The third edition of the Manokwari Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2000 and Pro Junior event is set to kick off at the perfect peak of Amban Beach. A solid contingent of Asia’s best up-and-coming surfers are present to contest for valuable Challenger Series points, along with a place in the upcoming WSL World Junior Championships.

“The WSL is excited to be back in West Papua for the Manokwari Pro,” said WSL APAC Tour Director Ty Sorati. “This year’s event will once again determine who represents the Asia region at the upcoming WSL World Junior Championships and will play a role in the 2026 Challenger Series qualification race. With so much on the line and Amban Beach offering world-class conditions, we’re expecting another incredible week of competition.”

Camelia Aldilah SST, the Head of Tourism Industry Development and Marketing for West Papua, is thrilled to continue their support of the event and looking forward to welcoming the competitors back to Manokwari.

“We’re excited to again welcome Asia’s top surfers for the Manokwari Pro 2025,” Aldilah said. “As one of the country’s most incredible wave destinations, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Manokwari serves as the stage for a competition that not only tests the athletes’ skills but also showcases the beauty of West Papua to the world. Through this event, we hope to discover new talent, strengthen international friendships, and boost regional tourism. Manokwari is ready to welcome the world – Ride the Waves, Feel the Spirit!”

Current Challenger Series competitor Anon Matsuoka (JPN) headlines a field that includes many of Indonesia’s best surfers, including Jasmine Studer (INA), Kya Heuer (INA), and Kailani Johnson (INA). Currently sitting at No. 2 on the Asia QS rankings, a win would see Matsuoka move into the lead to further improve her standing as the 2026 Challenger Series moves ever closer.

On the men’s side, Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) and Ketut Agus (INA) sit neck-and-neck at No. 3 and No. 4 on the Asia QS rankings, respectively, each having claimed major QS 6000 victories this season. 16-year-old Wilcoxen is looking to solidify his position as seeks to qualify for the Challenger Series for the first time, while 24-year-old Agus is keen to return, having last competed for a full Challenger season in 2022. Both will be hoping to collect the valuable points available from a win in Manokwari.

Wilcoxen is also wanting to leapfrog the three Japanese surfers who currently have a stronghold on the Junior rankings. Riki Sato (JPN), Ikko Watanabe (JPN), and Yuma Nagasawa (JPN) are present in West Papua, and each will need to stay ahead of Wilcoxen, the 2024 Pro Junior runner-up, as well as 2023 Pro Junior winner Westen Hirst (INA). Of the five, only Nagasawa has previous WSL World Junior Championships experience. With Bronson Meydi (INA) sitting as the reigning WSL World Junior Champion, each will be vying to go all the way to the top and retain the title for the region.

Aiming to qualify for her third WSL World Junior Championships and back up her 2023 ISA U/18 Junior gold medal, Matsuoka is in need of a big result in the Pro Junior. Sitting ahead of her in the rankings are Studer and Renon Matsuyama (JPN), who will look to improve their standings in order to lock in berths for the Philippines in January.

The forecast for the first day of the contest window is calling for three-to-four-foot surf with light winds. The first call will be made at 7:00 a.m. for a possible 7:30 a.m. start. While the long-range outlook shows a decreasing swell through the waiting period, conditions in the Pacific are always unpredictable, and organizers will look to capitalize on the best waves available each day.

The 2025 Manokwari Pro QS 2000 and Pro Junior will run at Amban Beach in West Papua, Indonesia, from November 26 – 30, 2025.