Craig Anderson Joins Star Lineup for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2025

The highly anticipated Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is back for 2025, bringing an all-star lineup to the garden island of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa this September. Competitors will battle for USD 25,000, the coveted Surfing Champions Trophy, and a place in the event’s Hall of Fame — joining past champions like Kelly Slater and Taj Burrow.

Today’s announcement of Craig Anderson as the first confirmed competitor sets a high bar for what promises to be a spectacular 13th edition of the world’s most luxurious surfing event. “I’m so stoked I got the call-up,” says Australian free-surfing icon Anderson, 36. “The Surfing Champions Trophy looks insanely fun. I’ve only been to the Maldives once before — on my honeymoon — so I’m excited to pack a few more boards this time.”

True to tradition, the Surfing Champions Trophy celebrates its competitors just as much as it celebrates the destination. Invitees and their families are encouraged to experience everything Four Seasons Kuda Huraa has to offer — from lagoon-based learning and island adventures, to garden island charm, and world-class dining.

While Anderson is best known as a free surfer, the event’s unique format seems tailor-made for his style: heats are held across three divisions — single fin, twin fin, and thruster (tri-fin) boards. “I’m no contest surfer,” Anderson laughs. “But I’ve kept an eye on this event for years and always wanted to be part of it. Alternate boards in perfect waves? Can’t wait!”

With heat times staggered according to age and competitors bringing a varied quiver of surfboards, there’s no other event in the world quite like the Surfing Champions Trophy. The three preliminary rounds determine who advances to the Grand Final, where surfers choose their board of choice to battle it out for the title.

Last year’s event delivered a thrilling display of style and precision, with Taj Burrow and Mikey February putting on a twin-fin tube-riding masterclass in the flawless right-handers of Sultans. Burrow ultimately took the win, hoisting the Surfing Champions Trophy for a record-breaking third time.

Guests staying at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa during the competition can watch the action unfold from the best seat in the house — aboard one of the Resort’s luxury surf vessels, positioned alongside the contest lineup at Sultans.

The full competitor lineup — including four additional international surfers and a Maldivian wildcard — will be revealed in the lead-up to the event. Stay tuned as the countdown to the 13th edition of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy officially begins.

Catch the Waves with the “Surf’s Up” Package

Whether guests are learning to surf or perfecting a technique , the Surf’s Up package at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is afront-row seat to paradise — surfboard included. Enjoy four days of expert coaching with Tropicsurf pros, guided boat trips to legendary breaks, daily yoga, and a post-surf massage at The Island Spa to soothe wave-weary muscles. The package also includes round-trip speedboat transfers, daily breakfast, surf equipment, and more. Valid for stays from now till December 20, 2025, for a minimum of four nights.

To reserve the  Surf’s Up stay, click here or contact the Central Reservations department at +960 66 00 888 or email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com.