Fabiano Wainberg, a 43-year-old surfer from Porto Alegre, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being nominated for the prestigious Big Wave Challenge, the premier global event for big wave surfing. His nomination follows a thrilling surf ride on one of the largest waves during the 2025/2026 season at Nazaré, Portugal, a renowned hotspot known for its colossal waves and challenging surf conditions. The recognition is particularly significant as Wainberg is the only athlete from Rio Grande do Sul to receive this honor, showcasing not just his skill, but also the talent that exists in the region.

Wainberg expressed his immense pride in being able to represent Porto Alegre and his home state on such a global stage. He views this nomination as the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport. The wave he rode, which contributed to this prestigious recognition, was surfed back in November 2025. Notably, Wainberg was not officially competing at the time but was engaged in his annual freesurfing season in Europe, a testament to his commitment and love for the sport.

His fifth season in Nazaré has been pivotal, not just for his surfing career, but also for elevating the visibility of Brazilian surfers on the international scene. Wainberg's achievement brings attention to the surfing talent in Brazil, particularly in the southern states, and inspires many aspiring surfers from the region to pursue their dreams of riding the giants of the ocean.