Of the dozens of world-class tube riders who were invited to the Quemao Class, the victory went to the 20-year-old local youngster Conor Donegan, making a celebration for himself but also for everyone in Lanzarote who were cheering for him.

Donegan surfed with courage, talent, and sound competitive strategy. The goofy-footed surfer is a QS competitor and has all the keys to success, but at the same time, he's a skilled tube rider. That combination was one of the keys to his victory.

Below, in a brief interview, he talks about his victory.

Did you approach the event from the beginning as if you could win it, or was it a distant chance for you?
Well, before the event, I really saw myself winning, but I didn't approach the championship that way. I think I went heat by heat, trying to catch the best possible tubes.

How did you experience it as you progressed?
Each time I passed a heat I fell closer to that dream, but I always tried to focus on the next heat and how the waves were instead of thinking about how many heats I had to pass to reach the final.

What was the best thing about winning it?
For me, the fact that it was at home, being able to land and celebrate with my people, was incredible.

And what about surfing El Quemao with so few people?
It's incredible, one of the best waves in the world with three other people. For me, you're not competing, you're just enjoying it.

What path do you think your career is taking with a win like this? Heavyweight tube rider, Hawaii and all that, or a competitor of whatever comes your way?
Well, that's a good question. I like all kinds of waves. It's true that if I have to choose one of the conditions, obviously I prefer big barrels and heavy waves. That's when I'm happiest and most comfortable, but I think I'm a competitor for whatever comes my way.