Mega Semadhi Passes The Torch at The 2025 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang
As the 2025 Rip Curl Cup season kicks into gear, Padang Cup royalty is stepping aside to let the next generation shine. Two-time champion and local legend Mega Semadhi has made the bold and selfless decision to give up his spot in this year’s trials, all to open the door for rising stars.
Mega, who won the Rip Curl Cup in 2013 and again in 2016 (where he famously dropped two perfect 10s in the final and led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the Indonesian national anthem with his mum), says it's time for the youth to have their moment. And with his gesture, 2025 is shaping up to have the youngest field the Padang Cup has seen in years.
“I feel it’s time to step aside and give the younger generation their chance. They’re more than capable of winning the Cup, and their surfing is world class,” said Mega.
While stepping back from competition, Mega isn’t stepping away from the event entirely.
“I still want to be part of the Padang Cup. I just want to watch my friends compete and enjoy the event, but most importantly, I want to spend time in the water with my daughter and focus on taking care of my family.”
With grace, humility, and a deep love for both surfing and his community, Mega Semadhi continues to leave an unforgettable mark on the Rip Curl Cup—this time, from the shoreline.
2024 Trials Recap
Last year’s 2024 Trials set the bar sky-high, delivering one of the most unforgettable days in trials history. Perfect 6-foot waves rolled into the reef, setting the stage for best Indonesian surfers to showcase a masterclass in barrel riding.
Veterans like Made “Bol” Adi Putra and Garut Widiarta reminded everyone why they’re still kings of Padang Padang. But it was the new guard Bronson Meydi, Tommy Sobry, and Westen Hirst who turned heads with crazy late drops, deep barrels, and technical tuberiding. Bronson’s technical backside tube and Tommy’s buzzer-beater double barrel rewarded them spots in the main event alongside legends Bol & Garut
The women also showed up in a big way, turning the lineup into a battlefield of friendship and fierce competition. Taina Izquierdo came out on top, while Ziggy Mackenzie secured her place in the main event with some seriously gutsy surfing. The women’s side isn’t just catching up, it’s charging forward.
2025 Main Event Invitees
Thanks to standout performances in 2024, these surfers earned direct entry into this year’s main event:
| MENS: |
|---|
| Made Adi Putra (4th Place, Main Event) |
| Tommy Sobry (7th Place, Main Event) |
| Bronson Meydi (2024 World Junior Champ) |
| Westen Hirst (Rip Curl Wildcard) |
| Alik Rudiarta (Padang Boardriders Wildcard) |
| WOMENS: |
|---|
| Jasmine Studer (2nd Place, Main Event) |
| Kalani Johnson (4th Place, Main Event) |
2025 Men’s Trials Invitees:
Mega Artana, Garut Widiarta, Manik Rudita, Dylan Wilcoxen, Raditya Rondi, Koki Hendrawan, Koldo Illumbe, Putu Arya Gunata, Tumbling Sudiantara, Agus Sumertayasa, Oney Anwar, Made Satriawan, Pajar Ariana, Dhany Widianto, Made Mahendra, Lee Wilson, Komang Kopral, Ketut Agus, Agus Setiawan, Mustofa Jeksen, Rahtu Suargita, Rizal Tandjung, Tonjo Darmaputra, Usman Trioko
2025 Women’s Trials Invitees:
Taina Izquierdo, Ziggy Mackenzie, Lilliana Bowrey, Kya Jo Heuer
The Trials: Who’s In and What’s at Stake
This July, 24 men and 4 women will battle it out for a limited number of spots into the main event: 3 spots for the men, and 2 for the women.
How were invites chosen?
We’re mixing proven Padang Padang talent with fresh blood, based on clear criteria:
Men’s Invite Criteria:
- 3rd–8th Place, 2024 Main Event
- 5th–8th Place, 2024 Trials
- Top 4 WQS Asia Region
- Top 2 Pro Junior Asia Region
- 2 Rip Curl Wildcards
- 2 Past Champions
- 4 Padang Specialists
2025 Event Schedule:
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Rip Curl Cup Trials: | July 1st - 31st |
| Opening Ceremony: | August 3rd |
| Main Event Waiting Period: | August 4th - September 4th |
2025 Event Merchandise
The history of the Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang runs deep like the Indian Ocean.
Over the years, the Cup has created its own mythology comprised of heroes, villains, and legends — much like the mystical island of Bali itself that plays host to this unique annual gathering.
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