Stephanie Gilmore: one of the best female surfers of all time | Photo: Sloane/WSL

Stephanie Gilmore won a historic seventh world surfing title at Honolua Bay in Hawaii.

The Australian surfer equals the record for the most women's world titles - currently held by Layne Beachley - and puts Gilmore in an elite class within surfing's world champions.

In fact, only two other individuals have accomplished the feat of earning seven world titles: Beachley (7) and Kelly Slater (11).

"Layne, it's an honor to sit alongside you. You've been a huge inspiration for my career and so many female surfers across the world. So, to equal you is amazing. Thank you for setting the standard," expressed Stephanie Gilmore.

The newly crowned 2018 World Surf League (WSL) champion secured her seventh title after her direct opponent, Lakey Peterson, was eliminated from the Beachwaver Maui Pro.

Stephanie Gilmore: she won her first world title in 2007, her rookie season | Photo: Sloane/WSL

"I was not expecting it to happen. I was feeling so nervous. That was an intense heat, and Alana Blanchard just went to town. I'd like to dedicate this win to Pierre Agnes," added Gilmore.

The surfer from Murwillumbah won her first world surfing title in 2007, her rookie season, becoming the first male or female surfer ever to accomplish such a feat.

Gilmore went on to conquer three more consecutive titles - 2008, 2009, and 2010 - and another three in 2012, 2014, and 2018.

During her career, the Australian has racked up 29 Championship Tour (CT) victories.

Stephanie Gilmore | Championship Tour Career Rankings

2018: 1st
2017: 2nd
2016: 6th
2015: 12th
2014: 1st
2013: 5th
2012: 1st
2011: 3rd
2010: 1st
2009: 1st
2008: 1st
2007: 1st

Top Stories

On March 7, 2024, Cloudbreak delivered one of the most epic swells in Fiji's big wave surfing history.

Is there any correlation between warmer or colder ocean waters and bigger waves? What is the influence of temperature on wave height?

It's one of the world's most out-of-the-radar big waves and certainly one of the most exciting surf breaks in Latin America and the South Pacific. Bienvenidos a El Buey.

Surfing is all about working the unbroken wave face and maximizing riding time. But how can you optimize and balance these two goals that cancel each other out?