Kelly Slater holds the record for the most World Surf League men’s world titles, with 11 championships.
The American surfer won his first world title in 1992 and his 11th in 2011. His championships span several eras of professional surfing, and he became known for combining powerful turns, aerial ability and precise wave selection with exceptional competitive consistency.
Slater also became the youngest men’s world champion when he first won the title at age 20. His 11-title record surpassed the previous mark associated with Australian great Mark Richards, who won four championships.
The World Surf League and its predecessor organizations have changed names and competition structures over time, but Slater’s total is generally cited as the men’s record in professional surfing. Individual event wins are a different statistic from season-long world titles.