Nine tow-in teams (jet-ski pilot and surfer) will be competing, with António Laureano accompanied by British Laura Crane and Nicolau von Rupp, with Frenchman Clement Roseyro as his teammate.

Among the participants, the highlight is the return of Garrett McNamara, the former record holder for giant waves (in 2011 he broke the record for the biggest wave surfed at Praia do Norte, in Nazaré).

After some time away from competition, the 57-year-old Hawaiian surfer is back and will once again be partnered by British surfer Andrew Cotton, also a big wave legend.

The event will also feature Brazilian Lucas 'Chumbo' Chianca, who has already won the Best Male Performance at the event several times and returns with his partner from the 2024 Best Team Performance, fellow Brazilian Pedro 'Scooby' Vianna.

Frenchwoman Justine Dupont, who has also won in the women's competition, returns to Nazaré alongside Brazilian Éric Rebière, and the Hawaiian duo formed by Kai Lenny and Ian Walsh should also participate.

Another highlight is the participation of Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa, who achieved the world record for the biggest wave surfed in 2017, which has now been broken. The Brazilian will be joined by his compatriot Vítor Faria.

The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge features 18 of the world's best 'big riders', including internationally renowned surfers and locals from Nazaré, divided into nine teams.

Each team member will alternate between surfing the waves and driving the jet ski. Teams will be divided into three groups, and each group will participate in two 40-minute heats. Three awards will be up for grabs: Best Male Performance, Best Female Performance and Best Team Performance.