The World Windsurf Tour returns to Brazil from 23 to 29 August 2026. Fortaleza will host the Brazil 4-Star World Cup – the first World Cup event in Brazil for 19 years. Five-time world champion Marcilio Browne will be competing as the local favourite in Fortaleza. Browne himself cites the PWA events in Fortaleza in the late 1990s as a key inspiration for his career. In his official PWA biography, he writes: “Then came the time when the PWA organised races in Fortaleza. At that time, I was mainly surfing the waves, which gave my windsurfing ambitions and my skills a huge boost.” Back then, the young Browne watched the world’s best riders in his home town – now he returns as a five-time world champion. Alongside Browne, another talented rider is expected to compete: Jahdan Tyger from Jeri in northern Brazil.
The international competition is led by Robby Swift led. Furthermore, none other than Jason Polakow has been announced; his aggressive riding style and decades of world-class performances have made him a legend of the sport. The 4-star World Cup offers vital world ranking points towards qualification for the prestigious 5-star events and the battle for the world title.
Fortaleza has established itself as a windsurfing destination
The last PWA Wave World Cup took place from 9 to 16 September 2007 in Ibiraquera, Santa Catarina. On that occasion, Kauli Seadi triumphed in front of a home crowd, beating Nik Baker from Great Britain. With this victory, Seadi extended his lead in the 2007 PWA Wave World Championship, which he went on to win, thereby becoming Brazil’s first wave world champion. The finals in Ibiraquera took place in one- to two-metre-high waves and strong north-easterly winds.
Fortaleza in Ceará had already hosted PWA events in the late 1990s. In 1997, a major PWA Grand Slam featuring wave, race and long-distance disciplines took place there. This established the city as one of the world’s leading windsurfing destinations. The region offers consistent trade winds, warm water and a vibrant surfing culture. After almost two decades without a World Cup, the next generation now has the chance to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Significance for the World Windsurf Tour
The Brazil World Cup marks an important step in the expansion of the World Windsurf Tour. The return to Brazil brings top-level international competition back to one of the sport’s most influential nations. Simeon Glasson, World Windsurf Tour Commissioner, explains: “Brazil has always been a stronghold of the windsurfing world. It is something very special to bring a World Cup back here after 19 years. We know that the local fans will create a fantastic atmosphere, and with Marcilio Browne, Robby Swift, Jason Polakow and many more of the world’s best windsurfers competing, all the ingredients are in place for this to be one of the standout events of the year. The big question is: will this mark the start of a new Brazilian storm on the World Windsurf Tour?” Fans worldwide can watch the event live via the official World Windsurf Tour broadcast.
Find all the information at worldwindsurftour.com
