These are the Challenger Series leaders after São Sebastião

Following the third stop in São Sebastião, Brazil, the circuit enters its final stretch with a new leader in the men’s category, while Sierra Kerr remains in first place in the women’s rankings.

Finalists Francisca Veselko, Charli Hately, Ryan Kainalo and Alister Reginato at the Banco do Brasil São Sebastião Pro. WSL : Thiago Diz

The 2026 Challenger Series enters a decisive stage following the circuit’s third stop, held in Maresias, São Sebastião, where the results brought significant changes to the rankings and put new names at the forefront of the race for a place on the 2027 Championship Tour.

In the event, 20-year-old Brazilian Ryan Kainalo claimed his first Challenger Series victory and moved into the top spot in the rankings after defeating Australian Alister Reginato 14.50 to 5.83 points.

Ryan Kainalo at the Banco do Brasil São Sebastião Pro. WSL : Ana Catarina

The result put him at the top of the men’s rankings with 20,995 points, giving him a significant advantage heading into the next stop over Jackson Bunch, who sits in second with 18,725 points. The men’s Top 5 is completed by Jake Marshall in third with 16,645; Weslley Dantas in fourth with 16,400; and Peru’s Lucca Mesinas in fifth with 13,850 points.

Official Men's Ranking. WSL

On the women’s side, despite Charli Hately’s victory over Francisca Veselko in the final in São Sebastião, the Australian remains outside the Top 5 and currently sits in tenth place. Sierra Kerr remains the leader, holding onto first place with 24,065 points.

Charli Hately (AUS) at the Banco do Brasil São Sebastião Pro. WSL : Ana Catarina

The biggest change at the top of the women’s rankings was made by Francisca Veselko, who moved up two spots and now sits in second with 20,345 points. The Portuguese surfer is followed by Teresa Bonvalot in third with 18,335; Eden Walla in fourth with 15,050; and Sol Aguirre in fifth with 12,815 points.

Official Women's Ranking. WSL

However, everything could change once again, as the EDP Ericeira Pro, the fourth of five scheduled events on the 2026 Challenger Series, began today, Tuesday, October 6, in Portugal and has become one of the key stages of the season.

The competition at Ribeira d’Ilhas will be crucial, as the leaders look to defend their positions while those further down the rankings will have their final opportunities to move closer to the qualification spots ahead of the grand finale.

Ribeira d'Ilhas will host the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Xacobeo from October 6 to 12, 2026. WSL : Damien Poullenot