round, before overcoming two-time World Champion and three-time event winner Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, and finally 2023 World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Caroline Marks (USA) in the Semifinals. Silva’s second Final of her career comes shortly after making the Mid-season Cut for the first time as the 21-year-old continues to strengthen her standing on Tour.

“It’s been an amazing year and a special week here in Brazil,” Silva said. “My whole family came out to support me. Even my Aunty came out all the way from South Brazil. It’s super special to see her, it’s been a while. I can’t thank everyone enough on the beach, too. It’s been an incredible week. The support has been amazing and that’s what kept me going.”

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results:
1 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.00
2 – Luana Silva (BRA) 9.23

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) 10.43 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 6.57
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.06 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 7.60

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 12.16 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 4.10
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 12.80 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 8.84
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) 10.50 DEF. Arena Rodriguez (PER) 7.17
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.84 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 8.94

Next Stop: Corona Cero Open J-Bay