What is a QS and How Does it Work Within the WSL?

The Qualifying Series (QS) is one of the competitive divisions that make up the structure of the World Surf League (WSL). Its main function is to organize and rank surfers within the professional system through a ranking that is built throughout the season.

The QS takes place across different regions of the world and includes events that award varying points depending on their category. Each competition adds points to the official ranking, requiring athletes to strategically plan their calendar and decide which events to enter.

Throughout the year, surfers accumulate points based on their results in the events they compete in. Those results determine their position in the regional and global QS rankings.

The top-ranked surfers qualify for the Challenger Series, the stage preceding the top division of the circuit, the Championship Tour (CT), where the best surfers in the world compete.

The QS plays a key role within the competitive system. For many athletes, it is the space where they consolidate their level, gain international experience, and begin building a professional career within the WSL.

Understanding how the QS operates makes it easier to follow the development of the world tour and to grasp the importance of every result in shaping a professional trajectory.