The 2019 World Surfing Games, the first qualifying event for Tokyo 2020, will take place on the waves of Kisakihama Beach in Miyazaki, Japan from September 7-15, the ISA reported in a press release.

This will be the third consecutive ISA world championship to be held in Japanese waters, and the second consecutive World Surfing Games.

In this tournament, the best four men and five eligible women from Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania will qualify, taking into account the hierarchy (CT-ISA WSG 2020-ISA WSG 2019-Pan American Games) and that the maximum quota per country is two athletes. That is to say, this tournament will surely select the athletes who qualify who are from less traditionally surfing nations that are not in the CT. For example, it is a crucial tournament for the Spanish.

According to the statement, Kisakihama Beach, located in the south of the Japanese island of Kyusu, is known as one of the best surfing destinations in Japan, offering excellent waves and hosting the record number of elite competitions held.

“Japan has continually demonstrated that its ability to organise and host major ISA events is exceptional so we are very excited and proud to return to this incredible country for the third consecutive time to celebrate our most iconic event,” said the ISA President, according to the statement..

“The best of the best will be there to give it their all in the water and earn those coveted spots at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. We will see athletes qualify from all four continents, showing the rest of the world the global reach of our sport,” added the Argentine.

Related: This is the qualification criteria for Tokyo 2020

*In an earlier version of this article it was reported that the World Cup was between December 7 and 15, but it is actually in September. Apologies to everyone for the mistake.