How to Watch SURFER's Big Wave Challenge Awards Show 10/19

There’s little money to be made surfing big waves . It's not the most rational career choice, yet a dedicated few devote their lives to the daredevil pursuit. They invest in the best surfboards , log countless early-morning sessions, and fly themselves across the globe to chase big waves. But to what end? For years, most big-wave rides went entirely undocumented. But these days, the photos and videos captured during these epic sessions are unionizing in a unique way.

You see, big-wave surfing doesn’t lend itself well to traditional competition. The timing hinges on distant, unpredictable storms. The competitors are secretive lone wolves. And the playing fields are mostly remote or too far from shore to properly spectate. And yet, when it all comes together, it’s one of the most incredible spectacles of athletic performance.

That's why the Big Wave Challenge exists. Nearly 25 years ago, former SURFER editor Bill Sharp had the insight that this unofficial competition worked best as a video contest. Now it exists as a year-long highlight reel celebrating the moments when all the variables coalesce in a rare moment of perfection—or disaster. Yes, the Challenge also awards the year’s best wipeouts.

Now in its unofficial 24th year (it’s changed names and sponsors over time), the Big Wave Challenge, powered by 5-hour ENERGY, is live-streaming its annual award show from one of the world’s most iconic big-wave destinations: Nazaré, Portugal. It's a relative newcomer to the big-wave world, but has already yielded multiple world-record shattering rides.

This month, the small fishing village—transformed by the arrival of big-wave surfing—is hosting a museum dedicated to the Big Wave Challenge, as the world’s best big-wave riders filter in from around the globe to attend the awards show.

The Big Wave Challenge rewards the biggest Ride of the Year for both men and women with a cash prize of $150,000. Other categories include best Paddle, Wipeout of the Year, and Surfer of the Year. This last category is especially coveted, since it involves surfers not just being a specialist at their local big-wave spot, but chasing big waves around the world for the entire year.

Despite being scattered around the world and running their clandestine missions in relative secrecy (before they appear on YouTube, that is), the world of big-wave surfing is a tight-knit community. And every now and again, they have a chance to come together to share adventures, successes, and failures. The Big Wave Challenge is a truly unique gathering of these incredible athletes.

You can watch the Big Wave Challenge awards show LIVE on Surfer.com Saturday 10/19 at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.