ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboard Pro 2026 closed out a historic edition

Namika Yamashita, Luana Dourado and Soraia Rocha were crowned world champions in their respective categories. In addition, the Japanese rider also claimed the event title.

In the Women's category, the Japanese rider completed an extraordinary season and, after securing the world title during the previous day, Yamashita returned to the water to compete in the Wahine Pro final. She defeated Brazilian Maylla Venturin 11.50 to 8.75 points, taking first place in the event. Portuguese riders Alice Teotónio and Filipa Broeiro completed the podium in third place. Yamashita closed out a perfect campaign after winning all three Prime Series events she competed in: Maldives Pro, Sintra Pro and Wahine Pro.

Namika Yamashita celebrates her world title with the Japanese flag

Women's category podium at the 2026 Wahine Pro

Portuguese rider Luana Dourado wrote a new chapter in her career at 17 years old. After defeating French rider Émie Padois in the semifinals, she faced Brazilian Melissa Souza in the final and prevailed 12.50 to 8.75 points, securing the 2026 Junior world title. The achievement was especially significant for Dourado, who had finished as world runner-up for three consecutive years before finally claiming the title this year.

Luana Dourado moments before her decisive heat

Junior Women's podium with Luana Dourado on top

The Master Women's category crowned Brazilian Soraia Rocha, who claimed the world title after defeating Portuguese rider Marta Leitão in a close final by 10.75 to 10.25 points. Rocha found the decisive wave in the last few seconds to regain the lead. At 53 years old, the Brazilian had previously been world champion in the Pro category in 2000 and 2001, returning to the top of the podium 25 years after her last world title.

Soraia Rocha in action during the Master Women's final

Master Women's podium with Soraia Rocha as world champion

Thus, the 2026 Wahine Pro concluded with three new world champions: Namika Yamashita in Women, Luana Dourado in Junior Women and Soraia Rocha in Master Women. A closing chapter that once again highlighted the diversity of generations and nationalities currently shaping women's bodyboarding worldwide.

The three world champions: Namika Yamashita, Luana Dourado and Soraia Rocha

Official poster of the 2026 Women's World Final