BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro close North American season in epic finale | News
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) and the Pro Junior contingent are preparing for the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International, a QS 6,000 and Pro Junior for men and women, from February 23 to March 1. This marks the culmination of qualifying for the 2026 Challenger Series and a crucial second stop for World Junior Championship qualification at the iconic Soup Bowl reef break, located on the east coast of Barbados.
“This event is one that many surfers hold in high regard. Soup Bowl is one of the best waves the Caribbean has to offer, and with the support of BTMI and the work that Surf Promotions Ltd. does every year, we are excited to keep coming back,” said North America Regional Manager Meg Bernardo. “The juniors have been competing at this venue since 2013 and now it is amazing to see how this event has grown into the main stop of our season. It is a special time of year to honor the legacy of Zander Venezia and all the work his family does for the Zander Venezia Trust that touches so many lives.”
BTMI, together with Diamonds International, continues its great support for professional surfing
The Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc. (BTMI) took over as title sponsor of this event in 2022 and continues to show its support for professional surfing in a big way. One of the Caribbean’s premier locations, Barbados offers an array of waves, culture and beauty that continues to help BTMI grow and develop as a global tourism destination.
“Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. is proud to partner annually with the Barbados Surf Pro and the WSL, leveraging the WSL’s global platform to showcase Barbados as a premier destination for both relaxation and adventure,” said Kamal Springer, BTMI sports manager. “This event not only highlights the world-class beaches on our island, but also promotes the diverse experiences that visitors can enjoy. From surfing and sailing to diving and other exciting sea activities. Each year the competition attracts more than 500 visitors who stay for extended periods, contributing significantly to the local economy.”
“As we continue to support and elevate this event, we also honor the memory of the late Zander Venezia, one of Barbados’ most talented young surfers. His legacy remains an enduring source of pride and inspiration, and as the Barbados Surf Pro grows on an international scale, we are confident that his spirit and impact will grow with it.”
With the return of Diamonds International as presenting sponsor alongside support from Chickmount Foods Ltd., Infra Rentals, Insync Pros and more, the 2026 event will be another incredible moment in Barbados surfing history.
“Diamonds International continues to support the Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro year after year, helping to bring global attention to Barbados and its vibrant culture,” said Managing Director of Diamonds International Jacob Hassid. “Our continued commitment celebrates the island’s local talent, community spirit and rich heritage and inspires visitors to experience the unique energy of Barbados, both on and off the waves. This continued support underlines their commitment to connecting sport, culture and community in Barbados.”
All this sets the stage for the defining event of the 2025/2026 QS season and a crucial second stop of the Pro Junior season, with everything on the line. The highest-ranked event, a QS 6,000, can redefine a competitor’s campaign toward Challenger Series qualification. History has shown that surfers can make huge leaps outside the cutline to topple the rankings, while the ranking leaders demonstrate their dominance with incredible performances in Soup Bowl’s famous lineup.
This event is also a tribute to Barbados’ own Zander Venezia, along with the North America Pro Junior Regional titles in his honor. His father, Louis Venezia, co-owner of Surf Promotions Ltd., along with co-owner Christopher Clarke, put everything into this event each year to ensure it remains a premier stop for QS and Pro Junior competitors, while celebrating Zander’s life and legacy.
“It’s such an honor to host these events every year. It’s like a blooming flower to see the talent that moves on to the Challenger Series and World Junior Championships through this event,” said Clarke. “In our seventh year as Barbados Surf Pro and ninth for the Live Like Zander Junior Pro organized by Surf Promotions Ltd., it is a pleasure to welcome and have surfers to our shores. They bring a fresh perspective to our world-class surf holiday.”
Watch live
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro will hold a competition period from February 23 to March 1 at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, Barbados. Once invoked, the event is broadcast www.WorldSurfLeague.comthe free WSL app and the WSL YouTube channel.
This event is proudly sponsored by BTMI, Diamonds International, Chickmount Foods Ltd., Infra Rentals, Insync Pros, Surf Promotions Ltd. and the Zander Venezia Trust.
