Stephanie Gilmore will be back to chase a ninth world title with the Australian great confirming she will make a full-time return to the World Surf League in 2026.
After two years away from the tour the 37-year-old will take up a wildcard, as has her long-time rival Hawaiian Carissa Moore, who is making a comeback after becoming a mother.
Gilmore made a cameo at this year's Gold Coast Pro and said she felt the competitive fires were still burning 20 years after making her Championship Tour debut.
