Owen Wright wins Quiksilver Pro New York

After 34 of the world's best surfers converged on Long Beach this week for the Quiksilver Pro New York-the sixth of 11 events on the Association of Surfing Professionals' World Tour, the first ASP contest ever held on the East Coast and the most lucrative surfing tournament in history - Owen Wright, of Australia, was crowned the winner of the Quik. Pro N.Y. Friday afternoon.

In what proved to be a stunning upset, Wright, with a final total surf score of 17.90, defeated 10-time ASP world champion Kelly Slater, of the United States, who had a total score of 14.53.  With thousands on-hand for the final event, both surfers, who advanced from the quarterfinal and semi-final rounds Friday morning, battled it out in what made for a thrilling matchup until the round's final minutes.

Throughout the final, Slater was trailing Wright, who placed big scores. Slater, however, battled back late in the round. But with two minutes remaining, Slater, who moved with tremendous speed, attempted to go for a major maneuver when his board snapped between his legs. From there, the clock ticked down, and Wright, remaining in the water, waited for the official call, and was eventually declared the winner.

After Wright returned to land, he was met with a rousing applause from fans across the beach, who cheered him on. Afterward, Wright, as well as Slater, both took to the Quiksilver podium, where Quiksilver CEO Bob McKnight presented Wright with a coveted winner's trophy, and a $300,000 check in prize money. Slater, who placed second, pocketed a cool $100,000, and thanked Long Beach for putting together an "amazing" event.

"It's been an amazing week," Slater said. "It's amazing-the sun came out ... the swell picked up. We almost didn't have the contest . . . and it all came together. I'm stoked for Owen, and congratulations. I'm stoked to be on the East Coast. Thanks for coming out."

In his speech, Wright thanked the ASP, Quiksilver and the City of Long Beach for working together to ensure that the competition took place, as well as his family and friends back home, who he said have been following the event and rooting him on. 

"I'm laughing it up right now," he said. "I've always wanted to be in the final with Kelly. Thank you Long Beach. Look at these waves! Definitely big thanks to Quiksilver for putting on the event-it's huge. Thanks guys."