Brazilian Lucas Chianca and Californian Bianca Valenti won the inaugural Puerto Escondido Cup on a day of heavy waves at Zicatela that reached 12 to 15 feet in the best heats and that left nothing to envy of its predecessor, the Puerto Escondido Challenge.

Chianca landed two bombs in the final, a left and a right that were worth 9,5 and 8,66, leaving the rest of the finalists far behind. The closest was Jimel Corzo, who, when the event was part of the WSL, had managed to get into the semis, but today he took the runner-up spot. Third place went to Angelo Lozano, fourth to Sasha Donnano, fifth to Jafet Ramos and sixth to Jojo Roper.

“I am very happy to win the event. I have many friends here,  And last year was tough, we lost three warriors and I dedicate this title to them, and to all of Mexico!” said Chianca on the podium, referring to Oscar Moncada, Diego Oropeza and Waldo Rendón who tragically lost their lives in a car accident.

Among the ladies, Bianca Valenti's experience in Puerto Solido spoke loudest and with the two bombs she took in the final, she won the historic competition that the organizers say is the only big wave stage held in the history of Latin America.

Pascuales local Isabelle Leonhardt, who rode a bus for 25 hours to get to Puerto Escondido, rode a big right, found the line and a giant roof to surf the best wave of the final, a 9,5, leaving behind Keala Kennelly (third), Raquel Heckert (fourth), Emily Erickson (fifth) and Polly Ralda (sixth).

The latter competitor from Guatemala suffered an accident during her series when she was unable to complete a drop. She had to get out of the water with assistance and was taken to the hospital where a knee injury is being evaluated.

The final results were the following:
Ladies
1: Bianca Valenti
2: Isabelle Leonhardt
3: Keala Kennelly
4: Raquel Heckert
5: Emily Erickson
6: Polly Ralda

Men
1: Lucas Chianca
2: Jimel Corzo
3: Angelo Lozano
4: Sasha Donnanno
5: Japheth Ramos
6: Jojo Roper