Jayuard Alciso went toe-to-toe with a top-10 surfer and an Olympic gold medalist at Cloud 9, and the Filipino wildcard was the one still standing. His upset sent a loud message to the world’s elite at the first Championship Tour stop in the Philippines.

Alciso beat France’s Kauli Vaast in Round 1, Heat 8, of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Sunday, Nov. 1. The result moves the Asian Games bronze medalist into Round 2 in Siargao.

Alciso Stuns Vaast at Cloud 9

Alciso posted 12.93 points, led by a 7.33 on his seventh wave and a 5.60 on his ninth. That was enough to beat Vaast, the Olympic gold medalist and the world’s No. 9 surfer.

Alciso said the win meant a lot. “I’m so happy to win this heat. This is my first time competing here, and beating an Olympic gold medalist is not easy. I’m really proud of myself,” he said after the victory.

Alciso said seeing his family, friends and girlfriend watching from the beach helped him during the competition. He also thanked the local fans in Siargao who cheered him on throughout his heat.

Alciso Thanks Siargao Supporters

“I’m 100 percent focused because all my friends, my family and my girlfriend were there watching me. Their support helped me stay focused, and I was able to come up with big scores,” he said.

“I’m so happy to make it to Round 2. I just want to thank my supporters, my family, friends, my girlfriend and all the locals here in Siargao. Thank you all for supporting me,” he added.

Surfers eliminated in the opening round will receive US$13,000 (around P830,000). The champion will collect US$80,000 (approximately P5.1 million).

The Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga also back the event.

Also backing the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Their support helps power the tournament in General Luna.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO) also support it. It is the first WSL Championship Tour event in the Philippines.