2026 VIVO Rio Pro: Yago Dora Wins Men's Final Over Fioravanti, Lindblad Claims Maiden CT Victory

Yago Dora needed one backhand full rotation to change the complexion of the 2026 VIVO Rio Pro Final and he stomped it.

With the world rankings on the line and World No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti applying early pressure, Dora answered with an aerial masterclass, launching a backhand full rotation in the shifting conditions to post an excellent 8.50. He stayed busy, worked his priority, and added a 6.50 on another backhand air-reverse to push Fioravanti's requirement to a near-perfect 9.33. The Italian's momentum from his El Salvador CT win couldn't carry him over the line — his last attempt fell short, and Dora was crowned the 2026 VIVO Rio Pro champion.

To get there, Dora had to go through Ethan Ewing in the Semis — a rematch of their 2023 Rio Final — posting an excellent 8.17 to book his spot. He now sits third in the world rankings, surrounded by Brazilians: Italo Ferreira, Gabriel Medina, Miguel Pupo, and Samuel Pupo all in the top six. Rio delivered for the home crowd.

Fioravanti, meanwhile, leaves Brazil with something arguably more valuable — the yellow jersey. The 28-year-old Italian sits at No. 1 in the world for the first time in his career, heading into Tahiti with six events remaining and a legitimate World Title run taking shape.

"We dream our whole lives to be in these places and fight for Finals against the best in the world," said Fioravanti. "I got my first win, and then I came to Brazil — honestly, not many expectations — but I had so many heats against some of the best Brazilians. This is the best part of this event. They have the best support, and you get to compete in that environment."

Sawyer Lindblad Breaks Through

Four CT Finals and three runner-up finishes. Then, finally, a win.

Sawyer Lindblad has been knocking on the door for two years — runner-up here in 2024, runner-up at Margaret River that same year, second again in New Zealand recently. On a grey, rain-soaked day in Saquarema, the 20-year-old from San Clemente finally got her day.

The Final against Tya Zebrowski — the youngest CT qualifier in history — was a grind. Tough conditions kept scoring opportunities scarce early. Lindblad found a 7.57 heat total and held her lead as both surfers hunted the lineup. A major scoring wave slipped through Zebrowski's hands when she fell on her best opportunity. Lindblad's forehand on the lefts kept ticking her score up to a 7.67, and when the horn sounded, the result was sealed.

"I feel amazing. I'm really emotional right now," said Lindblad. "I feel like I've gotten so many seconds. I'm just really happy it was my day."

Brazil has been a marker for Lindblad's career at every turn. She qualified for the Tour here. Made her first Final here. Now her first win. Along the way she eliminated Luana Silva in the Quarters and 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks in the Semis before meeting Zebrowski in the Final. She leaves Rio at No. 4 in the world.

"I've had some really special moments here in Brazil," she said. "It'll always hold a special place for me."

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