Buzzer Beater Crowns Ilan Chouard Junior Champion at the 2026 Pascuales Bodyboard Pro

PASCUALIS, MEXICO – July 4, 2026 – Day 2 of the 2026 Pascuales Bodyboard Pro delivered a historic and nail-biting conclusion to the Junior Men Rising Series. In a dramatic battle that came down to the final seconds, local talent rose to the top, setting the stage for the upcoming main Men’s division.

Key Highlights:

• Mexico’s Ilan Chouard claimed the Junior Men’s title in the final 10 seconds of the heat;
• Both Damiano Bonazzi and Ilan Chouard put on clinics throughout the day;
• France’s Athanäé Blanchard scored a near-perfect 9.50 in the Semifinals, the highest single-wave score of the event so far;
• Seven athletes successfully battled through the grueling Men’s Trials to secure their spots in the main Men’s Rising Series event.
• The Men’s Round 1 is set to launch tomorrow, featuring heavyweights like world number two Amaury Lavernhe and Pierre-Louis Costes, who is chasing his historic 60th world tour podium.

By the time the Final rolled around, the ocean had slowed down slightly, and a light onshore breeze began to affect the lineup. However, the drop in wave consistency only heightened the drama.

Chouard and Bonazzi engaged in a fierce, tactical battle, trading the lead multiple times. As the clock ticked down, Chouard seemed to have the win within reach. But with just one minute remaining, Bonazzi found a clean section and executed a flawless ride to score a 7.75, flipping the leaderboard and leaving Chouard needing another score.

With a mere 10 seconds left on the buzzer, a final wave loomed on the horizon. Chouard paddled hard, dropped in, and launched a spectacular backflip to score an 8.75. The last-second wave brought his winning combined total to 15.25 (8.75 + 6.50), securing an emotional victory on home soil.

In addition to the Junior crown, the day saw the completion of the Men’s Trials, where seven elite competitors successfully earned their slots into the main draw of the Men’s Rising Series.

Tomorrow, the focus shifts entirely to the Men’s division with a 6:00 AM local call for a sharp 6:30 AM start. Round 1 will be a non-elimination round, offering a safety net where trailing athletes drop into the repechage rounds rather than facing immediate elimination.

Stay tuned to the official IBC World Tour digital channels for live streaming, real-time scoring, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

About the IBC

The International Bodyboarding Comitee (IBC) is the official governing body for the professional bodyboarding world tour. Dedicated to the global growth, development, and promotion of the sport, the IBC organizes world-class competitive events across multiple divisions, ensuring the world’s best athletes have a premium platform to showcase their talents.

About the Rising Series

The IBC Rising Series serves as the vital competitive pathway for emerging talent and regional athletes aiming to transition to the elite tiers of professional bodyboarding. Offering crucial ranking points and direct qualifying routes to Major Grand Finals—such as the Gran Canaria Fronton King—the Rising Series fosters the next generation of world champions. to the elite tiers of professional bodyboarding. Offering crucial ranking points and direct qualifying routes to Major Grand Finals, such as the Gran Canaria Fronton King, the Rising Series fosters the next generation of world champions.

Follow the Tour:

• Official Website: www.ibcworldtour.com

• YouTube: @IBCWorldTour

• Instagram: @ibcworld_tour

• TikTok: @ibcworldtour

• Spotify: IBC World Tour

Sponsors and Partners Organizado por: Club Perla Negra SPEU ( Surfing Profesional del Estado Unido ) Asociación Mexicana de Bodyboard Presidente: Gene Paul Blaney

En colaboración con: Gobierno Municipal de Tecomán Dirección de Turismo de Tecomán Dirección de Juventud y Deporte de Tecomán Dirección de Cultura Manzanillo

Socios de Media y Diseño : Melenuda Vision Budeo Bodyboard Club

Patrocinadores: Hotel Real de Pascuales y Tsunami Restaurante OPINCO Operadora Internacional de Colima SEDIPSSA Comercializadora JIA COMANI Industrial Secret Spot Surf Shop Catorce Brand Licras Deportivas INDEPENDENT BODYBOARDS, Chimú Fins y Mutant Ecojoy Adventures Tours BHM project BDR Boardshop Juanitos Cantina