Get ready for a thrilling comeback! John Florence, the surfing legend, is making a highly anticipated return to the 2026 Championship Tour (CT). This news might not come as a surprise to many, but it's certainly an exciting development for the surfing community.
Florence, the former World Champion, has been granted the WSL Season Wildcard, allowing him to rejoin the CT full-time next year. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm truly grateful to the WSL for this opportunity. Taking time off to explore and surf with my family has been a dream come true."
But here's where it gets interesting...
John's decision to take a break from the CT while at the peak of his career was a bold move. He chose to step away from the competitive scene to embark on a sailing adventure with his brother, Nathan, seeking out hidden gems and surfing on their own terms. Currently, John is sailing towards Australia, where he will continue filming a new series for online release.
Florence's last full season on the CT saw him claim the World Title in the WSL Finals, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact that it was his first and only appearance in the finals. He won his first two titles back-to-back in 2016 and 2017, but then faced a series of injuries that kept him out of the spotlight for a while.
And this is the part most people miss...
The CT is undergoing some significant changes, moving away from the Finals Day format and returning to Pipeline as the season-ender. With a 1.5 points weighting, Florence could benefit greatly from these adjustments if he can stay injury-free throughout the year.
Florence first joined the CT during the Mid-Season Rotation in 2011, at just 18 years old. He quickly made his mark, finishing 2012 ranked World No. 4, winning his first CT event at the Rio Pro, and earning the Rookie of the Year title, beating out Gabriel Medina, who would later become his biggest competitor.
So, what do you think about John Florence's comeback? Will he dominate the CT once again, or will the new format and his time away affect his performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
