The U.S. Open of Surfing's PRIME status has not only attracted several ASP Dream Tour surfers, but also the globe's finest surfing talent looking to earn a spot atop the ASP World Ranking in an attempt to qualify for the coveted ASP Dream Tour.
Simpson solidified his spot amongst this year's ASP Dream Tour with last year's critical US Open of Surfing victory and now the Huntington Beach native is back to defend his hometown crown amongst this year's elite.
"The main reason I'm competing this year is to surf a major event at home and defend the US Open title," Simpson said. "I really enjoy competing at home in front of all my family and friends! I feel it gets me up and going more than anywhere else in the world to go out and give it my all."
The stylish regular-footer's definitive win last year saw Simpson top several ASP World Title event competitors including two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, and the ASP Dream Tour rookie knows that being able to prove yourself amongst a stacked field of names is a must for a successful career.
"Most of the pressure is what you put on yourself, all the rest of the pressure is people just wanting you to do well and win,"
Simpson said. "You've got to beat the best to be the best. That was all I thought and was taught growing up, so surfing at my home break, I know I have a great advantage and I've got to go out there and capitalize on that as best as I can! It's exciting to have the best surfers in the world in town. I think it's really great for surf city."
Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 16, who is currently leading the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, is a Round of 96 wildcard in the ASP PRIME event and is scouting out his chance to capitalize on the valuable points on offer towards his ASP World Ranking while competing against the globe's top talent.
"Getting a wildcard into the main event is an excellent opportunity for me," Geiselman said. "I'll get to surf against the best surfers in the world. Hopefully I can make a few heats."
In addition to competing in the main event, Geiselman is hungry to solidify the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title with another impressive result at the ASP Grade-2 US Open Junior Pro, which runs in conjunction with the main event, to guarantee his spot on this year's ASP World Junior Tour.
"I'm confident in my position on the ASP Pro Junior rating to qualify for this year's World Junior Tour, but I still want to do my best in this event," Geiselman said. "I'd love to make another Final and win this year's North American Pro Junior Title."
Running alongside the men's ASP PRIME event is the women's ASP 6-Star event, the only women's ASP Star event in mainland America for 2010, as well as the ASP Grade-2 US Open Junior Pro, which holds both men's and women's divisions.
The U.S. Open of Surfing presented by Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse boasts a waiting period from July 31 through August 8, 2024 and will be webcast LIVE via www.usopenofsurfing.com.
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.
