The Maldives Champions Trophy has a history of putting together a diverse list of competitors each year.The contest has hosted world champions, it’s hosted freesurfers. Of 13 events since 2011, all but one winner has been a former CTer, with Dave Rastovich standing out as the only career freesurfer to win the event in 2014. On Wednesday, organizers announced the addition of another intriguing freesurfer hoping to match Rasta’s accomplishment: Brazilian Victor Bernardo
The 28-year-old will join Kai Lenny and Mason Ho in the Maldives this September for the annual event. Dubbed “the world’s most luxurious invitation-only surf contest,” athletes compete in single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster heats at Sultans. Past winners include names like Taj Burrow, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr, and more.
Bernardo didn’t follow the path of those famous CT names though. With a short competitive resumé on the QS and Challenger Series, Bernardo’s stepped away from the competitive pathway and really stands out now for his fluid style on a range of boards. The man is as fun to watch on a twin fin as anyone out there — the kind of calm flow that makes you want to grab a twinnie yourself.
“I surf different boards every day and to me it’s the most fun thing in surfing,” said Bernardo. “To be in an event like this has always been my dream. I’m very excited for it. I just love that it’s very selective and it seems to be an incredible experience. I am honored and excited.”
Bernardo’s highlights will be fun to watch, no doubt, but the coolest part of his addition might be this nugget from the release: “What I’m most excited about is bringing my mum on her first international trip, enjoying our time together and having fun.”
Bringing mom out to the Maldives for a week at the Four Seasons is a bucket list trip, for sure.
