Olympians, record number of countries are competing,

Kauli Vaast of France, shown in Tahiti during the men's surfing semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is competing in the ISA World Surfing Games 2025 in El Salvador. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA UPI

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- El Salvador will become the world capital of surfing this month as it hosts the ISA World Surfing Games 2025 from Friday to Sept.14.

The Central American nation hopes the waves at La Bocana and El Sunzal beaches -- part of the Surf City area and recognized for the quality of their waves -- will raise its profile in global surfing.

Nearly 300 surfers from 61 countries will compete, setting a record for participation. According to the International Surfing Association, Vanuatu and Angola will enter for the first time, reflecting the sport's worldwide growth.

The field includes 22 Olympians, ensuring elite competition. Among them are France's Kauli Vaast, gold medalist at Paris 2024, and Japan's Amuro Tsuzuki, bronze medalist at Tokyo 2020. They will join veterans such as Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons, a four-time ISA world champion, and Argentina's Leandro Usuna, a two-time gold medalist.

In addition to Olympic athletes, the 2025 World Surfing Games will showcase several promising young competitors, including the debut of Sophia Medina, younger sister of three-time world champion and Paris 2024 bronze medalist Gabriel Medina.

National teams of up to three men and three women will compete in a double-elimination format, with main rounds and a second-chance system that will crown men's and women's individual champions, along with an overall national team title.

Although this competition does not award direct Olympic spots, results will determine seeding for future qualifying events, shaping the path toward the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Brazil enters as the defending team champion after winning the 2023 edition, also held in El Salvador. The Brazilians are fielding new talent, including Sophia Medina, Lucas Silveira and Laura Raupp, along with the return of Michael Rodrigues. Australia, France, Japan and Peru are also among the favorites for the team podium, though surprises from other delegations cannot be ruled out.

The staging of the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador is not an isolated event. The country has hosted multiple tournaments over the past five years, solidifying its reputation as a prime destination for surfers. The waves at El Sunzal, Punta Roca and La Bocana are considered among the best in Central America for their consistency, accessibility and natural beauty.

The competition can be followed live on the ISA's official website, isasurf.org, with broadcasts, results and daily recaps. Live streams will be shown on the organization's YouTube channel.