Seven
The number of Pipe Masters trophies Slater has in storage. His first came in 1992, he bagged four more that decade and his last just twelve months ago. No one else comes close. Tom Carroll earned three in the 80s/90s while Andy Irons bagged four in his prime. Slater needs Mick and Gabs to bomb early and then has to win the event outright to bag his 12th World Title and his eighth Masters. He’s recovering from broken toes, is forty freaking two and hasn’t won a contest all year but he is still the undisputed king. He gives himself a 5% chance of pulling it off. I’d triple those odds before I’d take money on them.
Zero
The number of Pipe Masters trophies John John Florence has in storage. Florence wants this event harder than six-year-olds want Santa to move in next door. He’s the local favourite and his time is now. Coming so close last year gutted him. Online bookies have Florence odds on to win this year. If Gabriel and Mick stumble early Kelly and Florence will likely square up to decide the world title. And wouldn’t that be a heat?
Two
The number of wild card entrants into this year’s event (unless Eddie Rothman gets his way). Local pipe specialists have the potential to upset the title apple cart so limiting their number will favour Gabs and Mick. In previous years as many as 16 slots have been allocated to appease the Hawaiians and in 2004 local wild card Jamie O’Brien blitzed the entire field and won the event. JOB will be super-psyched this season after being banned last year. Reckon he’ll care who he takes down along the way?
Fifth
Medina’s best result in the Pipeline Masters from three starts. It was his 2011 debut as a 17-year-old beach break specialist. If that generalisation was ever true it was erased at Teahupoo this year. Gabbie won every heat of what many were calling the best surf contest in history and proved he has the minerals in big heavy caves. Pipe’s a different beast but the Teahupoo win will give him confidence. He’ll need it. Medina only needs to better his worst ever Pipe performance (13th) to win his and Brazils first ever World Title. He’s in the box seat. The only remaining question: can he handle the pressure?
Infinity
The number of unknowns the Pacific Ocean could throw into the equation. It could be big, perfect Pipe or a thrilling Backdoor shootout. It might be small and tricky. There could be mega lulls. Broken boards. Stolen boards. Head injuries. Eddie Rothman. Sharks. Eddie Rothman on a shark with head injuries. Just about anything could happen. It’s what makes the Pipe Masters the best event of the year.
