Julian at the US Open in 2022. Photo: RB Content Pool
After a three-year break from pro surfing, Julian Wilson is ready for a return. He announced on Instagram that he “hopes” to get a wildcard for the 2025 Challenger Series, presumably to qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour.
I commend his dedication and optimism, but at the same time, what incentive does the World Surf League have to give him that wildcard?
If the WSL deems that Willson deserves a shot due to his legacy and accomplishments, I don’t think anyone would complain. After all, Wilson was a 10-year tour veteran, won five tour events, the 2014 Triple Crown, competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and finished runner-up to the world title in 2018.
The comment section of his post was certainly on board with his request. He received support from Gabriel Medina, Mick Fanning, Barton Lynch, Taj Burrow, and Jeremy Flores, among others.
Wilson might get what he wants if the decision is based on his past. But if the WSL makes a decision based on what Wilson can offer today and in the coming years, I don’t see the logic in giving him a CS wildcard. History isn’t in his favor.
Wilson is 35, turning 36 this year. If he’s able to hold his own with the young guns on the CS, then he would be 37 when he re-qualifies for the CT.
If you look at the past 10 CT seasons, only three surfers have made it to age 37 as full-time competitors. Ace Buchan made it to 38, Joel Parkinson retired at 37, and then there’s Kelly Slater, an alien who competed until he was 52 (and counting?).
Honorable mention goes to Mick Fanning (36), CJ Hobgood (36), Kai Otton (36), and Michel Bourez (35).
Jordy Smith, who was born the same year as Wilson, is still on tour. He’s a glimmer of hope that the older guys can still do it as he’s in the mix for a spot in the WSL Finals.
Mark Occhilupo was successful after his several-year hiatus from the tour, returning to win a world title in 1999. But he was 33. Again, Wilson would be 37.
The point is, if Wilson can claw back on tour and be remotely successful, it would be an anomaly. He’d have to grind against spry, hungry youngsters in the less-than-perfect conditions of the CS – Huntington Beach, Sydney, Ballito, Brazil, etc. I’m positive he can still pack Pipeline tubes with the best of them, but can he still smash a two-foot inside section at Huntington Pier as well as his peers? Probably not.
I also find the timing and the delivery of the announcement odd. Why not ask the WSL for such a wildcard through the back channels and then announce a return when it’s confirmed? He’s setting himself up for an awkward situation where the WSL might say no.
From that point of view, it appears to be a political ploy to apply pressure. The comment section of his Instagram post reads like a petition with signatures from the who’s who of surfing (just missing Slater’s approval!). That could make the WSL more inclined to meet his demands.
But, again, from the WSL perspective, wouldn’t it be a safer bet to give wildcard slots to surfers with long-term potential and a promising future? Not just a – best-case scenario – one or two-year retirement tour for Wilson?
The WSL has continued giving Kelly Slater wildcards into CT events, but Slater draws eyeballs. I can’t say the same about Wilson, which could be why he’s asking for a CS, not a CT, wildcard. Perhaps the WSL will determine there isn’t much risk in giving Wilson a wildcard into the CS field of 80 competitors. It would take a slot away from someone who has been competing for the past three years, but you could argue Wilson has earned that right with his legacy. Regardless, the WSL’s decision on this request will be telling as far as where the League’s priorities are.
