Cornish Surfer Ben Skinner Claims Dramatic Victory at La Union International Pro
World No. 3 Ends 15-Year Wait for Major WSL Win With Emotional Buzzer-Beater Performance
Ben Skinner, the 41-year-old Cornish longboarder currently ranked third in the world, has ended a nearly 15-year drought without a major WSL victory, claiming a dramatic and emotional win at the La Union International Pro in the Philippines.
The father of four secured his place on the 2026 Longboard Tour with a stunning buzzer-beater performance that saw constant lead changes in the dying moments of the final. When the final hooter sounded, the four finalists waited anxiously on the beach as scores came through, with Skinner’s final wave earning an 8.17 — the only excellent score of the entire day — to leapfrog him from outside the podium positions to victory.
“I don’t know what to say, I just can’t,” an emotional Skinner said after being chaired up the beach. “I just want to thank you all for this event, La Union, you’ve been so special to us. The local community, the waves, the weather. Honestly, we cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts.”
The victory marks a significant milestone for Skinner, who has been a mainstay on the Longboard Tour for over two decades. Despite placing runner-up in at least eight events during his long wait for victory, the Cornishman has adapted and thrived as competitive longboarding has evolved around him, proving himself a threat against any opponent.
This week also held special personal significance, as Skinner competed alongside his son, Lukas Skinner, for the first time at a WSL Longboard event. The accomplished shaper, who provides boards for many of the world’s best longboarders, claimed the victory riding one of his own designs.
Throughout the event at Monaliza Point, Skinner was the only international competitor to consistently match the performances of the formidable local Filipino contingent. In the final, he faced stiff competition from hometown heroes Rogelio Jr Esquievel, the current World No. 8, and Jomarie Ebueza, along with American veteran Tony Silvagni.
“These guys and girls from the Philippines are raising the level of longboarding globally, not just here in the Philippines,” Skinner said. “Honestly, these guys are some of my favorite surfers in the world right now, so to beat them was epic. I’m back, baby!”
The La Union International Pro, held from January 20-24 at Urbiztondo Beach, provided three-to-four-foot conditions with the long rights that Monaliza Point is renowned for, setting the perfect stage for Skinner’s triumphant return to the winner’s circle.
Photo Credits:
Main photo – WSL / Cait Miers
