15: Jamie O'Brien Wins As The Event Wildcard
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15: Jamie O'Brien Wins As The Event Wildcard

Having grown up directly in front of the wave, Jamie O'Brien was destined to be one of its greatest surfers. In 2004, O'Brien dominated with a level of showmanship rarely seen in such serious surf, switching stance inside barrels, landing airs on the inside, and taking out six-time world champ Kelly Slater in the semifinals. In an impressive, all-Hawaiian final with Sunny Garcia, Kalani Robb, and Bruce Irons, O'Brien rode the first three waves of the heat, scoring a 7, an 8, and a 9.97. The other three surfers would remain combo'd for the entire heat.

 

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