Ezekiel Lau has taken out the 2018 Vans World Cup of Surfing, at Sunset Beach, in Hawaii.
The Hawaiian surfer won his second World Cup of Surfing title after defeating Jesse Mendes, Joan Duru and Griffin Colapinto in a final held in pumping surf.
Five years later, Lau raised the second gem of the Triple Crown of Surfing and the last event on the 2018 World Surfing (WSL) Qualifying Series schedule.
"It's incredible. I'm back. It took me a while. I've been working so hard lately. I'm so happy everything came together. My boards have been working incredible," said Lau.
"I'm finishing strong. I had a good European leg and some momentum coming into Hawaii this year. Without the pressure of having to requalify, I could focus on performing. That's what I had to do, today."
The 2018 Men's Qualifying Series is over, but the full 2019 Championship Tour (CT) roster is not yet known. There are three surfers on the QS Top 10 that could requalify for the elite of surfing via CT.
Depending on their performance in the Pipeline Masters, Griffin Colapinto, and Ezekiel Lau may open a new slot for Jack Freestone.
2018 Vans World Cup of Surfing | Final
1. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 12.66
2. Jesse Mendes (BRA) 7.63
3. Joan Duru (FRA) 7.33
4. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 4.67
2018 Men's Qualifying Series | Rankings
1. Kainoa Igarashi (JPN)
2. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
3. Seth Moniz (HAW)
4. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
5. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
6. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
7. Deivid Silva (BRA)
8. Ricardo Christie (NZL)
9. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
10. Jadson Andre (BRA)
11. Soli Bailey (AUS)
12. Ezekiel Lau /HAW)
13. Jack Freestone (AUS)