23-30 September 2008, Philippines
Local ace Edito Alcala, who learned to surf at the revered break on the remote island of Siargao, rode barrel after perfect barrel to beat defending title-holder Wade Goodall (Caloundra, Qld, Aus) in a tight 35-minute man-on-man final in epic 2-2.5 metre barrelling waves. "I'm so happy," said Alcala, who surfed away with $7,500 (USD) for his efforts. "It's a dream come true to win this event and beating the reigning champion in the final makes it that much more sweeter. I'm stoked."