Matías Díaz Claims His First World Title at the Itacoatiara Pro 2026
- Ayelet Fuentes Guerra
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
The Chilean celebrated a historic day by being crowned champion in Brazil after defeating South African Tristan Roberts in an exciting final held at one of the most challenging waves on the planet.
The victory marks the greatest achievement of the Iquique rider’s career. After years competing on the world tour, Díaz earned his first win at an IBC World Tour event and reached the top of the podium in Brazil.
Díaz's campaign began in Round 2 of the event, and throughout the competition he demonstrated consistency, confidence, and a high technical level to overcome some of the most important competitors in international bodyboarding.
One of the key moments of his run came in the quarterfinals, where he eliminated French rider Ethan Capdeville. Later, in the semifinals, he fulfilled one of the dreams of his career by facing and defeating legendary two-time world champion Amaury Lavernhe in a decisive heat that held special significance for the Chilean.
The final pitted world number one Tristan Roberts against Matías Díaz. In the demanding conditions of Itacoatiara, the Chilean remained focused throughout the heat and found the waves he needed to secure the title, finishing with a memorable total score of 16.25 points.
The championship confirms the evolution of an athlete who has worked for years to compete among the best in the world. After multiple seasons gaining experience on the international circuit, Díaz finally earned the reward for his perseverance with a victory that will be remembered in both Chilean and world bodyboarding history.
The title in Brazil not only represents a personal milestone for Matías Díaz, but also great news for Chilean bodyboarding, which once again celebrates an internationally significant triumph thanks to the talent and dedication of one of its leading athletes.
With this victory, the rider from Iquique joins fellow Chileans Alan Muñoz, champion in 2022, and Moisés Silva, winner in 2023, as the only Chileans to have conquered the demanding waves of Itacoatiara.
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