The start of the anticipated 2019 Championship Tour is quickly approaching. And on April 3, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be the first events to feature a new Championship Tour format.

The new format updates will be integrated with the goal to increase head-to-head competition and streamline advancement from Round 3 to the Finals. Additionally, all head-to-head heats have the option to ‘overlap', which means two heats can run at the same time.

"As we continue to evolve and improve all areas of the sport, we have made important format updates to the Championship Tour," said Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO. "Our goal is to further raise performance levels with a surfer-first mentality, while also engaging the fans. We hope that going straight to head-to-head matchups from Round 3 onwards will drive more direct competition while making the format more engaging for viewers."

Rounds 1 and 2 for men and women will be 3-surfer heats. The first and second place surfers from Round 1 will advance directly to Round 3. The lowest placing surfer in each Round 1 heat will be seeded into Round 2. Round 1 will serve as the only non-elimination round, giving the lowest scoring competitor a second chance in Round 2. Round 2 will be the first elimination round with the lowest scoring surfer in each heat being eliminated from the event. From Round 3 onwards, each round is comprised of head-to head heats with only two competitors.

Learn more on our FAQ page.

Men's CT Format:

Round 1: Made up of twelve 3-man heats. The competitors that place in 1st and 2nd advance straight to Round 3. 3rd place surfers are seeded into Round 2.

Round 2: Made up of four 3-man heats and it is the first elimination round. The surfers that place in 1st and 2nd advance to round 3. The 3rd place surfer is eliminated from the event.

Round 3: Made up of sixteen 2-man heats. From Round 3 onwards, each round is comprised of head-to head heats involving only two competitors. The highest-placing surfer in each heat will advance to the next round; the lowest-placing surfer will be eliminated.

Round 4: Made up of eight 2-man heats.

Quarterfinals: Made up of four 2-man heats.

Semifinals: Made up of two 2-man heats.

Finals: Made up of one 2-man heat.

Women's CT Format:

Round 1: Made up of six 3-woman heats. The competitors that place in 1st and 2nd advance straight to Round 3. 3rd place surfers are seeded into Round 2.

Round 2: Made up of two 3-woman heats and it is the first elimination round. The surfers that place in 1st and 2nd advance to Round 3. The 3rd place surfer is eliminated from the event.

Round 3: Made up of eight 2-woman heats. From Round 3 onwards, each round is comprised of head-to head-heats involving only two competitors. The highest-placing surfer in each heat will advance to the next round; the lowest-placing surfer will be eliminated.

Quarterfinals: Made up of four 2-woman heats.

Semifinals: Made up of two 2-woman heats.

Finals: Made up of one 2-woman heat.

Round 1 winners will maintain or improve their seeding for Round 3, further encouraging higher competition stakes in Round 1.

Watch the first event of the 2019 Championship Tour season at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast live April 3-13 on Worldsurfleague.com and Facebook.