WSL officials are close to finalizing a contract with the Philippine government and brands to hold a global longboarding event that will serve as a global qualifier for longboarders around the world to enter the world circuit, a source told DUKE.

The event will take place before or after the recently announced 2026 World Youth Championships, which will take place in La Unión between January 11 and 18.

Today, of the 24 members of the elite, one man and one woman per region, from each of the seven WSL regions, qualify from the top 10 ranked players from last year, and this leaves room for many wildcards to be invited.

The event would solve part of this problem, allowing another avenue of entry for longboarders from around the world.

According to the source, the discussion is now centered between WSL officials and surfers on the need for entry criteria for the event, as there are surfers who compete in all the regional circuits, and opening it up to anyone could result in someone who doesn't have a ranking qualifying.

The decision on the matter, exact dates, and qualifying positions will be announced soon on the WSL website and social media.

The Philippines has been increasing its participation and investment in surfing, organizing longboard events, QSs, the World Junior Championships, and other tournaments in the country.