Back in Brazil and riding high in the 4th position on the world rankings, Ítalo Ferreira returns to the stage where he finally secured his long-awaited victory in 2024. Now, in 2025, he’s back to defend his title — with renewed energy and motivation.
“I’m so happy to be back in Brazil, where I finally won last year after trying for so long. I had never won here before, so it was really special. I came from the bottom and made it happen... that still motivates me every day.”
Competing at home always brings a different energy, and Ítalo highlights how much the Brazilian event has grown in recent years.
“This event has everything: the crowd, the brands, the food we love, even the wetsuit shorts — I notice all the details. It's been evolving every year, and that’s amazing for us athletes. It makes us want to perform even better.”
With 15 sponsors currently on his board, Ítalo also points to the rising value and visibility of surfing:
“It’s awesome to see huge companies supporting surfing now. That lifestyle — the athlete narrative — it’s something we’re proud to represent. A few years ago, surfing didn’t get this level of respect, but now it’s inspiring people around the world. This event has become a model for others.”
Ready to Adjust, Ready to Rise
Even among the world’s top 5, Ítalo knows that refinement is part of the game. With three events left before the WSL Finals, he’s focused on the details:
“The first thing I think about is surfing like the other guys — following the lines they use on tour. It’s been a very unique season for me. When the results don’t come, it turns on a light — a wake-up call. But that’s part of it. I still have time to improve and make the difference.”
Chasing the Dream of Back-to-Back Wins in Brazil
A second win in Brazil wouldn’t just be symbolic — it would be a serious boost in the world title race.
“Being a two-time winner here would be a dream. It would definitely help with the rankings and get me closer to the Finals. But beyond that, I love seeing how I’ve grown and how much I’ve put into this. I’m more balanced now — I used to be stronger on one side, but now I’ve added intensity to both. That makes a real difference.”
The Role of Wave Pools in Performance
One of the keys to Ítalo’s evolution has been training in wave pools — a tool he’s embraced to refine his technique.
“Wave pools expose everything — if you only surf well to the right or left, it shows. I’ve been working a lot in pools to fix those flaws and sharpen my surfing. It’s a controlled environment, so you can make precise adjustments.”
He even believes there’s space for more pool events on tour:
“Pools help eliminate those 3–4 day lay days. You stay sharp. It could bring different criteria into play too. I think we’ll see more pool events in the future.”
Final Stop in Tahiti with New Motivation: Fatherhood
The last event of the season will be in Tahiti, coinciding with Father’s Day — an emotional moment for Ítalo, who just found out he’s having a baby boy, named Martin.
“I’m already a proud dad, and the baby isn’t even here yet. It’s such a special energy. We just found out it’s a boy, and I was surprised — I thought it was a girl this whole time! This is a new chapter in my life.”
“I joined the tour to give my family a better life. And now I’m building my own family. I live for adrenaline — and whatever I can do with my son by my side, especially encouraging sports, I will. Sports teach discipline, the drive to win — lessons you carry into life. You’ll see lots of videos of me surfing with my kid. I’m already obsessed, and he’s not even born!”
