Gems in Paradise: Fiji 2002 - 2014

Shea Lopez (USA), taking down Joel Parkinson (AUS) in Round 4 of the 2002 Quiksilver Pro.

Although he was ultimately eliminated by Lopez, Parkinson earned a perfect 10 for a tube ride in his Round 4 heat at the 2002 event.

The late World Champion Andy Irons (HAW) was barreled start to finish when he took the Fiji Pro title in 2003.

Irons' 2003 victory lap.

Damien Hobgood (USA) got off to an impressive start in the early rounds of the 2003 Fiji event, but was eliminated by Kieren Perrow (AUS) in Round 4. He would have to wait another year to claim the ultimate prize.

Lowe continued to be a major threat to his competition, eliminating Beau Emerton (AUS) in the 2003 Quarterfinals.

Tim Curran (USA) finished equal third in 2004.

Damien Hobgood posted the highest heat score ever in a Final up to that point in professional surfing -- a near-perfect 19.90 -- on his way to claiming the 2004 title.

In 2005, C.J. Hobgood (USA) started his run in Fiji in huge swell at Cloudbreak.

Irons entered the 2005 event in Fiji with three World Titles under his belt.

C.J. Hobgood and Kelly Slater (USA) topped the field 2005, with Slater claiming the win.

C.J. Hobgood returned true to form in 2006, posting a heat total of 18.73 in the opening round to defeat Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Roy Powers (HAW).

In the 2006 Globe Fiji Pro, Parkinson was on the wrong side of a shocking Round 3 elimination when he was narrowly beaten by Troy Brooks (AUS) in the dying minutes of the heat.

After a hiatus form Fiji, the Top 34 returned to Cloudbreak in 2012. But the they weren't the only thing back with full force: A mega-swell hit the island just in time for the elite Tour's arrival.

Damien Hobgood was one of the few CT surfers brave enough to take on the enormous surf during the competition window in 2012.

Patrick Gudauskas (USA) plunged down an enormous Cloudbreak face in 2012.

Mark Healey (HAW), also known for his performances on the Big Wave Tour, was right at home in the 2012 mega-swell.

Still in his rookie season, Gabriel Medina (BRA) finished second overall in 2012.

Mick Fanning (AUS) showed dominance at both of Tavarua's elite venues. This is one of his flawless tube rides at Restaurants.

In his first competition in Fiji in 2012, John John Florence (HAW) was incredible at Restaurants, posting a near-perfect heat score of 19.30 out of 20.00.

Josh Kerr (AUS), enjoying a free surf in 2013.

Florence posted two perfect 10s in his 2013 showing at Cloudbreak.

Slater, meanwhile, was untouchable that year. He posted a perfect 20-point heat total in the Quarterfinals.

On his way to his 2013 World Title, Fanning posted his best-ever finish in Fiji, placing second behind Slater.

Slater's 2013 victory marked his fourth career win in Fiji.

In 2014, Nat Young (USA) powered through narrow barrels to make the Final.

Gabriel Medina (BRA) found nine-point-range rides in both the Semifinal and Final to win his second Championship Tour event on the 2014 season. He'd go on to win one more -- and the World Title.