From Grom To Glory: Molly Picklum Is Your 2025 World Surfing Champion 

At just 22 years old, Molly Picklum has officially cemented her place among surfing’s elite by claiming her first World Title at the WSL Finals in Fiji.

The single-day event at Cloudbreak saw the Top 5 men and women in the world battling it out at one of the most iconic and challenging waves on the planet.

Picklum entered Finals Day wearing the yellow leader’s jersey after a dominant season, highlighted by five consecutive final appearances and commanding victories at both the VIVO Rio Pro and the Lexus Tahiti Pro. As the No.1 seed, Picklum could have wrapped up her World Title campaign in just one heat.

Facing off against 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks, who was full of momentum after climbing her way up the ranks from fourth position, Picklum appeared to be stuck in first gear. Marks took the first match up, sending the pair into a best-of-three showdown for the title.

Picklum quickly answered back in the second matchup, threading her way through one of the best barrels of the day and securing the heat win, shifting gears and the momentum.

From the moment the buzzer sounded in the third decisive heat Picklum took full control, banking a pair of excellent scores, and putting Marks in a combo situation, leaving no doubt that she was the rightful World Champion.

“I mean, I didn’t make it easy for myself. I was pretty excited and [that] made it hard, but then I locked in and did what I’ve done all year… to be the undisputed, undeniable champion is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”

“I cannot believe it; I came here with a dream. I have so many people to thank, I felt so much support,” said Picklum.

Hailing from the Central Coast of New South Wales, the Australian prodigy has been with Rip Curl since she was just 14 years old.

“We’re so proud of Molly and everything she’s achieved both in and out of the water this year,” said Rip Curl CEO Ashley Reade. “She’s an amazing ambassador for our brand and truly embodies the spirit of Rip Curl. Having been with us since she was a grom, all of us here at Rip Curl are so excited to see her fulfill her dream of becoming a World Champion.”

Molly is now the eighth Australian female World Champion and joins the likes of fellow Rip Curl legends, Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright.