Encinitas Surfer Makes Waves, Winning US Open Of Surfing: 2025

ENCINITAS, CA — Encinitas-based Levi Slawson, 22, won the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach Sunday, the biggest career win yet, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune in a recent report.

Slawson brought home the $20,000 prize for the men's winner, but his major victory was jumping up the ranks from 48 to 4th, making a huge career impact, "well within the top 10 cutoff needed to requalify for the 2026 Championship Tour," according to the Surf News Network, in a "nail-biting finish," vs. Brazilian surfer Mateus Herdy.

The entire event came down to the final moments, with Slawson at No. 20 and Herdy at No. 12. Slawson told the LA Times that his approach included "picking and choosing the best waves while sitting tight to block Herdy's opportunities."

"Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to the Final," but Slawson earned "fireworks on a massive air-reverse" to post an early lead.

A US Open of Surfing spokesperson said, "Levi kept his composure till the last second and finished on top."

This marks his first true major win, according to Surf News Network.

Slawson described the victory to the network, saying:

“I’ve worked so hard for these kind of moments through my career and I’ve watched the US Open my whole life, and I’ve never even dreamt of being here,” said Slawson. “Being in the Final with Mateus was so hard. He’s such a good surfer and you can’t really give him anything. In the end that wave looked terrible and he almost pulled it off. It’s just pouring out of me now. This whole week I’ve just been trying to keep my cool and I’ve surfed here so many times, and just focus on good surfing. It’s really come down to me just focusing on myself and believing in myself and just trusting everything. I’m in disbelief.”