SOUP BOWL, Bathsheba, Barbados (Monday, March 10, 2025) - The 2024/2025 World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) and Pro Junior season conclusion is set at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro QS 5,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented Diamonds International. Beginning March 24 through 30, North America's premier contenders head for the famed reef of Soup Bowl - located in Bathsheba, Barbados. The 2025 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships qualifiers will be finalized at one of the world's best reef breaks while paying homage to Barbados' own, Zander Venezia.
"We're thrilled to have our season finish at the world-class wave of Soup Bowl. Our competitors continually remind us of how much they love the wave and the energy that Bathsheba has," WSL North America Regional Manager Meg Bernardo said. "All the work Barbados Surf Promotions does to bring this event back year in and year out through major sponsors to provide this opportunity is amazing. It's a very special event as we celebrate the life of Zander Venezia every year."
BTMI and Diamonds International return as Major Sponsors
The Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc. (BTMI) joined as the title sponsor in 2022 when the Barbados Surf Pro changed venues from Drill Hall Beach to the world-renowned wave of Soup Bowl. The now QS 5,000 and long-standing Pro Junior dedicated to the late Zander Venezia since 2017 continues to provide the ultimate pinnacle of North America's respective seasons. BTMI, along with presenting sponsor Diamonds International, looks to continue sharing Barbados' incredible island with the world through these marquee events.
"We are immensely proud to continue our support of the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro, two premier events that celebrate the remarkable talent of surfers from across our primary source market, North America," BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin said. "These competitions showcase the beauty and vibrancy of Barbados to the world. Hosting these prestigious competitions at the iconic Soup Bowl in Bathsheba provides an unparalleled platform for sports tourism, drawing global attention to our island's world-class surf culture. These surf events highlight Barbados as a top-tier surfing destination and contribute significantly to our local economy, fostering business growth across multiple sectors from hospitality to retail.
"Furthermore, the legacy of Zander Venezia continues to inspire young surfers and enthusiasts, further solidifying his lasting impact on the sport and our community. As we look forward to welcoming the visiting athletes and spectators from North America and other parts of the world, BTMI is honored to partner with Diamonds International once again to ensure the continued success and growth of this event, strengthening Barbados' reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism."
Barbados' perennial Challenger Series threat Josh Burke (BRB) returns with an important opportunity to perform at home. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Famed Soup Bowl hosts North America QS and Pro Junior Conclusion
One of the Caribbean's heaviest reefs of Soup Bowl can deliver a world-class wave to determine who represents the region among the 2025 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships qualifiers. The vision to bring this event to life began in 2013 with the now Live Like Zander Junior Pro and has grown into a top-level QS event that changes the course of competitive surfing careers.
"Soup Bowl and Bathsheba have always been in the eyes of the world's surf community. We started these events to help our local and Caribbean surfers have an opportunity to be close to home in warm waters, to be able to have a foot in the world of competitive surfing," Barbados Surf Promotions Founder Christopher Clarke said. "Of which some have excelled and taken on the challenge of making it to the next level in the Challenger Series. The events also serve as a visual snippet of the beauty of Barbados and what you can experience when you reach our shores. Warmth, friendliness, and waves."
Watch Live
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro hold a competition window beginning March 24 through 30 at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, Barbados. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast on www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.