COOLANGATTA, Queensland, Australia (Wednesday, February 18, 2026) – Today, the World Surf League announced that Kiwi surfer Billy Stairmand (NZL) will accept a wildcard spot into the upcoming New Zealand Pro, stop No. 4 of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour (CT), which will run at Manu Bay Raglan from May 15 – 25.
Raglan local Stairmand is a 9-time New Zealand National Champion, a two-time Olympian, and a stalwart of the WSL Challenger Series. The super sharp natural footer has been honing his backhand on the walls of Raglan for over two decades, and in May, he will pull on the jersey in the biggest event of his career in front of a hometown crowd. He will receive the WSL Wildcard as the highest-ranked New Zealand surfer on the Challenger Series rankings.
“This is crazy and really surreal for me, and I’ve been pretty emotional since getting the news,” Stairmand said. “I’ve been on the QS and Challenger Series for over 15 years now, knocking on the door of the Championship Tour and have come close a few times. But now, to get that opportunity and for it to be at home, in my backyard and in front of all of my friends, family, community and country, is such a huge honour and privilege. I’ve been dreaming of competing on the CT, and to do it at home is just crazy.”
Stairmand will take the WSL Wildcard for the event, but there will be two more locals to join the draw, with the men’s and women’s winners of the upcoming local event, The Backdoor King and Queen of The Point, also gaining a spot in the main event. With these three spots, it will be the biggest ever representation of New Zealand surfers in a Championship Tour event.
“The Championship Tour coming to New Zealand is such a huge opportunity for everyone, not only to compete for a spot in the main event but to see the world’s best up close and in waves they get to surf,” Stairmand continued. “That does so much for a young aspiring surfer, so this is such a big deal for all New Zealanders. It’s really exciting that there will be three kiwis in the event, and this trials event will be a big one. Raglan is a beautiful little town with amazing waves, so I’m so stoked to see the world’s best get to experience this place, as well as for all of the kids to meet their heroes and see the world’s best surfing go down in New Zealand. It’s going to be an amazing experience for all of the community, and I can’t wait.”
“WSL is thrilled to offer Raglan local and 9 x New Zealand Champion Billy Stairmand a local wildcard spot in the upcoming New Zealand Pro Championship Tour event,” said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. “Billy is an amazing talent who has been competing at an elite level for 15 years now, so to see him make his CT debut at his home break in front of his local community and country will be amazing. Knowing what we know about the Kiwi surfing community, the entire country will get behind not only Billy but the other two locals who will get spots in the main event through the trials. It will be a really special moment for New Zealand surfing and sport in general.”
“Billy’s wildcard is thoroughly deserved,” said Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings. “From representing New Zealand at two Olympic Games to claiming nine national titles, his most recent being this year, Billy has consistently set the benchmark for excellence, and he is an inspiration to so many Kiwi groms. To now see him take on the world’s best will be incredibly special and highlights what’s possible for any young New Zealander. We can’t wait to see him harness the energy of his home crowd as he goes head-to-head with the world’s best.”
As part of the 50th Year of Crowning World Champions, the New Zealand Pro will run at Manu Bay Raglan from May 15 – 25, 2026. The New Zealand Pro is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s $40 million Events Attraction Package.