Hawaii big wave surfer Makuakai Rothman won the opening event of the 2015/2016 World Surf League Big Wave season in 20-foot-plus surf at Punta de Lobos, Chile.

Rothman, the reigning Big Wave Tour world champion, edged Chile’s Cristian Merello to take the Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile.

Rothman’s two best waves scored 8.13 and 8.03, besting Merello’s 8.3 and 6.57 scores.

The event featured 24 of the best big wave surfers including Grant Baker and Greg Long.

The last time the Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile was held was in 2011.