PICO ALTO, Peru -- Thursday, July 3, 2014 -- Hawaiian Makua Rothman claimed victory today at the Billabong Pico Alto event in Peru, battling 40-foot seas and a field of the world’s best watermen to take out the first event of the 2014/2015 ASP BWWT season.

“I didn’t even know what was going on during that wave (his 9.40 out of a possible 10),” Rothman said. “I thought I was going over the falls, but I figured I’d just try and hang on. I’m just stoked to be here and stoked to win. This is my first event ever on the Big Wave World Tour and I can’t put into words what this means.”

The six-man Final boasted a “who’s who” of the global big wave community with reigning world champion Grant “Twiggy” Baker (ZAF) leading Greg Long (USA), Gabriel Villaran (PER) Shawn Dollar (USA) and Anthony Tashnick into the brink, but it was newcomer Rothman that came out on top, announcing himself as a major threat on the BWWT.

“This was so great to have waves here in Peru,” Rothman said. “I went on the ‘QS for years and just struggled, but this is where I belong. I am so honored to surf with Greg Long and Twiggy (Grant Baker) and Dollar (Shawn Dollar) and everyone who steps up and takes off on big waves. You are all the reason I’m here today.” 

A new father, Rothman left straight from the hospital to hop on a plane and travel to Peru - a risk that would pay off in a career-changing win for the new family man as well as an ignited fervor in challenging for the big wave crown.

“I just want to say I love you to my daughter who was born two days ago,” Rothman said. “I wore her hospital bracelet the whole time and now I can’t take it off. I don’t even know what to say, I’m happy.”

Billabong Pico Alto Final Results:

1. Makua Rothman (HAW) 27.33
2. Anthony Tashnick (USA) 22.00
3. Shawn Dollar (USA) 20.26
4. Gabriel Villaran (PER) 16.80
5. Grant Baker (ZAF) 16.00
6. Greg Long (USA) 7.00