Community News

Tatiana Weston-Webb Announced as Wildcard at the VIVO Rio Pro

 

by: WSL
Published: May 28, 2026

 

Tatiana Weston-Webb Photo:Unknown

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH...Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announced Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) as a Wildcard for the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona Cero, the Brazilian leg of the Championship Tour (CT), which takes place in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, between June 19 - 27, 2026. Weston-Webb's return to competition also marks a new phase in her personal and professional life, after taking time away from the jersey and experiencing motherhood alongside her daughter, Bia.

Returning to the CT on Brazilian soil carries even more meaning for Weston-Webb, especially because of the connection she has built over the years with Saquarema and the Brazilian fans. She highlighted the emotion of returning to the same venue where she last competed while pregnant.

“Returning to the Tour in Saquarema will have an even more special meaning because the last time I was there, Bia was still inside me. Now she'll be with me, feeling all the vibe and energy of the Brazilian fans up close. Being able to return to the CT at the VIVO Rio Pro, feeling the energy of everyone cheering me on, is something very emotional for me,” said Weston-Webb.

Weston-Webb also shared how motherhood transformed her relationship with the sport and the way she approaches competition. According to her, this new phase has brought a more mature mindset and a deeper emotional connection in the water.

“Motherhood changed everything in my life, including the way I see surfing. Today, I paddle out with a different mindset, someone more mature, emotionally stronger, and much more grateful. Bia brought out a strength in me that I didn’t even know existed. I think I’ve learned to respect my own process more, listen to my body, and compete in a lighter way without losing my intensity or desire to win,” she added.

Saquarema is considered one of the most iconic stops on the WSL calendar, largely due to the atmosphere created at Praia de Itaúna, known for hosting one of the biggest surf events in the world and attracting thousands of fans throughout the competition. For Weston-Webb, returning to Brazil as a Wildcard makes this reunion even more symbolic.

“Saquarema has always had a unique energy for me. It’s a place where I truly feel the love from the fans, and that makes a huge difference during competition. Coming back as a Wildcard would already be special on its own, but experiencing this in Brazil, at Praia de Itaúna, makes it even more unforgettable. I’m really excited to reconnect with the fans, feel that energy up close, and share such an important moment in both my career and personal life with them,” she concluded.

Ivan Martinho, President of WSL Latin America, celebrated the surfer’s presence at the event and emphasized the importance of her return for Brazilian fans. 

“Tati has a very strong connection with the Brazilian audience and with Saquarema. She is an extremely important athlete for world surfing, and we are certain this will be a memorable moment both for her and for the fans following the event,” said Martinho.