Molly Picklum Wins 2025 Lexus Tahiti Pro

Molly Picklum has claimed victory at the Lexus Tahiti Pro in pumping six-to-eight-foot-plus barrels, cementing herself as World No. 1 as she chases her maiden world title.

The win marked Molly’s second Championship Tour (CT) event win in 2025, and the last event of the regular season before the WSL Finals in Fiji at the end of the month.

After sitting behind reigning World Champ Caitlin Simmers and Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan on the rankings for the first two-thirds of the season, Molly took a convincing lead with her event win in Brazil, which she further strengthened with a runner-up finish in South Africa and solidified with today’s win.

"I'm so stoked," Picklum said. "What a special place, Tahiti. You feel all the energy. It's just so nice. I'm staring at the mountains right now and staring into perfect blue. It's where the dream comes alive. And Fiji next. I'm gonna enjoy it for what it is. I finished number one this year. It's a massive step in the right direction. Hopefully I can get that cherry again in Fiji."

Taking on Caity Simmers in a highly anticipated final, both ladies came out swinging, pulling up and under the lip at one of the heaviest waves in the world. While Simmers earned just a 4.94 heat total (out of a possible 20) she still made a major impact, coming close to emerging from what undoubtedly would have been the highest number of the event.

But ultimately it was the Australian who was in complete rhythm with the ocean, delivering a trio of excellent scores. Picklum drove through barrel after barrel on some of the biggest waves of the day to seal victory and post one of the highest totals of the season at 17.26.

"Honestly, it was so nice to just make a couple of waves and not get so flogged," Picklum continued.

"I felt like I earned my stripes this event, and I'm so happy."

"I wish Caity [Simmers] had obviously made one. It would have made it more exciting. But I've been on that side of the stick, and I'm so happy to get another one up.”

Fellow Rip Curl team rider Crosby Colapinto also delivered an impressive performance, scoring a pair of 8s in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals, where he was ultimately edged out by eventual event champion Jack Robinson.

All attention now turns to the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji, with a waiting period from August 27 to September 4. We’ve been cheering for Molly since she signed with Rip Curl at just 14, and now we can’t wait to see if she’ll claim her first world title!