Adriano de Souza rides ‘Brazilian Wave’ to win world surfing title
28-year-old claims Pipe Masters in Hawaii and finishes on top of overall standings, with Australian Mick Fanning second
Adriano de Souza kept the men’s surfing world title in Brazilian hands when he was crowned champion at the final event on the pro tour, the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.
Competing at the famed Pipeline on the north shore of Oahu, De Souza clinched the title by reaching the final against compatriot Gabriel Medina, who was Brazil’s first world champion last year.
It’s so wonderful to be a world champion. It’s an extra bonus, to be a pipeline champion ... everything I’ve learned in 10 years on tour I put together
De Souza went on to beat Medina in the final and become the first Brazilian to win the prestigious Pipe Masters.
The 28-year-old journeyman thanked his dead brother for buying him his first surfboard for US$7 and setting him on the path to the world title.
“It’s so wonderful to be a world champion,” he said after being chaired off the beach by a large crowd of Brazilian fans.
“It’s extra bonus, to be a pipeline champion ... everything I’ve learned in 10 years on tour I put together.”
