Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup Upgraded, With QS 4,000 Men’s and QS 2,000 Women’s Ratings

The Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup has been confirmed as a QS 4,000 event for the men and a QS 2,000 event for the women, significantly increasing the contest’s importance on the South African professional surfing calendar. Positioned as the final event of the Qualifying Series season, the Rip Curl Cup will play a key role in shaping end-of-season rankings and Challenger Series qualification outcomes.

Staged as an anchor event of the Port Alfred Easter Festival, the contest represents the last opportunity for many surfers to secure critical points before the close of the regional QS. With qualification scenarios coming down to final heats, performances in Port Alfred are expected to carry decisive weight.

A Pivotal Event on the Qualifying Series CalendarAs the final stop on the Qualifying Series, the Rip Curl Cup holds particular significance for surfers positioned around qualification cut-off points. The men’s QS 4,000 rating offers a substantial points allocation, while the women’s QS 2,000 rating remains a meaningful opportunity within the regional structure.

Scenes from the 2025 Royal St Andrews Rip Curl Cup © Kody McGregorRead moreabout the Port Alfred Easter Festival

Counting Down to the Port Alfred Easter Festival – Waves, Music and Water Safety Take ShapeEntries Open for the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup WSL QS 4,000 at the Port Alfred Easter FestivalThe contest operates within the competitive framework of the World Surf League, ensuring results contribute to internationally recognised rankings and career progression. Heat formats, judging criteria, and priority rules align with global standards, providing clarity and consistency for competitors and spectators alike.

With season outcomes on the line, the event is expected to attract a strong field, including surfers managing qualification pressure as well as those aiming to consolidate their positions heading into the Challenger Series.

Part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival ProgrammeA defining characteristic of the Rip Curl Cup is its lead role in the Port Alfred Easter Festival. The contest runs alongside a wide range of festival activities, creating a bustling, engaged town throughout the event window.

This setting allows spectators to watch high-level competitive surfing up close, while surfers benefit from competing in front of large, knowledgeable crowds. The combination of professional sport and festival atmosphere has become a hallmark of the event.

Supported by title sponsor Royal St Andrews Hotel and Rip Curl, the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup hallmarks a new start to the festival’s gravitas. The current ratings reflect that progression and underline the event’s role as one of the most consequential contests on the regional calendar.

With final points, rankings and qualification outcomes in play, this year’s Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup is set to be a defining moment in the Qualifying Series season.

Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup Entries here – good luck!← Rip Curl GromSearch Presented by The Royal St Andrews Hotel at the Port Alfred Easter Festival 2026