The world’s best big wave surfers gathered on Friday night in Anaheim, Calif., for the 2015 World Surf League Big Wave Awards. The ceremony honored the greatest rides of the last year and honored the tenets of the big wave community.

Hawaii’s Makuakai Rothman was officially crowned last season’s WSL Big Wave Tour Champion. He accepted the award via satellite from South America following his victory at the Quiksilver Ceremonial on Friday morning in Punta de Lobos, Chile.  

"It was another spectacular year of big wave surfing, all around the globe," said Bill Sharp, Big Wave Award Event Director and Founder. "This year there is a complete assortment of countries where amazing waves were ridden. It might even be the most internationally represented season ever in the 15 years since I started the Big Wave Awards."

Viewers worldwide tuned into the live streaming webcast while 2,000 VIP attended the awards ceremony.

2015 WSL Big Wave Awards Winners:

2014/15 ASP Big Wave Tour Champion: Makuakai Rothman (HAW)

Tube of the Year: Matahi Drollet
Photographer: Tim McKenna

Billabong Women’s Best Overall Performance: Paige Alms (HAW)

Wipeout of the Year Award: Benjamin Sanchis (FRA)
Videographer: Michael Darrigade

Biggest Paddle: Jamie Mitchell (AUS)
Photographer: Frank Pompermayer

Surfline Best Overall Performance: Shane Dorian (HAW)

XXL Biggest Wave: Sebastian Steudtner (GER)
Photographer: Mike Jones

Billabong Ride of the Year: Shane Dorian (HAW)