Sawyer Lindblad Claims Maiden CT Victory Over Rookie Phenom

A fourth-career CT Final for Southern California’s Sawyer Lindblad (USA) marked her maiden victory at the VIVO Rio Pro. Lindblad finished runner-up at this event in 2024, also finishing runner-up at Margaret River that year and having a recent second-place finish in New Zealand. Now, the 20-year-old, Lindblad, adds a first-ever CT victory to her already incredible resume and now sits at No. 4 on the rankings.

“I feel amazing. I’m really emotional right now after I’ve worked so hard for this, and I feel like I’ve gotten so many seconds. I’m just really happy it was my day,” said Lindblad. “I want to thank my sponsors who have been with me since such a young age. My parents, who are my biggest supporters, and my dad for coming down here with me. I want to thank the crowd for coming down every day, in the rain today, it’s been so incredible. I’ve had some really special moments here in Brazil. I qualified for the Tour here,  made my first Final here, and now won my first CT here, so it’ll always hold a special place for me. There are some really exciting stops coming up so I’m just really excited now.”

A Final featuring two of surfing’s rising stars, 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and the youngest CT qualifier ever, Tya Zebrowski (FRA). Tough conditions tested Lindblad and Zebrowski early in the heat, providing only minimal scoring opportunities as Lindblad found an early 7.57 heat total lead. The two hunted the lineup, Zebrowski falling on a major scoring opportunity that would’ve easily turned the heat in her favor. But, Lindblad’s forehand on the lefts kept inching her score line up, totaling a 7.67 heading into the dying minutes. With the waves not cooperating to provide a spark in the final moments, Lindblad held onto her lead until the horn ended their battle and crowned her the VIVO Rio Pro victor, and first-ever CT win.

Lindblad’s journey to the Final matchup with Zebrowski included a massive win over Luana Silva (BRA) in the Quarterfinals and 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) before lay days had the San Clemente competitor preparing for the 15-year-old Tahitian phenom in the Final.

15-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski Earns First CT Final Ahead of Tahiti

Officially qualifying for the CT at age 14, Tya Zebrowski (FRA) became the youngest to achieve the feat. Now, the 15-year-old Tahitian phenom, Zebrowski, earned her first-career CT Final at the 2026 VIVO Rio Pro to help ignite her season after a string of early losses. A defining year on the Challenger Series witnessed Zebrowski claim the season win, entering the 2026 CT season as the top-seeded Rookie contender, where she has had to face Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Carissa Moore (HAW) early in events, and accomplished besting both in Rio on the way to her runner-up finish.

“I feel incredible. It’s my first-ever Final on the CT and it’s amazing,” said Zebrowski. “This is a dream come true for me to be on the Tour and be among the best surfers in the world. I’m just so thankful to be a part of it. Thank you to my family, my whole team, my sponsors. And a big thank you to Saquarema, you are the best for supporting us all week and I’ll try to do better next time.”

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results
1 – Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 7.67
2 – Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 6.10