Caroline Marks and Yago Dora Win the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2025
After a week of intense competition at Supertubos, Caroline Marks and Yago Dora have been crowned the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Champions. The finals took place on Sunday, March 23, just two days before the end of the waiting period, in solid four-to-six-foot surf.
In the women’s division, Caroline Marks (USA) secured her seventh Championship Tour (CT) victory, defeating Gabriela Bryan (Hawaii) with a score of 7.90 to 6.97. This victory propels Marks to third place in the rankings, while her fellow American, Caitlin Simmers, retains the yellow jersey.
"It feels amazing! Sorry, I can’t lift the trophy- gotta go to the gym more! Portugal has been really good to me. I won here in 2019, with Italo, actually. It was at a different time of the year… this time was way more challenging with the wind, waves, and all that, but yeah, I’m really stoked. I’m keen on surfing beach breaks, so I feel comfortable here. So, thank you, Portugal! It’s a special place," said Caroline Marks.
In the men’s division, an all-Brazilian final saw Yago Dora (13.37) overcome Italo Ferreira (12.43) to claim victory. Despite the loss, Ferreira retains the yellow jersey, while Dora moves up to fourth place in the overall rankings.
In the men’s division, an all-Brazilian final saw Yago Dora (13.37) overcome Italo Ferreira (12.43) to claim victory. Despite the loss, Ferreira retains the yellow jersey, while Dora moves up to fourth place in the overall rankings.
"It’s amazing, [it’s] hard to describe the feelings you go through as an athlete just for this moment… these minutes we have out there to achieve our goals. It’s always so hard surfing against Italo. He seems to always do what he needs to do and find a way to win. I found a way to win today!" said Yago Dora after the final.
The third stop of the CT at Supertubos tested surfers at times but ultimately showcased their full talent, with deep barrels and impressive airs on display. Despite a major storm that forced organizers to pause the event for four days, the athletes adapted and delivered a thrilling Finals Day for the Portuguese fans.
The contest resumed on Sunday morning with the Men’s Round of 16 in overlapping 40-minute heats, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Though rain showers persisted, the crowd remained loyal, cheering on the CT surfers until the very end.
The CT now moves on to The Surf City El Salvador Pro, held from April 2 to 12, where surfers will take on the long right-handers of Punta Roca. Following this, they'll head to one of the Tour's most iconic events, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, from April 18 to 28.
