Caption: Gabriel Medina (left) celebrates the 2015 WSL Title

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 17, 2015) - After what can only be called the most dramatic day in pro surfing history, Brazilian Adriano de Souza (BRA) has clinched the 2015 World Surf League (WSL) Title at the world-renowned Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii. In the process, he also became the first Brazilian to win the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons.

Surfing for ten years amongst the world's elite and setting the stage for the rise of the 'Brazilian Storm,' De Souza's Title clinching performance came with a significant wave of emotions, as he dedicated the victory to fallen compatriot Ricardo dos Santos who died earlier this year.

"It's an incredible feeling and so special in dedication to my good friend Ricardo dos Santos," de Souza said. "I have this tattoo in memory of him -- he had the same tattoo that said 'Strength, Balance and Love,' and that's all I needed to win this World Title. This is all in dedication to my brother as well, who bought me my first surfboard for seven dollars and now I'm on top of the world. What a dream to be a Pipeline Champion Master like Jamie [O'Brien] and Kelly [Slater] and Bede Durbidge, just so many names going through my brain now. There's no words to describe how I'm feeling right now."

The final day of the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour began with three contenders in the hunt for the world surfing crown - Mick Fanning (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA) and de Souza. Fanning's Quarterfinal win over 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) ousted Medina from the race, but a late big air maneuver from Medina in their Semifinal eliminated the Australian from competition, crowning De Souza the new World Champion.

Taking down an explosive wildcard in Mason Ho (HAW) for a Semifinal win, de Souza claimed the coveted World Title after a loss earlier in the year at the Moche Rip Curl Pro had him doubting his chances heading into Pipeline.

"About midway through the year I thought Mick deserved the World Title more than me," de Souza said. "He's such a strong man and a three-time World Champ battling me for my first title was scary. I just wanted to give my best wishes to Mick and his mom -- I had such a mix of emotions, but the day of my life has arrived."

Fanning came into Pipeline having won his first-ever Hawaiian event at the Vans World Cup of Surfing and looked to be the favorite to win the World Title. But after being eliminated by Medina, his Title chances were left to Ho who couldn't seal it for the three-time WSL Champion despite Fanning's incredible win over Kelly Slater (USA).

"The energy's been amazing walking down to the shore," Fanning said. "I'm almost in tears every time I 've paddled out and I'm just kind of going with the emotions. I had a friend tell me once that we can do anything and you just have to do it the best you can and stay true to yourself and things will happen."

Claiming Runner-up status at the Billabong Pipe Masters for the second, consecutive year and the first Brazilian to earn a Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title, Gabriel Medina (BRA) achieved a phenomenal comeback after a tough start to 2015. Turning his season around at the Billabong Pro Tahiti with a Runner-Up finish, the defending WSL Champion stood proud hoisting his well-deserved trophy.

"I'm really stoked to be the first Brazilian to win a Triple Crown - it was actually my goal coming to Hawaii," Medina said. "This year has been difficult for me when I lost the first four events and everyone said I wouldn't have a shot at the World Title. I'm so thankful to come here and be a part of the World Title race. I'm so happy to make the Final, it was a tough heat against Mick and I got the score I needed in the last minute and I couldn't ask for anything better. I'm so excited for Adriano to win his first World Title and Pipe Master - I know he's been dreaming for ages and he did everything he could."

Billabong Pipe Master Final Results:

1- Adriano De Souza (BRA) 14.07
2- Gabriel Medina (BRA) 8.50