Teresa Bonvalot and Cole Houshmand Win Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill
by: WSL
Published: July 20, 2026
Teresa Bonvalot (POR) and Cole Houshmand (USA), the winners of the 2026 Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill. Photo:Pierre Tostee
BALLITO, KwaDukuza, South Africa...Teresa Bonvalot (POR) and Cole Houshmand (USA) won the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) Stop No. 1, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. It was a dreamy start to the season, with Ballito delivering some of the best conditions in years for incredible high-performance surfing that set the standard for the next four events to come. After a week of non-stop action featuring an incredibly deep field of international talent, Bonvalot and Houshmand were victorious, with Francisca Veselko (POR) and Weslley Dantas (BRA) finishing runner-up.
Teresa Bonvalot Makes History In All-Portuguese Final In Ballito
In a historic all-Portuguese final, Teresa Bonvalot (POR) won her second Challenger Series title and became the first-ever Portuguese women’s winner in the 57 years of the Ballito Pro. Bonvalot came up against good friend and compatriot Francisca Veselko (POR), a brilliant start to the season for both competitors. It’s been a tough road to the top for Bonvalot, coming back from surgery after complications from urchin spines in her foot. The Cascais surfing star was overcome with emotion after her win.
“I don’t have any words right now,” said Bonvalot. “It means so much, I’m super emotional right now. I don’t think I would’ve believed you if you told me I would win it, I would’ve told you you’re dreaming. To win my first event back after so long, I just tried to stay positive and present everyday. It’s unreal.”
It was a slow heat, but when the waves arrived they were glassy and super rippable. Bonvalot surfed a smart heat to find waves under priority, moving further north up the bank to get away from Veselko. Her strong and vertical backhand hits put the pressure on Veselko who stayed patient to wait for the set waves, but unfortunately they never arrived in time, and Bonvalot secured the win, taking an early lead on the Challenger Series rankings.
“To be in an all-Portuguese final with Kika, shows how Portugal and women’s surfing is growing. It’s such an honour. It’s all just sinking in now. My first event after surgery, everyday has been special. We always have a good time here, the water is nice, so I’m really happy.”
It’s a massive result for CT rookie Veselko, who’s had a difficult start to the season. Her second Challenger Series final in her career, it will be a confidence-boosting result to give her a bit of breathing room as she holds onto her goal of staying on tour to continue to grow and add more experience to her name.
“It’s bittersweet, of course I wanted the win,” said Veselko. “I’ll take it, it’s a good start to the Challenger Series season. The start on the tour has been tough. Before coming here I probably haven’t made a heat in three months, so to get some results in the rashie and find that rhythm and momentum again, I’m stoked. It was a big moment for Portugal to share the Final with Teresa, I’m happy to be part of it.”
Cole Houshmand Back At The Top, Wins Second Ballito Pro Title
After a rough start to his CT season, Cole Houshmand (USA) travelled to Ballito looking to get back his rhythm and flow in the jersey, and found just that. The 2023 Ballito Pro winner was on a tear this week, stamping down his authority with his power and size. The San Clemente powersurfer had a tough challenge in an all-goofy-foot Final against the high-flying Weslley Dantas (BRA), but no one expected the fireworks that ensued.
“It feels amazing, this might be one of my best wins yet after the year I’ve had,” said Houshmand. “I came here to get some rhythm, and I just wanted to get back into that flow. It feels amazing. There’s something special about Ballito, I love this place.”
In the Final, Dantas opened with two big frontside air reverses to put Houshmand in the hot seat, but the Californian responded with a massive, high straight air for an excellent 8.90 (out of a possible 10) that sealed the win.
“I thought I would be able to stick to my power surfing, but when he busted that first air I knew I would have to play his game. I wanted to battle with Weslley and go toe-to-toe so I’m stoked. I told Myers earlier this week that if I get the ramp I wanted to do a straight air. It was the perfect ramp and I was scared I was going to break my board on the landing, but it felt so good when that score came through.”
Dantas earned his career-best result today on the Challenger Series. The 28-year-old from Ubatuba, Brazil left everyone awestruck with his aerial antics on the left ramps in Ballito this week. He scored multiple excellent rides for his lofty frontside reverses on the way to the Finals.
“It’s an incredible feeling to get this big result,” said Dantas. “I came here and thought I would maybe get at least a 5th place, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, so I’m stoked. I’ll just keep working, trying to do my best, and hopefully by the end of the year I will reach my goal of qualifying.”
Houshmand and Bonvalot take an early lead on the Challenger Series rankings heading to the next stop, the Lexus US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, California, which runs from July 25 - August 2, 2026.
Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill Women’s Final Result:
1- Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 10.33
2- Francisca Veselko (POR) 9.10
Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill Men’s Final Result:
1- Cole Houshmand (USA) 13.23
2- Weslley Dantas (BRA) 12.53