Julian Wilson: ready for the 2018 world title race | Photo: Laurent/WSL

Julian Wilson has taken out the 2018 Quiksilver Pro, in Hossegor, France.

The final day of competition witnessed Wilson plow through a stacked field to earn his momentous win at the 17th running of the iconic French event.

Wilson's victory in France is his second of the season after the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast earlier this year.

Only a month before the 2018 season opener on the Gold Coast, Wilson suffered a serious shoulder injury and it was unclear whether he would be able to compete.

The win today proves his determination and the fact that the 29-year-old is not giving up his hopes for a maiden world title.

Wilson now strengthens his third place position with only 4,645 points separating him and World No. 1 Gabriel Medina.

"My emotions come from dedicating this win to Pierre Agnes," Wilson said.

"He was such a beautiful human being. Thank you, Pierre. All the surfers love you. The moment of silence before the final shook me, everything he's done for surfing here in France and I've always dreamt of winning this event."

In a slow start to the men's final, Ryan Callinan fired first with a good left, hitting the lip multiple times all the way into the shore break for a 6.83 (out of a possible 10) and the lead.

Following a short interruption due to the evening fog coming through the lineup, Wilson answered with a tail-high full rotation for a 6.67 to tighten up the battle.

Just before the 10-minute mark, Callinan laid into a powerful layback snap to grasp the final's lead with a 7.40.

But Wilson picked up where he left off in the Semifinals and launched a big backhand full rotation for an excellent 8.67 to steal the lead off the wildcard.

Time ran out on Callinan chasing a 7.95 and Wilson took the win.

Julian Wilson: the Australian won his second event this season | Photo: Poullenot/WSL

Callinan: Living the Dream

"To share the final with Ryan (Callinan) was incredible too," Wilson added.

"I loved surfing against (Gabriel) Medina, too. There's just so much I can be thankful for. I had to bring my A-game to beat Ryan in the final. I've lost my first final here against Medina and I think I hold a grudge since then and this year finally it happened."

Callinan comes off a tear on the Qualifying Series, culminating with his win at the QS 10,000 in Ericeira two weeks ago, which sealed the deal on his qualification for the 2019 Championship Tour.

The goofyfoot from Newcastle perfectly transitioned to the big leagues in this event, showing he deserves a full-time spot with the world's best surfers.

Callinan spent one season on the CT in 2016 but never made it past 9th place back then, and the runner-up result today marks a career-best achievement for the 26-year-old.

"This doesn't feel real but more like a dream," Callinan said.

"I'm sure it'll sink in soon though and I'm just so happy to be here and be a part of it in France. It's really exciting.

"I couldn't have asked for anything better [than sharing the final with Julian Wilson], even finishing second to him, I know he's going for something special and that was a big event for him.

"We've grown to be really good friends and I was happy to share that special moment with him."

Callinan will have another opportunity to show his place amongst the world elite as the wildcard on the next stop on the men's CT, the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, which opens on October 16, 2018.

Ryan Callinan: the goofyfoot is enjoying a dream year on Tour | Photo: Laurent/WSL

The World Title Race

The 2018 WSL Title race previously heated up in the men's second Semifinal as Medina and Wilson fought it out for a place in the final.

The 30-minute heat was an unbelievable exchange of aerial mastery between two of the most progressive surfers on the planet.

Wilson launched and landed a crazy inverted backhand rotation to post the event's first Perfect 10 point ride and defended it with a good 6.67 for the win.

Medina fought back with a great wave on which he performed two airs, a straight air with a grab first and a forehand rotation to finish it, but the score came in as a 7.77, short of the 9.01 required score to turn the heat.

Wilson's incredible performance deprived the 2014 world champion of a shot at a third straight event win in France and put a stop to his incredible streak on the Championship Tour lately.

The 3rd place finish now vaults Medina to first on the leaderboard and he will now wear the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey at the upcoming MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

2018 Quiksilver Pro France | Final

1. Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.34
2. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 14.23

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