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Local hero Brett Simpson takes home the largest prize purse in surfing history. Check the gallery here. Photos: Michael Lallande and Beau Roulette

Before 150,000 screaming fans, Brett Simpson fulfilled a childhood dream: to win the US Open at his home break. He couldn't have picked a better year to do it, as his main sponsor, Hurley, had an unprecedented $100,000 on offer for the winner. "There's nothing better than sleeping in my bed during the biggest event of my life," said Simpson. "I stuck to the same routine all week, and somehow it all worked out. I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now."

 

Simpson defeated 2007 world champ Mick Fanning in a final that saw some exciting exchanges in the beginning but lulled out toward the end as the tide increased. But the lull couldn't come soon enough for Simpson, who took the lead from the opening exchange and never gave it up. His best wave, a big hack with an air reverse on the end section, earned a 9.1. “When you’re riding on the ski in front of the crowd and you hear the applause it definitely pumps you up,” Simpson said. “Every time I was feeling a bit tired, the energy level of the crowd would lift me right up. It’s unbelievable to have all the support and my family and friends here with me. This is the best day of my life.”

After a few years of close calls on the World Qualifying Series, Simpson is now in good position for the coveted Top 45. This is by far his biggest win and the most significant result of his career. "I'm really focused on the points right now," he said. "But for Hurley to step up is just so good for the sport. To be the winner of the biggest prize purse ever is just icing on the cake for me."

The Hurley US Open of Surfing will certainly go down as one of the most -- if not the most -- US Opens of all time. So many memorable moments occurred over the nine-day period, it's impossible to list them all here. But a few that will be added to the "50-year timeline": Kelly's perfect 10 in the Round of 16, CJ Hobgood's impossible escape acts, Kai Barger's dominance in the Nike 6.0 Jr. Pro, 16-year-old Courtney Conlogue's gutsy performance, putting together the highest combined heat score for a female in US Open history and, of course, local boy Brett Simpson collecting the record-breaking 100K check.

As longtime observer and former world champ Peter "PT" Townend says, "The ultimate surf stadium is back, and it's bigger and better than ever before."

For full results from today's action, go to: www.usopenofsurfing.com/LIVE.

[Special thanks to the City of Huntington Beach, the HB lifeguards and police department and all the people who helped make this event the best US Open in history.]

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