The World Title Is Dead. WSL Changes Name to...

ICYMI, the WSL made a big announcement earlier this year.

The World Title, the honor given to the surfers (men and women) who finish in the number one spot at the end of the year, or more recently, come out on top in the WSL’s reimagined, bracket-style Finals Day format, got a rebrand with a new name.

And during the WSL’s press conference for this year’s Finals Day on Wednesday morning, commentator Joe Turpel subtly reminded folks of that new name, which is…

The Duke Kahanamoku WSL Champions' Trophy.

Sorta slipped under the radar when they announced the rebrand back in January.

But the new name, which obviously honors the late surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku, is apparently, officially being embraced going forward by the WSL as the official name of the trophy that goes to each winner, each year.

“I grew up surfing Waikiki and passing the Duke statue every day,” says Carissa Moore in the video above, “but it wasn’t until recently that I really learned about Duke’s story, and who he was as a person, and what he achieved…which is so inspiring.”

“I think Duke represents the roots of surfing,” says John John Florence. “Coming from Hawaii, knowing the history of Duke, and what he did as a swimmer, an Olympic athlete, and bringing surfing around the world, it’s turned into an amazing sport.”

Still, it’s a bit of a mouthful. The Duke Kahanamoku WSL Champions’ Trophy.

Maybe just, “The Duke?”

Let’s see if it sticks.

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