Special coverage presented by Rip Curl Argentina - Argentine Crown - Monster - Christopher Columbus - Biology Club - McDonalds - Mar del Plata #WeHaveEverything - Argentine Sports Secretariat - Capi Bar - Cover photo: Jonny Paz 

Argentina's Nacho Gundensen won the first QS of his career today and became the first Argentine and first non-Brazilian to win the Rip Curl Pro Playa Grande after nine editions. Meanwhile, Peru's Arena Rodriguez, 17, won the first QS of her career after making the final in Mar del Plata last year and coming off a second place finish in Galapagos.

Gundensen beat the tournament's top seed, challenger Mateus Herdy, in a final that was not decided until the final seconds, when the Brazilian did a full rotation without priority, needing 7,98; the judges analyzed that wave at times, the surfers greeted each other on the beach and when the score was finally shared, the beach celebrated the historic victory of the Argentine.

Gundensen had started quickly by scoring his final two scores and had to manage the lead by using his priority and sending himself into waves that ultimately did not improve his total. Herdy made a first full rotation that was worth 7,87 and put himself within reach but in the end it was not enough.

The final score was 15,84 (8,17+7,67) versus 15,44 (7,87+7,57).

Tied for third place in the event were Martin Ottado of Uruguay and Julian Serres of Argentina who achieved the best result of their careers in an event

Meanwhile, among the ladies, Arena Rodríguez had an impressive final, attacking the heavy sections of Biology strongly from the backside and going from less to more, leaving the tournament's big newcomer, Vicky Muñoz Larreta, with no chance.

The Argentine was within range at the beginning but Arena found a dream left hand in which she executed four strong backside movements that earned her 8,67, which she then backed up with a big right hand, in a single maneuver, that was worth 7,33.

The Peruvian is now the leader of the regional ranking with a runner-up position in Galapagos and a victory in Mar del Plata.

Melanie Giunta and Catalina Mercere finished tied for third place in the event.