The world's best showed their prowess when conditions proved testy in Saquarema with a full opening day of action unraveling at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero.
Upsets and classic fan favorites gave the Saquarema fandom a rollercoaster ride to start proceedings with the likes of Tatiana Weston-Webb, Filipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira and Miguel Pupo flying the Brazilian flag past early elimination scares. But, standout showings from Crosby Colapinto, Joel Vaughan alongside Leo Fioravanti's high-flying antics pushed some of Brazil's own to face elimination.
With the women's elimination scares unfolding, the upper echelon fell as Gabriela Bryan, Caity Simmers, and Isabella Nichols were sent packing with solid showings from wildcard Arena Rodriguez, Brazil's Luana Silva, and 2023 World Champ Caroline Marks showing her form. Now, the men's Elimination Round awaits with some of the World Title frontrunners looking to bounce back amid Brazil's loud and proud fandom ready to set the arena.