Durban’s Luke Thompson realises dream with Ballito Pro victory

Durbanite Luke Thompson fulfilled a childhood dream by winning the prestigious Ballito Pro Challenger Series event, held from 22 June and concluding this past weekend.

The 21-year-old, who took up surfing at the age of 10, said it was only after progressing through the heat stages that he truly began to believe he could go all the way.

“The entire beach was going mad,” he said. “It was definitely the proudest moment of my life so far.”

After three years of hard work and relentless training to compete on the Challenger Series, Thompson finally captured his first tour win — and did so on home soil. The Ballito Pro is regarded as the world’s oldest and longest-running professional surf event.

With his maiden Challenger Series victory now under his belt, Thompson is aiming for a top ten finish in the global standings. The World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series draws elite talent from Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, Tahiti Nui, North America and South America, all vying for international recognition and future qualification for the Championship Tour.

Thompson’s standout performance at Ballito marks a significant turning point in his young career and is likely to attract attention from global sponsors and brands.

“This was my first win on the Challenger Series — in fact, it was my first time even making the final,” he said. “I’ve been competing at this event for three years but never made it past the round of 16. It’s always been a dream of mine to win here because I basically grew up surfing this beach.

“I’ve been watching this tournament since I was about 10 years old, so winning it feels like the pinnacle of my career so far. It’s a super prestigious event and I’m honoured not just to compete, but to win.

“The entire week leading up to the win was unreal. I was with my family and my best friends. I had a solid programme with my coach and team, and a good structure in place. As I kept progressing through the heats and reached the final day, it hit me that I could actually go all the way — and when I did, it felt like a dream come true.

“I’ve never felt so much support in my career. The local crowd really lifted me up throughout the week. Just finishing waves and hearing the beach erupt — that was the proudest South African moment I’ve had,” said Thompson.