Chris Macdonald and Axel Gerard

GWA Wingfoil World Cup Fuerteventura 2026 - Day 2

Countdown to the finale

The competition took an exciting turn today. The men’s and women’s semifinal runs were held in the late afternoon, and there were a few surprises.

In the men’s competition, two favorites - Chris Macdonald and Tom Acherer – were eliminated, while in the women’s competition, American Zoe Trudeau made a big impression with the highest score of the day.

Chris Macdonald misses out on the world championship title

Let’s start with the men: Chris Macdonald didn’t have a great heat, messing up a total of five of his eight attempts, but at one point managed to jump from fourth to second place with his clean Palau Frontside 1080 (9.2 points).

Then, on his final trick, Axel Gerard pulled off a wet-landed Frontside 1440, securing his spot in the finals — a decision that wasn’t without controversy, as the Frenchman needed two attempts and appeared to have already exceeded the time limit.

Chris Macdonald had a feeling his fate was sealed given his less-than-ideal heat, but the certainty didn’t set in until the ride back to the beach. The American missed his chance to compete for the world title tomorrow by 0.4 points.

Tomas Acherer

One heat later, it was the turn of the current leader in the 2026 Tour standings. Tomas Acherer fell 0.83 points short of advancing to the final. Rocco Makana secured his spot in the final - and with it, a shot at the world championship title.

However, his chances are rather slim, as the top contender is reigning champion Benjamin Castenskiold. In the overall standings - which take into account four event results and one discard - the Dane already has more points (2,570) than Tomas Acherer (2,470) and Chris Macdonald (2,450).

Rocco Makana

Only Rocco Makana can still knock Benjamin Castenskiold off the throne in the final; for that to happen, Rocco would have to win and Benjamin would have to finish no higher than fourth.

With this result, Rocco Makana would be the event winner and Surf-Freestyle World Champion; in any other scenario, he would even miss the World Championship podium and Benjamin Castenskiold would be the reigning and new Surf-Freestyle World Champion.

Benjamin underscored his claim to the title today, posting the day’s highest score of 25.83 points.

Benjamin Castenskiold

What tactics will we see tomorrow? Will they play it safe to become world champions, or go on the offensive to win in Fuerteventura as well? After all, it’s not just about winning the event - there’s prize money at stake, too.

In the final, both will face Luca Vuillermet and Axel Gerard—who have no chance at the world title but are eager to win the GWA event at Sotavento Beach.

Zoe Trudeau

In the women’s division, Nia Suardiaz has already been crowned world champion. But behind her, Sofia Ginzinger and Viola Lippitsch still have a chance at the runner-up title. Both advanced to the finals today.

Nia Suardiaz is also in the finals. So is American Zoe Trudeau, who put on a performance on the water today similar to the one Marie Schlittenbauer delivered a year ago.

Zoe Trudeau executed her moves with style, scoring 10 points for the first flawlessly landed Frontside 720 in the women’s competition. Combined with a Palau Frontside 360 and a Backflip into Frontside 360, her score totaled 24.57 points. Another heat like that tomorrow, and the top spot on the podium would be hers.