Australian Jamie Mitchell has claimed the World Surf League Big Wave Tour Nazare Challenge on Tuesday with the iconic Portuguese underwater canyon delivering massive 10-metre-plus waves for the world's best big wave surfers.
"I have never made a final before today so to win is unreal, I knew I was close to doing well in a whole event," Mitchell said.
"To put together a whole contest from start to finish is actually more exciting than just the win today. I felt comfortable out there, my board felt amazing and that gave me a bunch of confidence."
A capacity crowd of big-wave enthusiasts gathered by the landmark lighthouse on the point looking down at the biggest waves ever paddled in Portugal.
Halfway through the final, Mitchell committed to an incredibly late drop on a lefthander, grabbing the rail of his board to engage into a bottom turn before being eaten by the mountain of white water behind him.
He later surfaced with his equipment and was rewarded an excellent 8.67 for his effort to steal the lead from Brazil's Carlos Burle.
The Australian quickly put a second score on the board to cement his lead and hold throughout the remainder of the final.
US surfer Billy Kemper in action during the Nazare Challenge. Source: EPA
Mitchell walked away with his maiden Big Wave Tour victory at the Nazare Challenge, a result earning 12,500 ranking points and rocketing him from 13th to 5th on the tour rankings.
"I got into a good rhythm at other events but lost it at some point, but this one I managed to keep it and it feels amazing," he said.
Burle, a long-time competitor and 2009 Big Wave Tour Champion, finished runner-up in his last season as a competitor.
"I'm super proud of my body, it was a tough event all-around in this cold weather, dropping huge waves and getting pounded all-day long," he said.
"I made the final and came close to winning, against the best guys in the world."
Joao De Macedo of Portugal finished third.
