The opening horn for 2025 Championship Tour action sounded at Pipe, and the world's best are underway. Kaipo Guerrero breaks down who shined in their first heats of a fresh start. Key showings from the GOAT Kelly Slater, reigning WSL Champion Caity Simmers, a brilliant rookie debut for Marco Mignot, 2023 WSL Champ Caroline Marks, and two-time WSL Champ Filipe Toledo led the charge past Elimination Round scares. But, those less fortunate now must overcome the year's first elimination test and keep their Pipe Dreams afloat at surfing's mecca.