This Way In: Monster Energy’s Preview of the 2025 VIVO Rio Pro
The Monster team rolls into Brazil with momentum, style, and serious heat. Here’s what to watch as the CT hits Saquarema.
A Monster Energy Preview of the 2025 VIVO Rio Pro
The Championship Tour lands in Brazil, and the Monster Energy crew is ready to make waves. From June 21–29, the world’s best surfers descend on Saquarema, a coastal gem just an hour outside Rio de Janeiro. Known for its punchy lefts at Itaúna and unpredictable rights at Barrinha, this surf town has been a magnet for Brazilian surf culture since the 1960s.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Saquarema exploded in the ‘70s with festivals like Som, Sol & Surf, earning its nickname: the Maracanã of Surf. Today, its 12 beaches, buzzing kiosks, and açai-fueled energy make it a fan favorite — and the perfect stage for the CT’s mid-season fireworks.
Monster Threats: Who to Watch
- Yago Dora – World No. 2 and fresh off a Trestles win, Yago’s aerial game could launch him to the top spot on home turf.
- Ethan Ewing – If Ethan loosens up his power surfing on Saquarema’s bouncy lefts, he could be a serious threat.
- Filipe Toledo – A proven winner in Brazil, Filipe feeds off the crowd. Expect fireworks.
- Crosby Colapinto – Adaptable and progressive, Crosby’s style fits Brazil’s unpredictable surf.
- Al Cleland Jr. – Don’t sleep on the US Open champ. He’s got the grit to go deep.
- Seth Moniz – Smooth, stylish, and sneaky in the air — Seth thrives in playful conditions.
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson – After her win at Lowers, Bettylou’s confidence is sky-high. She’s in the Top 5 and charging.
Three Questions Before the Horn Blows
How’s the forecast?
Small to start, but there’s time for swell. And let’s be honest — watching the world’s best make average waves look epic is half the fun.
Why is Saquarema a fan favorite?
Because nowhere else does surfing feel like a stadium sport. The Brazilian crowd brings the noise, the passion, and the party.
Is the Monster team walking taller right now?
Absolutely. After surviving the mid-year cut and sweeping Lowers, the green-claw crew is riding high.
As the race to the Final 5 intensifies, every heat in Saquarema carries weight — and the Monster team is ready to deliver. From aerial assaults to power turns, expect fireworks on every wave. So grab your açai, crack a coconut, and settle in. The VIVO Rio Pro runs June 21–29, and you can catch every moment live at worldsurfleague.com. Let’s go!
