SIHEUNG, Gyeonggi Province, Korea – July 20, 2025 – The 2025 Siheung Korea Open World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 6000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) events have wrapped up with four impressive champions being crowned. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) and Ketut Agus (INA) dominated the QS 6000, while Kanoa Hee-Jae (KOR) and Dhea Novitasari (INA) seized victory in the LQS. All four delivered memorable performances at South Korea’s premier surf destination, Siheung Wave Park.

Tsuzuki Shines in Women’s QS 6000

Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) was the undisputed star of the weekend in the women’s QS 6000. Her lightning-fast maneuvers and sharp rail work consistently earned her the highest single-wave and two-wave totals throughout the competition. Tsuzuki seemed unstoppable from the moment she entered the pool.

In the final, Tsuzuki wasted no time, opening with an astonishing backside air-reverse that scored an 8.50. She then backed it up with an 8.43 for a series of critical snaps, securing a commanding 16.93 two-wave total.

“I’m so happy right now,” Tsuzuki exclaimed. “It was actually a mistake to have that air on the first wave. I got caught up on my turns, so I just went big on the last section, and to make it was a massive surprise. I was really happy. Winning this event means a lot. It’s been a slow few events for me, and to come here and post some big scores, feel like I’m surfing well, and then take a win is huge. I’m really excited for the rest of the year and am feeling confident.”

While Kana Nakashio (JPN) put up a strong fight, she couldn’t match Tsuzuki’s performance, finishing in second place. This runner-up finish, however, propelled Nakashio to the top of the WSL Asia Regional Rankings, leading the 2025 Bonsoy Asia Super Series. Sara Wakita (JPN) and Charli Hately (AUS) rounded out the top four in third and fourth, respectively.

Ketut Dominates Men’s QS 6000

Much like Tsuzuki, Ketut Agus (INA) arrived at this event hungry for a strong result after a series of unexpected finishes. From his very first wave, Agus showed he meant business, consistently posting excellent scores and massive heat totals. In the final, he sealed his victory with an incredible display of backside performance surfing on his first two rides, ultimately winning with a remarkable 17.77 two-wave total—the highest of the entire event. This win launched Agus to the top spot, where he now leads the Bonsoy Asia Super Series in 2025.

“I feel incredible,” Agus shared. “It’s really cool to be competing at an event of this size in Korea. It’s awesome for us to have the opportunity to surf in an event in a wave park, and to win it with all of my friends here, it is amazing. I feel super grateful and am excited to keep it going into the next events.”

California-based Japanese surfer Kei Kobayashi (JPN) challenged Agus throughout the final but couldn’t quite reach the near-excellent range that Agus found early on. Kobayashi finished in second, ahead of Bronson Meydi (INA) and semifinal standout Reef Heazlewood (AUS).

Korean History Made by Kanoa Hee-Jae in LQS

History was made today at the Siheung Korea Open by Kanoa Hee-Jae (KOR). Not only did he become the first Korean surfer to reach Finals Day at a QS 6000 event, but he also became the first to win a WSL event outright, claiming victory in the LQS 1000. Hee-Jae delivered impressive scores in both divisions, posting a 16.07 two-wave total to edge out Filipino competitor Crisanto Villanueva (PHL), who finished as runner-up. Ryohei Taoka (JPN) and Shohei Akimoto (JPN) placed third and fourth, respectively.

“This is a really big day for me and my family,” Hee-Jae said. “I want to thank all of my friends and family for their support. It’s been amazing having all of these surfers in Korea showing how it’s done, and to be in there with them feels incredible. I was super bummed to get knocked out in the Semifinals of the QS, so to come and win the longboard is super special.”

Novitasari Claims Women’s LQS Title

Indonesian competitor Dhea Novitasari (INA) took home the women’s LQS title with a 15.87 heat total, narrowly edging out reigning event winner Natsumi Taoka (JPN). This marks Novitasari’s biggest career win, and she has her sights set on earning a spot on the WSL World Longboard Tour by year’s end. Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN) and Korean surfer Soojin Park (KOR) finished third and fourth in the women’s LQS Final.

“I’m so speechless right now,” Novitasari said. “I’m just so happy and grateful to be here at this wave park surfing perfect waves. This is my first WSL event win, so it’s a super special day for me. I’m so, so happy.”

The 2025 Siheung Korea Open QS 6000 and LQS 1000 events took place at Siheung Wave Park from July 18 to 20, 2025. For more information, visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the free WSL App.