Who Won the Eddie 2024 Surfing? Lucas Chumbo Takes Title

By Sarah Miller · April 16, 2050

In 2024, the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was won by Lucas Chumbo of Brazil. The event, held at Waimea Bay on January 6, 2024, marked its first official call-in since 2019 due to the rare combination of massive, rideable swells meeting safety conditions. Chumbo delivered a standout performance in 50-foot+ waves, securing victory with powerful, deep drops and high-speed cutbacks.

What Is the Eddie 2024 Surfing Competition?

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, commonly known as “The Eddie”, is one of the most revered big wave surfing events in the world. Held only when wave faces consistently reach 20 feet (Hawaiian scale), the competition honors legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau, who disappeared during a rescue mission in 1978.

Key Facts About the Eddie 2024

Official Name: The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Year Held: 2024 (first since 2019)
Date: January 6, 2024
Location: Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Wave Conditions: 30–50 foot faces (Hawaiian scale = double measured height)
Format: Single elimination, 28 invited surfers
Judging Criteria: Commitment, degree of difficulty, wave selection, and execution

Lucas Chumbo: The 2024 Champion

Brazilian big wave surfer Lucas “Chumbo” Toledo claimed his first Eddie title in dramatic fashion. Known for his fearless approach and mastery in heavy water, Chumbo dominated the final heat with two high-scoring rides.

Why Chumbo Won

Consistently paddled into the biggest, most dangerous waves
Executed controlled cutbacks and deep carves on steep faces
Demonstrated superior wave judgment under pressure
Scored the highest single-wave score of the day: 9.2/10

Event Highlights and Conditions

The 2024 edition was historic, activated after a five-year waiting period. Organizers waited for a specific storm system in the North Pacific that generated clean, groundswell energy hitting Waimea Bay at the right angle and size.

Notable Moments from Eddie 2024

First call-in since 2019 due to perfect swell alignment and size
Waves ranged from 30 to over 50 feet face height
Safety teams deployed jet skis and medics on standby
Koa Smith and Gabriel Villaran also delivered standout performances
No major injuries reported despite extreme conditions

Surfer	Nationality	Highest Wave Score	Total Heat Score	Finish Position
Lucas Chumbo	Brazil	9.2	17.8	1st
Koa Smith	South Africa	8.9	16.7	2nd
Gabriel Villaran	Peru	8.6	16.1	3rd
John John Florence	USA (Hawaii)	8.4	15.3	Semifinals
Andrea Moller	Brazil	8.1	14.9	Quarterfinals

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Lucas Chumbo's dominance through both consistency and peak performance. His total heat score of 17.8 was 1.1 points higher than second-place Koa Smith, reflecting not just one great ride but sustained excellence. Notably, all top three finishers demonstrated exceptional paddle power, as jet ski assistance was prohibited in this edition.

Significance of the 2024 Eddie Win

Winning the Eddie is considered a career-defining achievement in big wave surfing. Unlike WSL Championship Tour events, The Eddie emphasizes raw courage, wave knowledge, and respect for Hawaiian ocean culture.

Legacy and Impact

Reinforces Waimea Bay as a benchmark for big wave performance
Highlights global talent in big wave surfing beyond traditional powerhouses
Promotes safety and environmental awareness in extreme surfing
Boosts visibility for non-jet ski tow-in disciplines

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eddie 2024 Surfing Event

Who won the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in 2024?

Lucas Chumbo from Brazil won the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay on January 6, 2024, delivering dominant rides in 50-foot waves.

Why was the Eddie not held before 2024?

The Eddie requires consistent 20-foot Hawaiian scale waves (40+ feet face height). The event wasn't called in between 2019 and 2024 due to lack of suitable swell conditions meeting safety and quality thresholds.

How are winners judged in the Eddie competition?

Surfers are scored on commitment, degree of difficulty, wave selection, and execution. Judges prioritize risk management, control, and riding the largest, most challenging waves.

Was jet ski assistance allowed in the 2024 Eddie?

No, the 2024 Eddie was a paddle-in only event, meaning surfers had to paddle out without motorized assistance, increasing physical demands and authenticity.

Where can I watch footage from the Eddie 2024?

Official highlights and full event replays are available on the World Surf League website and YouTube channel, along with coverage from Surfline and Red Bull.