Surfers, Ranked

Holds the record 11 world championships (1992-2011), more than anyone in surfing history, and was still winning elite events into his 50s.

Hawaiian Olympic swimming gold medalist who introduced and popularized surfing across the U.S. and Australia in the early 20th century.

Won a record eight women's world titles, the most in the history of the Championship Tour, including the crown in her rookie season.

Captured seven world championships including six consecutive from 1998 to 2003, a run unmatched in women's surfing.

Five-time world champion and the first-ever Olympic women's surfing gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Two-time world champion (2016, 2017) from Hawaii, renowned for progressive aerial surfing and mastery of Pipeline.

First Brazilian world champion in 2014 and a three-time titleholder (2014, 2018, 2021) who helped launch the 'Brazilian Storm'.

Three-time world champion (2002-2004) and Kelly Slater's fiercest competitor before his death in 2010.

First American world champion, winning three titles (1985, 1986, 1990), and one of the most influential stylists in the sport.

Won four consecutive world championships from 1979 to 1982 and pioneered the twin-fin surfboard design.

Three-time world champion (2007, 2009, 2013) who famously fought off a shark on live TV at Jeffreys Bay in 2015.

2019 world champion and the first-ever men's Olympic surfing gold medalist at Tokyo 2020.

Longtime elite competitor who claimed the 2012 world title after years as a perennial contender.

Pioneer of tow-in surfing whose 2000 ride at Teahupo'o became known as the 'Millennium Wave'; never competed on tour.

Two-time world champion (2022, 2023) and elite aerialist, but long criticized for hesitancy at heavy big-wave breaks like Pipeline.

Survived a 2003 shark attack that severed her left arm and returned to competitive professional surfing, inspiring the film 'Soul Surfer'.

Beloved free-surfing icon and 1995 Pipe Masters winner celebrated for style over silverware, with only one world-title runner-up finish.

The 2000 world champion and six-time Triple Crown winner was notorious for aggressive confrontations and served federal prison time in 2007 for filing false tax returns.