It’s been one of surfing’s worst kept secrets, up there with Noa Deane’s switch from Rusty to Volcom, but it is now confirmed – The 2017 Titans Of Mavericks event has been cancelled.

Last week it was reported that both Cartel Management and Titans of Mavericks had filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy after their one and only sponsor, Red Bull leveled a breach of contract lawsuit at them to the tune of $400,000, leaving them with little choice.

The Times also reported that in its bankruptcy filings, Cartel faces claims of roughly $1.9 Million and Titans of Mavericks about $776,335,

It’s the latest in what seems to be a relentless string of controversies surrounding the event since its inception.

Do you remember the time in 2010 when spectators were taken out by a rogue wave? 13 people were injured and at least 40 people were knocked off their feet and washed into rocks and a concrete wall.

Or the time that local activist and opponent of the event John Ullom filed a cyber-bullying lawsuit against Cartel Management for creating a fake blog in his name in order to discredit him?

Or the time Titans of Mavericks didn’t want women surfing in their event, but then did, just not the woman who surfs Mavericks the most and coincidentally led the charge for them to be included?

Titans of Mavericks board member Brian Overfelt seemed surprised at the cancellation telling the times, “The event is totally done this year. It’s impossible. There’s no way this event will happen. We were completely and totally blindsided.”

Reportedly invitees to the event had already begun arriving in town before hearing the news.

They’ll come anyway,” Overfelt said. “They always do. We could still hold this thing. But we won’t. It’s over. And we’re not kooks.”