Eli Hanneman came out on top in Huntington Beach, CA winning the Wallex US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico, stop No. 4 on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series. The longtime Hurley team rider delivered a thrilling performance to earn him the the biggest win of his career. Hanneman wasted no time and completed a combination of major maneuvers to earn a near-perfect 9.00, the highest score of the day… All while his friends and family sat front row on the beach — excitedly pouring over into the waves once Eli’s win was solidified. Emotions and celebrations ran high.

“This feels fake! To win a contest I grew up watching all of my heroes win is unbelievable. It’s a feeling I will never forget and I’m excited to keep the momentum going!” says Hanneman. The victory has sent Eli Hanneman rising up the rankings. He now sits at No. 4 and is a CT qualification contender, along with Hurley’s Kade Matson sitting at No. 10.