Kelly Slater became the first person to win 10 World Surf League men’s world titles.
Slater secured his 10th championship in 2010, extending a record that he later increased to 11 titles in 2011. The achievement was notable because professional surfing careers are exposed to changing waves, injuries, travel demands and strong competition across many seasons.
His first world title came in 1992, so the record reflects nearly two decades between his breakthrough and the 10-title milestone. Slater’s success across different generations helped make him one of surfing’s most recognizable athletes.
The number refers to season-long world championships, not ten victories in one contest or ten consecutive titles. Mark Richards won four men’s world championships, while John John Florence and Joel Parkinson are among the other highly successful champions but did not reach Slater’s 10-title milestone.