Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca Opens 2026 Junior Qualifying Series

Rabat – Casablanca is hosting the opening stage of the 2026 Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) for Europe and Africa, with the Morocco Mall Junior Pro bringing young surfers from across both continents to Ain Diab Beach.

The competition runs from May 6 to May 10, marking the first stop of the season. Organized jointly by the European and African surfing circuits, the event awards ranking points to competitors from both regions. 

Nearly 184 surfers from close 15 countries are taking part in the tournament, including 128 men and 56 women.

The last edition in 2024 saw victories for Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri of the Basque Country and France’s Noa Dupouy. This year’s field is equally strong, with several rising stars aiming to make their mark.

Notable Moroccan participation

Morocco has a notable presence, with nine surfers competing, five men and four women. Among them are Maria Elouedhiri, Agouri Inass, Driss Makoua, and Tareq Tehraoui, who received special invitations. 

Their involvement shows the growing momentum of surfing in Morocco, especially with Casablanca positioned as a hub for international youth competitions.

Spain’s Carla Morera De La Vall and Alfonso Suarez enter as favorites. Suarez claimed the European junior title in 2025 after a tight race, while De La Vall, a finalist last season, is widely considered to be a strong contender for the crown.

From Africa, South Africans Ben Esterhuysen and Levi Epenetos lead the charge, having finished among the top ten last year. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to push for regional dominance.

For Morocco, the event is more than a competition. It is a showcase of the country’s growing surf culture, bringing international attention to Ain Diab beach and offering young Moroccan athletes the chance to compete against the best from Europe and Africa.

With nearly 200 surfers, strong local representation, and international favorites, the Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca sets the tone for the 2026 JQS season. 

For Moroccan fans, it is a chance to see homegrown talent tested against elite rivals, reinforcing Casablanca’s place on the global surfing map.