Organizers have given the official green light for the Thriller at Killers big wave event to run this Saturday, February 7, 2026, with a massive swell bearing down on Killers—the deepwater break off Todos Santos Island in northern Baja, Mexico. Forecasters are calling for waves in the 20–25 foot range, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic day of heavy-water surfing.
“The competition is on. See you at first light,” organizers posted on Instagram Wednesday, confirming competitors should prepare for a dawn patrol start.
The Field Takes Shape
Contest director Gary Linden oversees athlete selection through a three-pronged system: a digital-video qualifier series, carryover invitations for top finishers from the previous year, and wildcard picks at Linden’s discretion. It’s a format that rewards both proven performers and emerging talents willing to charge.
All eyes will be on Cody Purcell, the two-time consecutive men’s champion looking to notch a rare three-peat. Purcell’s path to Thriller at Killers began through the digital qualifier—a filmed wave at Todos Santos caught the selection committee’s attention and launched his dominant run at the event.
On the women’s side, Katie McConnell returns as the 2024 winner, joined by heavy-hitters Paige Alms and Justine Dupont in what promises to be a stacked heat sheet.
Confirmed Competitors
Men’s Field:
- Cody Purcell (two-time defending champion)
- Nic Lamb
- Jojo Roper
- Greg Long
- Landon McNamara
- Lucas Chianca
- Willem Banks
- Eric Nicholson
- Quetzal Estrada
- Chase Jacoway
- Andres Flores
- Christian Hatfield
Women’s Field:
- Katie McConnell (2024 winner)
- Paige Alms
- Zoe Chait
- Justine Dupont
- Bianca Valenti
- Isabelle Leonhardt
Quick Facts
- Event: Thriller at Killers
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Location: Killers, Todos Santos Island, Northern Baja, Mexico
- Expected Wave Size: 20–25 feet
- Contest Director: Gary Linden
- Selection Process: Digital-video qualifiers, previous year carryovers, wildcard invites
The West Coast’s recent run of large swell has primed conditions for a legitimate big-wave showdown. Competition kicks off at first light—watch for live updates and results as the action unfolds.
