To find out we have to look at the WSL ranking, where we also find an Italian: but there is a living surfing legend who still won’t relinquish his throne as the best in the world

Surfing is a sport practiced by millions of people around the world, but the professionals who make their living from this passion are significantly fewer. Between minor and major tournaments, there is no shortage of competitions, just as there is no shortage of superstars, those champions known beyond the narrow niche of fans.

One of the questions asked by both practitioners and simple board enthusiasts concernswho, at the moment, can be considered the best surfer in the world. Kelly Slater, a true surfing legend, still occupies the throne, but one cannot help but take a look at the world ranking, which sees Brazilian Filipe Toledo in first place.

And speaking of talent, our own Leonardo Fioravanti has all the makings of, if not the best, one of the most talented surfers on the entire planet.

So let’s get acquainted with these amazing athletes, starting with the one who is considered a living legend of the board.

Kelly Slater: the surfing legend

Born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Kelly Slater grows up in an environment that naturally leads him toward surfing.

The son of a bait store owner, Slater in fact began riding waves at only five years old. By the age of ten, he was already showing extraordinary talent, winning surfing tournaments all along the Atlantic coast of the United States. In 1984, he won his first national title in the junior category, the first in a long string of successes that quickly brought him to international prominence. Two years later, in 1986, Kelly Slater took third place in the junior category at the World Amateur Championships in England, and the following year he won the Pacific Junior Championship in Australia.

The early, major victories at a young age are the first harbingers of what would be a formidable career in professional surfing.Kelly Slater’s early victories not only demonstrate his innate surfing ability, but also his determination and commitment to continually improve, qualities that have helped him overcome challenges and difficulties and climb the ranks on the pro circuit.

Kelly Slater’s career finally exploded in 1990, when he launched himself into professional surfing and won his first competition on the Bud Pro Tour with the Body Glove Surf Bout in California. Initially, Slater faced some difficulties, finishing 43rd in his first year on the Championship Tour, but his dedication to the board soon led him to triumph; in 1992 he won his first professional event, the Rip Curl Pro in France, and then the prestigious Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, becoming the youngest surfing champion in the world at just 20 years old.

From then on, Slater dominated the surfing world, winning five consecutive world titles between 1994 and 1998. After a hiatus from competition, which lasted from late 1998 to 2002, Slater resumed competing and, of course, winning more world titles: he went on top of the world in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011. This endless string of successes, achieved by breaking record after record, including the incredible milestone of 11 world titles, make Kelly Slater a legend of the board: the U.S. athlete has not only made history, but has also profoundly influenced surfing culture.

Indeed, it is no coincidence that Kelly Slater, in addition to being a champion surfer, has distinguished himself as a environmental activist and advocate of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. His relationship with the ocean and nature has led him to engage in battles for environmental conservation and ocean protection: more than once his voice has been raised against pollution caused by plastic use and against intensive fishing.Kelly Slater’s story, Probably still the best surfer in the world, is an example of how talent combined with dedication and hard work can lead to outstanding results.

Read also: Where and how did surfing originate? All about the history of the “board” for riding waves

Filipe Toledo: the Brazilian number one in the world rankings.

Known in the surfing world as “Filipinho.” Filipe Toledo is currently ranked number one in the WSL, the professional surfing circuit.

Filipe was born on April 16, 1995, in Ubatuba, Brazil, and grew up as a child of art: his father, Ricardo Toledo, is in fact a famous surfer, who passed on his passion and knowledge to his children from an early age. His professional career took off in 2011, when he began competing on the circuit, quickly demonstrating his exceptional skills and determination.

Over the years, he achieved many important victories, but he reached his peak by winning the WSL World Championship for two consecutive years, in 2022 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the best surfers globally. In addition to the world titles, Filipe has scored numerous victories in World Championship Tour (WCT) stops, including prestigious events such as the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, and the Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa. These victories reflect not only his exceptional talent and ability to excel in the most diverse competitions and conditions.

Filipe is not only recognized for his outstanding performance in competitions, but also for his sunny personality and infectious smile, which have made him one of the most loved and followed surfers.

Talents from our home: Leonardo Fioravanti

Leonardo Fioravanti is currently one of the best surfers in the world. In 2023, the Roman achieved notable results and ninth place in the World Surf League rankings, a prestigious position achieved through excellent placings in various events, including a third-place finish at the Shiseido Tahiti Pro, where he was defeated in the semifinals by Jack Robinson.

His consistent performance throughout the year has secured him a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics, establishing him as Italy’s best surfer and among the top worldwide

Born into a family with a passion for surfing, Leonardo began surfing as a child in the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. His passion and dedication to surfing allowed him to win several youth competitions, in which he showed precocious talent. Before long, he became the rising star on the Italian surfing scene and his career quickly took off thanks to a string of impressive victories.

Year after year, Fioravanti achieves major milestones and climbs the world rankings. His wave riding skills and impeccable technique have made him known for his breathtaking performances and his ability to boldly take on giant waves and the best surfers on the planet.

His presence on the international circuit has brought surfing back into vogue in our country, highlighting the potential of Italian athletes and prompting many young people to follow in his footsteps. Leonardo Fioravanti is not only a successful athlete, but also an ambassador of tricolor sport: he brought Italian surfing to the world stage and proved that, even in our country, it is possible to reach the top of this extraordinary sport.

Read also: At what age can you start learning surfing?

In conclusion

Who is the best surfer in the world in 2024? It’s hard to give an unequivocal answer, but for sure one cannot fail to mention Kelly Slater, the living legend of surfing, the living testimony of how dedication, talent and passion can build an unparalleled career. Currently, at the top of the world ranking is Brazilian Filipe Toledo, who with his infectious smile and outstanding performance embodies the spirit of surfing at its best.
Finally, Italian Leonardo Fioravanti, thanks to his impressive performances, establishes himself as a serious contender at the international level.

If you want to emulate these amazing athletes, or just try riding the waves, sign up for our surfing course in Fuerteventura: we’ll teach you the technique and secrets behind this fun sport, and maybe one day, who knows, you’ll find yourself competing in an international tournament!

Take aways

• Kelly Slater, the timeless legend: Born Feb. 11, 1972, Slater began surfing at just five years old and showed extraordinary talent from a young age, winning his first junior national title in 1984. His career peaked as he won 11 world titles, demonstrating not only absolute dominance in the sport but also a profound influence on surf culture. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Slater is known for his commitment as an environmental activist, emphasizing his connection and respect for the ocean.
• Filipe Toledo, Brazil’s top world ranking talent: Known as “Filipinho,” Toledo has distinguished himself on the pro circuit through his unique style and outstanding performance, winning the WSL World Championship for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). His presence at the top of the world ranking reflects not only his exceptional talent but also Brazil’s growing importance in the global surfing scene.
• Leonardo Fioravanti, Italian pride: Representing Italy, Fioravanti has earned a prominent place in world surfing, reaching ninth place in the 2023 World Surf League rankings. His participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics testifies to his excellence and ability to compete at the highest level, serving as an ambassador for Italian surfing in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the best surfer in the world right now?

Currently, Kelly Slater is still considered by many to be the best surfer in the world due to his legendary career and 11 world titles. However, in the current WSL world ranking, Brazilian Filipe Toledo holds the top spot, highlighting his excellence in the sport.

Who is Kelly Slater?

Kelly Slater is a surfing legend, born February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He began surfing at age five and won his first junior national title in 1984. Slater has dominated the surfing world, winning 11 world titles and profoundly influencing surf culture, as well as being an environmental activist.

Who are the prominent surfers mentioned in the text?

In addition to Kelly Slater, the text mentions Filipe Toledo, a Brazilian surfer ranked No. 1 in the WSL world rankings, and Leonardo Fioravanti, an Italian surfer who has established himself as one of the best in the world, achieving such notable achievements as ranking ninth in the World Surf League in 2023.