Jared Houston has been crowned the 2015 Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) World Tour champion, at Middles Beach, in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Despite the challenging ocean conditions, the tension in the air, and the unexpected fallouts, November 9th will forever be remembered as one of the most unforgettable days in competitive bodyboarding. All three world title contenders lost heats, and it was Jeff Hubbard who decided the game.
Jared Houston was the first giant to fall. The South African, who led the rankings heading into the final event of the season, lost momentum and was forced to watch the world title race from dry sand.
As a result, Amaury Lavernhe had a glorious opportunity shining in his hands. With a quarterfinal result, he would celebrate yet another trophy. Yet, it didn't happen.
The bodyboarder from Reunion Island encountered an in-form Jacob Romero. The Hawaiian defeated Lavernhe, and the 2014 APB World Tour champion joined Houston on the beach.
Yes, surprisingly, Pierre-Louis Costes, who probably never thought of taking the crown, had a shot at the world title. But he still had to win the Encanto Pro Cultura 2015. Otherwise, Jared Houston would win the most important trophy of his career.
Romero wanted to be the spoiler of the season. With 13 minutes to go, the flying Hawaiian put Costes in a combination situation. Meanwhile, Jared waited nervously and tried to maintain composure, as the crucial heat unfolded.
Costes kept fighting and improved his total heat score. Jacob tried to defend his surf in the wind-affected lineup. But, the French back flipper found a last-minute gem and sent the ultimate decision to the final against Jeff Hubbard.
Two former Encanto Pro finalists and two former world bodyboarding champions set against each other, with a world title to be decided. It doesn't get more exciting than this.
In the end, Hubbard won the event. Houston, 26, jumped, yelled, cried and celebrated. He had just been crowned the 2015 APB World Tour champion.
"There are no words to describe this moment. It's pretty much the longest day of my life. Waiting for those different scenarios. Just huge congrats to Pierre. He would be an incredibly deserved world champion." expressed an emotional Jared Houston.
"I am super happy it's me. I worked really hard this year so I am happy I got it. Big congratulations to Jeff and Jacob for the help they gave me."
Finally, the new 2015 APB Pro Junior World Tour champion is Socrates Santana. The 16-year-old bodyboarder is a member of the "Favela Storm," the new generation of Brazilian riders.
2015 APB World Tour | Champions
Men: Jared Houston (RSA)
Women: Alexandra Rinder (GER)
Pro Junior: Socrates Santana (BRA)
Drop-Knee: Dave Hubbard (HAW)
2015 APB World Tour | Men's Top 10
1. Jared Houston (RSA), 5674
2. Pierre-Louis Costes (FRA), 5652
3. Amaury Lavernhe (REU), 5638
4. Uri Valadao (BRA), 5030
5. Iain Campbell (RSA), 4912
6. Lewy Finnegan (AUS), 4696
7. Jacob Romero (HAW), 4288
8. Diego Cabrera (CNY), 3924
9. Jose Otavio (BRA), 3802
10. Sergio Luis (BRA), 3798