Ilagan Earns Fourth LQS Win In Dominant Form, First Steel Pier Classic Win, Silvagni Goes Back-to-Back, Plays Ultimate Spoiler In North America Finale, Plus Van Wagoner and Diaz Claim 2025/2026 North America Longboard Regional Victories

Author: Nichols

An all-important Finals Day is set Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic Presented by Katin, a men's and women's World Surf League (WSL) Regional Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000-level event. Some of the best conditions Virginia Beach can provide were delivered with two-to-three-foot, clean and lined up waves for the region's best to put on a showcase of footwork and style. Men's Round of 16 shifted toward head-to-head women's Quarterfinals, and men's Quarterfinals to set up a massive conclusion. Defending event winner Tony Silvagni, current No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner, reigning regional victors Cole Robbins (USA) and Malia Ilagan, Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez, and current No. 2 Liv Stokesjoin a stacked Finals Day list.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. start.Martinez delivered the women's best performance of Day 2 in the Quarterfinals. - WSL / O'Donnell

Martinez Dismantles No. 1, Ilagan Continues Playing Disrupter in Virginia Beach

An incredible showing from Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez provided the upset of the event so far. A back-and-forth battle between current No. 1 Lia Diaz and Martinez provided fireworks as Diaz's 7.17 (out of a possible 10) gave her a slight advantage before Martinez locked into a gem at her home break and posted a 7.50 to overtake the lead. Quickly backing it up, Martinez earned a 5.90 to push Diaz's requirement up as the Costa Rican fell shy of the score on her final attempts. Now, Martinez and current No. 2 Liv Stokes remain in the hunt for the North America Regional Longboard title.

"It's amazing to have a chance at the regional title. Especially being in my hometown, it just feels so great," said Martinez. "I knew what I needed to. Just be on the best waves and perform on them. I'm so happy and ready for Finals Day. Lia [Diaz] is such a good surfer and knew that would be a really tough one, and it felt nice to get another win against her after she got me in Pismo."

Malia Ilagan (ASM) looks for a fourth LQS victory heading into Finals Day. - WSL / Nichols

2025/2026 North America Longboard Regional victor Malia Ilagan bested fellow former WSL Longboard Tour competitor Maria Fernanda Reyes. After a tough result in Pismo Beach, Ilagan fell out of contention for defending her regional victory, but still showed she's one of the region's best with an impressive win over Reyes as she posted a 12.27 (out of a possible 20) heat total.

"It's incredible to see waves like this in Virginia Beach. This is the best we've ever gotten in the four years of competing at this event," said Ilagan. "There were plenty on offer, especially with the head-to-head heats, it's way less aggressive out there (laughs). The last time we got to do head-to-head it was small and slow, so whoever got the wave got the scores. So this year to have consistent waves where we'll get to surf it out is amazing even though I'm not in the running for the regional title this year."

Robbins and Van Wagoner Remain Atop Leaderboard, Silvagni Ready to Spoil Regional Race

Reigning North America Longboard Regional victor Cole Robbins (USA) can defend his title on Finals Day. - WSL / Nichols

It all comes down to Finals Day for both the men and women after blistering performances from the men's rankings leaders looking to earn their place onto the WSL Longboard Tour. Cole Robbins kicked the Round of 16 into high gear with a dominant 15.17 heat total alongside fellow Top 4 Kai McPhillips, also advancing. Then, Robbins maintained that rhythm to keep the pace with No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner (USA) into the Semifinals after besting the East Coast's standout Tommy Coleman.

"My relationship with Finals Day is one I want to keep going (laughs). It feels great to make another Semifinal and get to battle with these guys when the level is so high," said Robbins. "It's funny because for me, I felt like I was scrambling a bit with all the good waves coming in. This is the best Virginia Beach I've ever surfed. I'm really excited for a head-to-head with Kai. I've known him since he was a baby, surfing against his father, and it's amazing to see how far he's come as such an incredible surfer. You really have to bring your A-game every heat at these events."

Tony Silvagni (USA) isn't going down without a fight heading into the Semifinals - WSL / Nichols

Following Van Wagoner's Quarterfinal win, Silvagni is sidelined in the North America Longboard Regional title hunt, but remains an extreme threat for his event title defense. Silvagni's event-best performance was eclipsed in his Quarterfinal bout against wildcard standout Saxon Wilsonwith an 18.67 heat total. Silvagni's world-class potential was tested by Wilson, but the Longboard Tour veteran, Silvagni, rose to the occasion with an excellent 8.00 despite Wilson's impressive 7.33 surge.

Then, Silvagni shut the door on Wilson with an immaculate 9.00 after a lengthy nose ride and footwork that led to an end section slam before ending the heat with a 9.67. Now, the showdown for the 2025/2026 regional victory heads into the Semifinals after wins from McPhillips and Van Wagoner to set up an iconic Finals Day draw.

"I knew that was going to be a tough heat coming up against Saxon. He's such a good surfer, and he's beaten me a few times, but my new board, 'The One' model, is amazing in these waves, so I'm stoked," said Silvagni. "The last few heats have been a good statement. I've been putting a lot of effort into my strength and conditioning to become stronger and have more stamina. I feel like that's what has been lacking in my competitive surfing, so I'm stoked to see it all paying off."

This event is proudly sponsored by Coastal Edge, Katin, and the City of Virginia Beach.