John John Florence might be a two-time World Champion and one of the most revered surfers at Pipeline, but until today, he had never won a Pipeline Masters. Of course, that’s all history.
“It feels so good to win,” said Florence. “Especially from that heat, that was a really hard heat. I’m stoked to win against Gabe…I feel like competing against him is why I want to compete. Winning the Pipe Masters has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I’ve grown up watching this event. I’ve made a couple of finals and never quite got it. I’m super stoked. I don’t know what else to say.”
Florence, 28, has only missed one Pipe Masters since 2008. He’s finished runner-up twice, but his dry spell at Pipeline ended today when he defeated Gabriel Medina in the final.
John John Florence won his first Pipeline Masters today, defeating rival Gabriel Medina. Photo: Tony Heff/WSL
Florence especially shined in his semifinal victory over 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, becoming the first surfer from Hawaii to take top honors since Andy Irons back in 2006.
Tune into WorldSurfLeague.com to watch heats and learn more.
