The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy may be one of, if not the most luxurious invitational surf contest in the world. Each year a small but unique concoction of surfing personalities that often includes former CT competitors, some of the world’s most stylish free surfers and rising stars come together to compete in the event held at Sultans, the premiere right hand set up in the North Male Atoll.

Surfers and their families are put up in the floating five star paradise that is the Four Seasons Hotel. Each day competitors are whisked on a luxury boat out to Sultans where they compete in three different categories: thruster, twin-fin and single fin. They’re given points based on their positioning for each division and the two surfers with the highest total accumulated points duke it out in a final for a shot at the $25,000 USD prize.

This year’s lineup is made up of Craig Anderson, Owen Wright, Michel Bourez and Jesse Mendes. It’s a melting pot of different surfing personalities which will make for unique viewing. You have the effortless style of Ando, who has been getting the reps in a rashie this year after competing in the Capitulo Perfeito in March, the hungry competitive prowess of Sierra who will bring a new school above the lip approach. You also wonder if Owen, Michel and Jesse will roll back the clock and channel their inner beast from their CT days.

The star studded crew will also be joined by local Maldivian wildcard Ismail ‘Smiley’ Rasheed.

Previous winners and competitors have included the likes of Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Mikey February, Adriano de Souza, Jeremy Flores, Matt Wilkinson and more.

The waiting period for the event will run from 4-11 September.