It was an emotional win for the Brasilian, who faced Australian rookie Wade Carmichael in a heated Final at the Oi Rio Pro.
Round 1 and half of Round 2 was completed today, with some heavy hitters going down early at the Oi Rio Pro.
For the first day of the men's event, the action moved down the beach to Barrinha, where upsets and intense battles ensued.
The tiniest of margins caused casualties Monday as the defending event champ and top competitors fell. Tuesday, the losses continued.
With solid swell on tap, commissioners jumped at the chance to run heats at Saquarema's punchy righthander.
As conditions picked up, men's Round 1 and 2 of the Oi Rio Pro kicked off at Barrinha.
The 2014 World Champ clutched victory from defeat in the last moments of his Round 1 heat Monday at Barrinha, during the Oi Rio Pro.
In Round 1 at the Oi Rio Pro, the surfer known for his above-the-lip mastery carved his way to an 8.60 and a jump to Round 3.
The reigning World Champ scored a 9.10 in his opening heat at the Oi Rio Pro. Still, it wasn't enough to overcome wildcard Mikey Wright.