Poll: Can Surfing’s Past World Champs Still Dominate in 2026?

19 world titles. That’s the combined total of championships between Carissa Moore (five), Stephanie Gilmore (eight), John John Florence (three), and Gabriel Medina (three) – all of whom declared a triumphant return to the World Surf League’s Championship Tour in 2026, after taking the 2025 season off, in a blitzkrieg of announcements last week.

They are, or at least were, some of the most dominant competitive surfers of all time, and especially when it comes to the last decade and some change.

But things have changed since the quartet of championships went on sabbatical. On the women’s side of the draw, a younger generation – like Caitlin Simmers and Molly Picklum – has pushed boundaries into realms previously unseen. On the men’s side, the same goes for a crop of competitors finally getting their due – including, but not limited to, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson, and current world champ Yago Dora. So, it begs the question: Can the returning legacy world champions maintain their dominance in 2026?

Let’s take a look at each, and peer into the crystal ball ahead of the 2026 CT season, speculating as to whether or not these former competitive powerhouses still have that magic, as they enter into a new era of their careers and pro surfing en masse.

Carissa Moore

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Riss announced her retirement from pro surfing. It was emotional, tear-jerking…and also not totally true. While she did take time off in 2025, and welcomed her first child, the 5x world champ will be returning to full-time competition in 2026. For her, especially, the end to the Final Five era will be a welcome reprieve – since, two years in a row, she went into Lowers number one, only to lose it all in the end.

John John Florence

Following his 2024 title, his third, JJF took 2025 off to sail around the world, hunting new waves with his wife, brothers, and new baby boy. He also took time to focus on building his namesake brand, Florence. Under the cool, calm demeanor, John’s got a competitive fire. As he eases into fatherhood and personal business ventures, will that drive to win be bolstered? Or will it be quelled after all he’s already achieved, in the jersey and out?

Stephanie Gilmore

By the time the 2026 CT kicks off, Steph will be 38 years old. By comparison, current world champ Molly Picklum is 22. And Caity Simmers? 20. However, Steph is still hands-down one of the best to ever do it, and experience pays off…so they say. But will this newer, much younger generation of women be hungrier than the 8x world champ? Well, take this into consideration: Kelly Slater won his 11th world title at age 39. So, yeah…

Gabriel Medina

Before the 2025 season kicked off, Gabs suffered torn pectoral muscle on an alley-oop gone wrong. He was slated to miss an event or two, but that dragged on, and turned into the entire season. A lot went on during that time – including wave pools, romance, and new brands. But now, the 3x champ is coming back for more. Medina has arguably grown in his time off Tour; he’s matured. But does that mean he’s less hungry? TBD.