Gabriela Bryan defeated Molly Picklum in the women’s final at Bells Beach, taking the event lead and earning the yellow jersey for the next tour stop in Margaret River after opening strong with a 7.832 and finishing with a 14.83 total from her two best waves to Picklum’s 8.33.

Bryan’s win extends her winning record against Picklum to 5-1 and follows her prior best result of reaching the Bells Beach quarter-finals.

Picklum, the world champion and former Bells Beach runner-up, couldn’t replicate semi-final form in the final and finished as runner-up at Winkipop.

The Bells Beach result marks the start of the GWM Aussie Treble and intensifies the World Title race as contenders aim for strong starts in the 2026 CT season.

Bells Beach reinforced its status as a historic, challenging venue where powerful swells shaped performances at the iconic event.

The event also kicked off the 2026 Surfboard Empire Shaper Rankings, with Lost (Matt Biolos) still atop the standings early in the year, followed by JS, DHD, Sharp Eye and Channel Islands.

Highlights included Italo Ferreira vs. Gabriel Medina, Erin Brooks’ standout start, Dora’s semifinal buzzer-beater, Bryan’s rise to the top, and Pupo’s emotional championship win.

Miguel Pupo secured a dramatic victory in the men’s final with three powerful backside snaps on a medium set, earning an 8.10 and the event lead in the closing minutes.

The event delivered standout performances from the world’s best, marking a historic moment for Bryan and Pupo.

Pupo’s win puts him atop the World Title rankings for the first time in his career, building on strong quarterfinal and semifinal showings.

The World Title race continues toward the Margaret River Pro, scheduled for April 16–26, 2026, following Bells Beach, with live coverage announced.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach ran from April 1–11, 2026, with the next stop at Margaret River Pro April 16–26, 2026.