The trophy awarded to winners of the Bells Beach professional surf contest is called The Bell.
The tradition comes from the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. Winners receive a bronze bell, reflecting the event’s famous association with the phrase “You should’ve been here yesterday,” a reference to the unpredictability of surf conditions and the bell-ringing celebration.
The contest began as the Bells Beach Surf Classic in 1961 and became one of the longest-running events in professional surfing. It has been part of the elite men’s tour and, in various formats, the women’s tour as well.
The trophy is not the same thing as the event title. Sponsorship has changed over time, but the bell tradition has remained a recognizable part of the competition’s identity.