Hawaii’s John John Florence broke through with his first win on the Association of Surfing Professionals world tour on Wednesday, beating Joel Parkinson of Australia in the final of the Billabong Rio Pro at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Florence, 19, beat Parkinson 16.37-11.44 and rose to fifth, tied with Taj Burrow, in the WCT rankings. Parkinson took over the top spot from fellow Australian Mick Fanning by reaching the final.

Florence beat Josh Kerr of Australia 17.94-11.86 in the semifinals and beat Julian Wilson, another Aussie, 14.94-9.43 in the quarterfinals.

It is Florence’s third win this year, but first major victory. He took the Volcom Pipe Pro in February and Drug Aware Pro in Australia in March.

"This is the best feeling in the world," Florence said. "I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats."

Florence will take two weeks off before competing in the Volcom Fiji Pro beginning June 3.