MANILA, Philippines (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) - The World Surf League (WSL) today announced that John Mark Tokong (PHL) will receive a WSL Wildcard position in the upcoming Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission. The first-ever Championship Tour (CT) event to be held in the Philippines will take place at Tokong’s home break of Cloud 9 from October 31 to November 10, 2026.
Cloud 9 delivers a perfect right-hand tube offering CT surfers one of the best barrels in the world. The Siargao International Surfing Cup, first staged in 1996, is one of the longest-running international surfing events in Asia and has featured on the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) since 2014. During that time, Tokong has become synonymous with the location.
Tokong’s instinctive knowledge of the wave has seen him build an extraordinary competitive record, earning five Finals appearances and four victories (2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023) from nine starts in the event. The 29-year-old’s dominance has earned him the unofficial title of the ‘King of Cloud 9.’ In 2023, Tokong made further history by becoming the first Filipino surfer to qualify for the WSL Challenger Series, a landmark achievement that elevated Philippine surfing onto the global stage and cemented his status as one of the country's greatest surfing ambassadors.
“It was honestly hard to believe at first; getting the chance to compete in a CT event at my home break is one of my biggest dreams,” Tokong said. “I'm really grateful for the opportunity and excited to represent my hometown. Everyone was really excited to hear the news when the event was announced. We've always known how special this wave is, and now the whole world gets to see it. It's a proud moment for the local community, especially for all the kids growing up here who dream of surfing at the highest level.
"The CT surfers are all incredible, but this wave has its own personality," Tokong continued. "The surfers who adapt quickly and make smart decisions will have a big advantage. Honestly, I'd be happy to surf with anyone. Just sharing the lineup with the best surfers in the world is already an honour. If I had to choose, I'd love to surf against Gabriel Medina or Italo Ferreira. That would be added to my core memories."
"The WSL is excited to award John Mark 'Marama' Tokong a wildcard into the Philippines Pro Presented by Philippine Sports Commission," said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. "Marama has become synonymous with Cloud 9 over the past decade, and there is no better person to represent the Philippines in the country's first Championship Tour event. His achievements have helped inspire a new generation of Filipino surfers, and after everything he has accomplished at this wave, it will be incredibly special to see him compete against the world's best in front of his home community. We know the local support behind Marama will be enormous, and we're looking forward to seeing him showcase both his talent and the world-class waves of Siargao on the international stage."
A local trials competition will also be held at Cloud 9 to decide an additional men’s and women’s Wildcard for the event, seeing a total of three Filipinos representing the host country for the first time at the elite level.
The Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission will feature 24 men and 16 women, where a reduced field of World Title contenders will have the opportunity to secure all-important rankings points before the season concludes at the Pipe Masters in December.
“The Championship Tour belongs on the world's greatest waves, and we are confident that Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines, is one of them,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick "Pató" C. Gregorio. “This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and the CT will usher the sport into a new era. Let it inspire a new generation of athletes. Let the world discover not just our waves, but the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people.”
“The waves have always been here,” said Presidential Son and PSC Sports Ambassador William Vincent ‘Vinny’ Araneta Marcos. “The talent has always been here. Bringing the WSL Championship Tour to the Philippines is the perfect opportunity to finally show the world what Filipinos have known all along: the Philippines has everything the world is looking for. Siargao will be unforgettable.”
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. |
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