Pedro Brasil, commentator and content creator, describes his successful journey in social media, which led him to work on important sports broadcasts of the WSL Brazil and the Olympic Games and other surf competitions for Cazé TV. In an exclusive interview with ENM, he reflects on the growth of the sport in Brazil and the impact of the Olympic Games, in addition to sharing his passion for surfing and his gratitude for the recognition he has received both inside and outside of competition.
The professional has earned a reputation as an independent content creator. He said he created a path to success through social media.
– I started as a content creator with a group of surfer friends managing an Instagram page. At first it was videos of us surfing, and when I saw all the championships, I started talking about it. I received (positive) feedback from my followers and it motivated me to continue and produce more. I started recording videos about the WSL Championship and some content appeared on the WSL Brazil social networks. “I found my place” at Cazé TV, I managed to get in touch with someone there and they invited me to work on the ISA Games (broadcast). From the first day I liked my job and they told me: “Reserve a place in the Olympic Games.” We have Luana, Taina and Madina in ISA. I had to win the event, so it was ridiculous – Pedro explained.
Commentator Cazé has been very successful in television broadcasts and feels satisfied participating in events.
– Gabriel posted a photo of what he called the “best” broadcast of his life. It gave perspective to our work. Although I've been creating freelance content for five years, I started working for surf companies three years ago. Looking back, I thought I'd comment on surfing at the Olympics, a sport that wasn't even an Olympics and was a nightmare. Being on the largest sports entertainment channel in Brazil or in the world (Cazé TV) commenting on the biggest event on the planet (Paris 2024 Olympic Games) is the greatest achievement of my career – revealed Pedro Brasil.
The Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games changed the course of world surfing history. It was an instant success, the game grew in audience and Pedro analyzed the implications of the Olympic Games on board sports.
– Since 2014, when Medina became world champion, surfing in Brazil has grown a lot. From the moment it became an Olympic sport, these dimensions became even greater. When Italo Ferreira won the first gold medal in surfing history (and Brazil's first medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games), he achieved a level of fame the sport had never seen before. It was fantastic to see a very simple boy from Bahía Formosa, a town of ten thousand inhabitants, succeed. It is difficult to even measure the impact that feat had on the city, which changed the size of the state and the game of Brazil, starting with Pedro.
– Unaffiliated brands are coming to invest in surfing. A great investment by the Olympic Committee in the training of athletes who already compete in the Olympic and youth categories. Ryan Cainalo, Guilherme Lemos, Luara Montelli, Alexia Monteiro, many athletes expected to make it to the Olympics already receive investments at the age of 15 (approximately). It's not like that before, an organization here in Rio de Janeiro to train them, a great team that accompanies them to competitions around the world. This is due to the visibility that surfing has had since it became an Olympic sport – the commentator revealed.
– We have yet to win a medal in the women's category, Dottie Weston-Webb broke the barrier this year. He gained great prominence and closed many businesses. Medina had that magical photo and was already a well-known boy. Surfing is growing enormously in Brazil, and Gas TV's joint efforts (to attract social media followers of Olympic athletes) have helped reward the work of surfers, in terms of media and money – Brazil added.
The work of the content creator is successful even among professional athletes. Pedro Brasil has a good relationship with many WSL surfers and is honored by this.
– This is the greatest income from my work than money, media, followers or interviews. When an athlete comes to talk to me, it is a huge recognition that the impact they have on my life is immeasurable. Thank you very much for being able to comment on the guys that I have always seen during the playoffs. When Gabriel Medina commented about me, when Felipe Toledo sent me a message, when Alejo, Luana, Taina came to talk to me, it was great. This is the peak – he explained.
Cazé TV and WSL Brasil broadcasts have different proposals and target audiences. Pedro stands out as a versatile expert when commentating on the Brazilian surf series.
– They are both fun. Cazé TV was great because it was a big boost for my career and WSL was always my dream to work there. WSL is more formal and Cazé TV is more relaxed, both styles are great and aimed at the public, I like both. I think they complement each other. (Audience) A group that doesn't know much about sports on YouTube begins to watch it, coming from other sports. The WSL requires formality in speech, as it continues to surf, get to know and demand a high degree from the commentator. I can clarify the doubt about the rule (more technical) – he analyzed.
The Brazilian Storm dominated the Challenger Series rankings. Six of the ten classified in the WSL elite represent Brazil. Pedro Brasil explained how this factor affects CT 2025.
– Directly. Even mathematically, Brazilian athletes are more likely to graduate in Brazil in greater numbers (on the championship tour). It should be noted that 60% of the men's category comes from Brazil. It shows a lot about who we are. As we know from the qualifiers, only seven athletes from all of South America qualified for the Challenger. Here the athletes stand out, then they stand out among the elite of world surfing – commented Pedro.
– It's good to see new guys arriving, update. Edgard Grogia, a boy with a great life story. He participated in the first QS in 2019 and five years later he is already in the CT. See the return of Alejo Muñiz after eight years outside the elite. Ian Gouvea stays at six, and it's great to see the return of Miguel and Samuel Bubo. Anticipation is always best when it comes to Brazil. David Silva's back is very strong, and many steps (with waves) to the right, Zumbino and Filipe, who won the wild card, as well as Italo, Yago, Medina… The Brazilian team is very strong. We are favorites to win the title – stated the commentator.
Saquarema has played a fundamental role in the WSl season. In 2024, Playa Itana also hosted the decisive phase of the Surfing Access category, an elite level event and qualifying category.
– It is the only city in the world that obtains QS, CS and CT. This is recognition for Sakurama, who is doing an exceptional job in surfing. There's the Leo Neves training center, where a lot of champions come from, and it's great to follow the kids from there. Ending the Challenger season in Chaquarema is a great recognition for the city that breathes surf. It was great to be close to such an important event, which helps show the potential of the place known as the “Maracaná del Surf” – said Pedro.
As a content creator on the web, Pedro Brasil understands the importance and relevance for the new generation. To end the interview he left a message for the public.
– If you do it with love, affection and dedication, surfing or anything else, success will come. No matter how long it takes, you will learn from the process, you will get a lot of “no's”, but if you are resilient and believe in your dreams, you can get anywhere. The Internet opens many doors and today anyone can stand up and say what they think. It's good and bad as hell. A great way to get started with surfing is to work on social media, even Cristiano Ronaldo started with a follower on Instagram, everyone starts from scratch. No matter how far away it may seem, it is closer than you think – he stated.
When asked about changes to the Championship Tour in 2025, Pedro Brasil declined to answer due to his professional involvement with the WSL.
