The KwaZulu-Natal North coast trades dolphin watching for world-class surfing this week as the Challenger Series comes to town. Matthew McGillivray steals the headlines as he tops the WSL Ballito Pro pre-event odds, 680 miles up the coast from where he learned to surf. Sally Fitzgibbons leads the women’s charge coming off two finals in recent events. Here is your analysis for the latest WSL showdown.
Go beyond just supporting the WSL Ballito Pro – check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your WSL bets. Whether you are backing your favorite surfer or looking for an underdog, our partners offer competitive odds, special playing boosts, and promos designed for surfing fans.
DraftKings
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ on WSL, Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
The Ballito Pro drops in for the business end of affairs on Tuesday, July 1st, when the heavy hitters paddle out. Follow the daily on WSL.com, and keep informed about the latest odds and analysis on NXTbets.
2025 WSL Ballito Pro Odds
Event Winner – Men’s
South African Matthew McGillivray experienced the agony of being chopped from the Championship Tour after Margaret River, but that’s behind him. He now paddles out on familiar Indian Ocean water as the favourite to prevail in Ballito. McGillivray struggled with inconsistency in the early part of the year, but progressed to the final in El Salvador, before losing out to compatriot Jordy Smith. The local is likely to face resistance from impressive Aussie Jacob Willcox. He defeated McGillivray in the semifinals of the Newcastle Surfest before going on to win the event.
swipe to see more
Surfer
Odds
Payout on $20
Matthew McGillivray
+414
$102.80
Jacob Willcox
+646
$149.20
Ryan Callinan
+754
$170.80
Liam O'Brien
+836
$187.20
Ian Gouveia
+868
$193.60
Kauli Vaast
+1022
$224.40
Morgan Cibilic
+1098
$239.60
George Pittar
+1490
$318.00
Samuel Pupo
+1657
$351.40
Deivid Silva
+2247
$469.40
Ian Gentil
+2525
$525.00
Imaikalani deVault
+2782
$576.40
Levi Slawson
+2867
$593.40
Jackson Bunch
+2949
$609.80
Nolan Rapoza
+2977
$615.40
Jordan Lawler
+3290
$678.00
Callum Robson
+3348
$689.60
Michael Rodrigues
+3360
$692.00
Jackson Baker
+3510
$722.00
Edgard Groggia
+3868
$793.60
Mateus Herdy
+4708
$961.60
Luke Thompson
+4778
$975.60
Winter Vincent
+5136
$1047.20
Eli Hanneman
+5163
$1052.60
Frederico Morais
+5364
$1092.80
Xavier Huxtable
+5888
$1197.60
Carlos Munoz
+6436
$1307.20
Mikey McDonagh
+6436
$1307.20
Jadson Andre
+6942
$1408.40
Kade Matson
+7476
$1515.20
Adin Masencamp
+12721
$2564.20
Josh Kerr
+18768
$3773.60
Maxime Huscenot
+18768
$3773.60
Hiroto Ohhara
+18768
$3773.60
Billy Stairmand
+18768
$3773.60
Charly Quivront
+18768
$3773.60
Jorgann Couzinet
+18768
$3773.60
Lucas Silveira
+18768
$3773.60
Igor Moraes
+18768
$3773.60
Keijiro Nishi
+18768
$3773.60
Lucca Mesinas
+18768
$3773.60
Finn McGill
+18768
$3773.60
Kyuss King
+18768
$3773.60
Riaru Ito
+18768
$3773.60
Jett Schilling
+18768
$3773.60
Ryan Huckabee
+18768
$3773.60
Luke Swanson
+18768
$3773.60
Adur Amatriain
+18768
$3773.60
Lucas Vicente
+18768
$3773.60
Shohei Kato
+18768
$3773.60
Taro Watanabe
+18768
$3773.60
Yago Dominguez
+18768
$3773.60
Dimitri Poulos
+18768
$3773.60
Jarvis Earle
+18768
$3773.60
Franco Radziunas
+18768
$3773.60
Shion Crawford
+18768
$3773.60
Oscar Berry
+18768
$3773.60
Keoni Lasa
+18768
$3773.60
Bronson Meydi
+18768
$3773.60
Oliver Zietz
+18768
$3773.60
Peterson Crisanto
+18768
$3773.60
Luc Lepront
+18768
$3773.60
Dylan Moffat
+18768
$3773.60
Men’s Top 64 Heats Odds
swipe to see more
Heats
Moneyline
Payout on $20
Michael Rodrigues
+133
$46.60
Luke Thompson
+151
$50.20
Dimitri Poulos
+584
$136.80
Ryan Huckabee
+584
$136.80
Levi Slawson
+156
$51.20
Frederico Morais
+243
$68.60
Mateus Herdy
+248
$69.60
Finn McGill
+565
$133.00
Samuel Pupo
+120
$44.00
Jackson Baker
+281
$76.20
Carlos Munoz
+297
$79.40
Luke Swanson
+562
$132.40
Imaikalani deVault
-129
$35.50
Keijiro Nishi
+295
$79.00
Shion Crawford
+551
$130.20
Billy Stairmand
+565
$133.00
Ian Gentil
+126
$45.20
Deivid Silva
+160
$52.00
Lucas Vicente
+582
$136.40
Oliver Zietz
+582
$136.40
Morgan Cibilic
-127
$35.75
Adin Masencamp
+301
$80.20
Peterson Crisanto
+543
$128.60
Hiroto Ohhara
+544
$128.80
Matthew McGillivray
-197
$30.15
Xavier Huxtable
+488
$117.60
Luc Lepront
+596
$139.20
Oscar Berry
+597
$139.40
Liam O'Brien
+135
$47.00
Kauli Vaast
+150
$50.00
Jett Schilling
+580
$136.00
Maxime Huscenot
+580
$136.00
Jordan Lawler
+138
$47.60
Callum Robson
+141
$48.20
Adur Amatriain
+605
$141.00
Keoni Lasa
+605
$141.00
Ryan Callinan
-110
$38.18
Jadson Andre
+344
$88.80
Kade Matson
+361
$92.20
Jorgann Couzinet
+552
$130.40
Jacob Willcox
-118
$36.95
Nolan Rapoza
+241
$68.20
Kyuss King
+599
$139.80
Shohei Kato
+599
$139.80
Ian Gouveia
-218
$29.17
Charly Quivront
+591
$138.20
Josh Kerr
+591
$138.20
Lucas Silveira
+591
$138.20
Edgard Groggia
-116
$37.24
Jarvis Earle
+301
$80.20
Dylan Moffat
+479
$115.80
Bronson Meydi
+522
$124.40
Winter Vincent
+120
$44.00
Mikey McDonagh
+158
$51.60
Franco Radziunas
+619
$143.80
Igor Moraes
+619
$143.80
George Pittar
-192
$30.42
Taro Watanabe
+492
$118.40
Lucca Mesinas
+580
$136.00
Yago Dominguez
+580
$136.00
Event Winner – Women’s
Sally Fitzgibbons endured a tough start to the season, failing to progress beyond the round of 16 in five of her first seven events. Her luck is changing if her last three events are anything to judge by, making the final twice in that period. Her first final of the year came at the Gold Coast Pro, and she arrives in South Africa fresh off a finals appearance in her World Challenger Series opener. Yolanda Hopkins starts as the second favorite after a quarterfinal appearance in New South Wales, but she’s had very little world-class surf competition this year compared to Fitzgibbons and Nadia Erostarbe.
swipe to see more
Surfer
Odds
Payout on $20
Sally Fitzgibbons
+368
$93.60
Yolanda Hopkins
+497
$119.40
Ellie Harrison
+697
$159.40
Nadia Erostarbe
+718
$163.60
Macy Callaghan
+738
$167.60
Teresa Bonvalot
+743
$168.60
Sophia Medina
+968
$213.60
Francisca Veselko
+1235
$267.00
Alyssa Spencer
+1277
$275.40
Tessa Thyssen
+1291
$278.20
Kirra Pinkerton
+1397
$299.40
Sarah Baum
+1411
$302.20
Sierra Kerr
+1941
$408.20
India Robinson
+2287
$477.40
Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri
+2824
$584.80
Keala Tomoda-Bannert
+2867
$593.40
Leilani McGonagle
+3916
$803.20
Amuro Tsuzuki
+4267
$873.40
Noah Klapp
+4425
$905.00
Minami Nonaka
+4951
$1010.20
Eweleiula Wong
+5395
$1099.00
Laura Raupp
+7307
$1481.40
Anat Lelior
+8672
$1754.40
Arena Rodriguez
+8672
$1754.40
Nanaho Tsuzuki
+8672
$1754.40
Sol Aguirre
+8672
$1754.40
Talia Swindal
+8672
$1754.40
Women’s Top 32 Heats Odds
swipe to see more
Heats
Moneyline
Payout on $20
Teresa Bonvalot
+111
$42.20
Sierra Kerr
+270
$74.00
India Robinson
+352
$90.40
Nanaho Tsuzuki
+547
$129.40
Kirra Pinkerton
+115
$43.00
Amuro Tsuzuki
+261
$72.20
Eweleiula Wong
+381
$96.20
Talia Swindal
+490
$118.00
Francisca Veselko
+140
$48.00
Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri
+236
$67.20
Minami Nonaka
+316
$83.20
Laura Raupp
+507
$121.40
Where to Bet on WSL
Round two of the World Challenger Series is ready for duty in KwaZulu-Natal. Can local favorite Matthew McGillivray live up to bettors’ expectations and grab victory for the Rainbow Nation? Will Sally Fitzgibbons continue her impressive run of finals and enter her third in four events in Ballito?
How Can I Verify if WSL Betting is Legal in My State?
Refer to your sportsbook’s eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, or contact your state’s gaming commission to verify your state’s WSL betting legality. Most licensed betting platforms restrict access in prohibited states, saving you from the long confirmation process.
Which Sportsbooks Offer WSL Betting?
For the best WSL betting experience, select reputable, regulated sportsbooks like Fanduel, DraftKings, CaesarsSportsbook, and BetMGM. Check event schedules and relevant offers ahead of every WSL competition. Use Underdog Fantasy for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) gaming.
What is the Current Legal Status of Betting on the World Surf League in the US?
The legal status of WSL betting differs from state to state. The lifting of the federal sports betting ban in 2018 (by the Supreme Court) gave states the independence to legalize sports betting. WSL betting is mostly legal in states with regulated sports betting and licensed sportsbooks like Colorado and New Jersey. Check your sportsbooks and state-specific regulations to confirm availability.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Bets for WSL Events?
Common WSL betting options include outright winner bets, head-to-head matchups, and futures bets (predicting season champions). Most platforms also allow prop bets—for example, you can predict the highest wave score in a competition.
Do Sportsbooks Offer Live Betting for WSL?
Yes. Betting platforms like FanDuel and BetMGM have live betting options. Their users can place bets during the WSL competition. For example, bettors can predict the next wave score, who will win the ongoing heat, or whether a competitor will achieve a given aggregate. Note that not all events may qualify for live betting. Check out your sportsbook live betting section for more.
Can I Bet on WSL Events Even If My State Doesn’t Allow Sports Betting?
Consider Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) if your state does not allow sports betting. Unlike traditional betting, DFS falls under a different regulatory framework, making it legal in several jurisdictions. DFS platforms like Underground Fantasy and DraftKings DFS are common in states where sports betting is illegal.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Apple has expanded its sponsorship with the World Surf League, and the league now describes Apple as both its official wearable technology partner and part of its official mobile phone designation. Beginning with the 2026 season, WSL broadcasts will incorporate data from athlete-worn Apple Watches, including distance traveled on a wave, wave speed and heart rate, while iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will be used to capture social and broadcast footage.
WSL chief executive Ryan Crosby said the watch data is being added because the league can now clean, store and warehouse the information for broadcast use. He also said the watches give surfers real-time offshore information that can help them understand priority, required scores and other details in difficult conditions. Apple released a promotional video highlighting the partnership, which is now in its third year after first being announced in 2023.
The collaboration was designed to let surfers view live heat scores, running clock information, lead changes and priority updates without looking away from the ocean. The rollout was not without early problems, with Championship Tour surfer Leo Fioravanti complaining during an event at Pipe that his watch did not function properly, and some athletes reportedly facing fines for not wearing the device. Despite those issues, Apple Watches have become a normal part of Championship Tour competition and are described as successful in part because they have become unobtrusive during events.
A controversial non-interference ruling at the World Surf League stop in Margaret River set off a heated dispute during Heat 9 of Men’s Round 2. Reigning world champion Yago pulled back as local wildcard Jacob Wilcox appeared beneath him, and both surfers believed interference had occurred. Two of five judges signaled interference but the majority did not, and officials ruled no interference. About ten minutes later Wilcox caught a wave that effectively turned the heat in his favor, and the day, the league’s longest on record at 28 heats, was overshadowed by the contested call.
Tempers flared in the water and continued up the stairs, prompting a locker-room security call. The dispute spilled into the car park, where Wilcox, Yago’s coach, former boxer Danny Green, WSL security and others confronted one another and the situation nearly became a physical brawl. A reporter said they were told to “delete footage.” WSL security eventually calmed the scene and both parties left separately. There were no reported physical blows.
The episode cast a spotlight on officiating decisions and the potential for off-field incidents to follow contentious in-competition rulings at the Margaret River stop.
Kelly Slater received a World Surf League wildcard into next month’s Tahiti Pro at Teahupo’o as he continues his comeback from hip surgery. The 11-time world champion said he has recently returned to daily surfing, wants “competitive reps before August,” and plans to enter the event “without pressure.”
The Tahiti Pro is scheduled to start in about 32 days and comes after a 42-day break, which the article said is the longest gap on this year’s Championship Tour schedule. Slater has won the event five times, reached the final seven times and last claimed victory there a decade ago. The WSL has given him wildcard opportunities in recent seasons, including at contests tied to his co-founded brand Outerknown.
The WSL also announced local trials wildcards for Eimeo Czermak and 13-year-old Kelia Gallina, who is nicknamed “Miss Teahupo’o.” The article said local knowledge can be an advantage at Teahupo’o, where home-water familiarity has helped surfers such as Kauli Vaast and Vahine Fierro beat higher-ranked Championship Tour competitors.
Did you know you can play the World Surf League in Vermont through Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)? World Surf League DFS brings professional surfing to your fingertips. It allows you to take part in real money gaming. All you do in World Surf League DFS is predict how surfers will perform. It could be whether …
Best Bets: WSL Ballito Pro Pre-Event Odds Analysis 2025
The KwaZulu-Natal North coast trades dolphin watching for world-class surfing this week as the Challenger Series comes to town. Matthew McGillivray steals the headlines as he tops the WSL Ballito Pro pre-event odds, 680 miles up the coast from where he learned to surf. Sally Fitzgibbons leads the women’s charge coming off two finals in recent events. Here is your analysis for the latest WSL showdown.
Go beyond just supporting the WSL Ballito Pro – check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your WSL bets. Whether you are backing your favorite surfer or looking for an underdog, our partners offer competitive odds, special playing boosts, and promos designed for surfing fans.
Schedule and How to Watch WSL Ballito Pro
The Ballito Pro drops in for the business end of affairs on Tuesday, July 1st, when the heavy hitters paddle out. Follow the daily on WSL.com, and keep informed about the latest odds and analysis on NXTbets.
2025 WSL Ballito Pro Odds
Event Winner – Men’s
South African Matthew McGillivray experienced the agony of being chopped from the Championship Tour after Margaret River, but that’s behind him. He now paddles out on familiar Indian Ocean water as the favourite to prevail in Ballito. McGillivray struggled with inconsistency in the early part of the year, but progressed to the final in El Salvador, before losing out to compatriot Jordy Smith. The local is likely to face resistance from impressive Aussie Jacob Willcox. He defeated McGillivray in the semifinals of the Newcastle Surfest before going on to win the event.
swipe to see more
Men’s Top 64 Heats Odds
swipe to see more
Event Winner – Women’s
Sally Fitzgibbons endured a tough start to the season, failing to progress beyond the round of 16 in five of her first seven events. Her luck is changing if her last three events are anything to judge by, making the final twice in that period. Her first final of the year came at the Gold Coast Pro, and she arrives in South Africa fresh off a finals appearance in her World Challenger Series opener. Yolanda Hopkins starts as the second favorite after a quarterfinal appearance in New South Wales, but she’s had very little world-class surf competition this year compared to Fitzgibbons and Nadia Erostarbe.
swipe to see more
Women’s Top 32 Heats Odds
swipe to see more
Where to Bet on WSL
Round two of the World Challenger Series is ready for duty in KwaZulu-Natal. Can local favorite Matthew McGillivray live up to bettors’ expectations and grab victory for the Rainbow Nation? Will Sally Fitzgibbons continue her impressive run of finals and enter her third in four events in Ballito?
Place your bets with our partner sportsbooks and check out our WSL Betting Guide if you’re new to the tour.
And remember, bet smart, have fun, and enjoy every wave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Refer to your sportsbook’s eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, or contact your state’s gaming commission to verify your state’s WSL betting legality. Most licensed betting platforms restrict access in prohibited states, saving you from the long confirmation process.
For the best WSL betting experience, select reputable, regulated sportsbooks like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM. Check event schedules and relevant offers ahead of every WSL competition. Use Underdog Fantasy for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) gaming.
The legal status of WSL betting differs from state to state. The lifting of the federal sports betting ban in 2018 (by the Supreme Court) gave states the independence to legalize sports betting. WSL betting is mostly legal in states with regulated sports betting and licensed sportsbooks like Colorado and New Jersey. Check your sportsbooks and state-specific regulations to confirm availability.
Common WSL betting options include outright winner bets, head-to-head matchups, and futures bets (predicting season champions). Most platforms also allow prop bets—for example, you can predict the highest wave score in a competition.
Yes. Betting platforms like FanDuel and BetMGM have live betting options. Their users can place bets during the WSL competition. For example, bettors can predict the next wave score, who will win the ongoing heat, or whether a competitor will achieve a given aggregate. Note that not all events may qualify for live betting. Check out your sportsbook live betting section for more.
Consider Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) if your state does not allow sports betting. Unlike traditional betting, DFS falls under a different regulatory framework, making it legal in several jurisdictions. DFS platforms like Underground Fantasy and DraftKings DFS are common in states where sports betting is illegal.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
Apple, WSL Expand Watch Data Deal for 2026 Surf Broadcasts
Apple has expanded its sponsorship with the World Surf League, and the league now describes Apple as both its official wearable technology partner and part of its official mobile phone designation. Beginning with the 2026 season, WSL broadcasts will incorporate data from athlete-worn Apple Watches, including distance traveled on a wave, wave speed and heart rate, while iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will be used to capture social and broadcast footage.
WSL chief executive Ryan Crosby said the watch data is being added because the league can now clean, store and warehouse the information for broadcast use. He also said the watches give surfers real-time offshore information that can help them understand priority, required scores and other details in difficult conditions. Apple released a promotional video highlighting the partnership, which is now in its third year after first being announced in 2023.
The collaboration was designed to let surfers view live heat scores, running clock information, lead changes and priority updates without looking away from the ocean. The rollout was not without early problems, with Championship Tour surfer Leo Fioravanti complaining during an event at Pipe that his watch did not function properly, and some athletes reportedly facing fines for not wearing the device. Despite those issues, Apple Watches have become a normal part of Championship Tour competition and are described as successful in part because they have become unobtrusive during events.
Non-interference call at Margaret River sparks clash
A controversial non-interference ruling at the World Surf League stop in Margaret River set off a heated dispute during Heat 9 of Men’s Round 2. Reigning world champion Yago pulled back as local wildcard Jacob Wilcox appeared beneath him, and both surfers believed interference had occurred. Two of five judges signaled interference but the majority did not, and officials ruled no interference. About ten minutes later Wilcox caught a wave that effectively turned the heat in his favor, and the day, the league’s longest on record at 28 heats, was overshadowed by the contested call.
Tempers flared in the water and continued up the stairs, prompting a locker-room security call. The dispute spilled into the car park, where Wilcox, Yago’s coach, former boxer Danny Green, WSL security and others confronted one another and the situation nearly became a physical brawl. A reporter said they were told to “delete footage.” WSL security eventually calmed the scene and both parties left separately. There were no reported physical blows.
The episode cast a spotlight on officiating decisions and the potential for off-field incidents to follow contentious in-competition rulings at the Margaret River stop.
Kelly Slater gets Tahiti Pro wildcard for Teahupo’o return
Kelly Slater received a World Surf League wildcard into next month’s Tahiti Pro at Teahupo’o as he continues his comeback from hip surgery. The 11-time world champion said he has recently returned to daily surfing, wants “competitive reps before August,” and plans to enter the event “without pressure.”
The Tahiti Pro is scheduled to start in about 32 days and comes after a 42-day break, which the article said is the longest gap on this year’s Championship Tour schedule. Slater has won the event five times, reached the final seven times and last claimed victory there a decade ago. The WSL has given him wildcard opportunities in recent seasons, including at contests tied to his co-founded brand Outerknown.
The WSL also announced local trials wildcards for Eimeo Czermak and 13-year-old Kelia Gallina, who is nicknamed “Miss Teahupo’o.” The article said local knowledge can be an advantage at Teahupo’o, where home-water familiarity has helped surfers such as Kauli Vaast and Vahine Fierro beat higher-ranked Championship Tour competitors.
How to Play World Surf League DFS in Vermont
Did you know you can play the World Surf League in Vermont through Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)? World Surf League DFS brings professional surfing to your fingertips. It allows you to take part in real money gaming. All you do in World Surf League DFS is predict how surfers will perform. It could be whether …