Surfing is an extreme sport. It has the balance of both thrills and confidence. The Pipeline Masters is the biggest surfing event in the world, and a lot of fans look forward to it. Recently, things haven’t been so well for this year’s Vans Pipeline Masters.

The 2022 Vans Pipeline Masters is currently being held on the North Shore of Oahu. The event began on December 8 and will conclude on December 20. So what made surfing fans so mad about the event? Let’s find out.

Fans React to Lack of Surfing Superstars

The biggest surfing event has received the biggest backlash in history as the fans aren’t happy with the changing systems. Most importantly, the reason for their dissatisfaction is because of the lack of surfing legends at the event.

A fan commented, “Pipe Masters without Slater, John John, and the new scoring system is not the same.” Another said, “Congratulations Vans, completely destroyed the best surfing competition on the planet.” 

“Pipemasters????? No way. Just a cool surfing event”, said another. It looks like the surfing event has not lived up to people’s expectations this year. 

Another fan commented, “Ripcurl held better pipe masters.” To give context, they claim that when Ripcurl hosted the Pipeline Masters in 2006 they did it better than Vans. 

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A fan also commented, “I’m lost… This the regular pipe masters? What happened?” 

Another fan left a comment in all-caps, which reads, “WORST PIPE MASTERS IN HISTORY. Way to destroy a legacy….disgusting.” Suffice to say, they are mad about this event. 

One disappointed fan said, “A shit show by Vans to go along with the most uncomfortable shoes ever which shouldn’t be surprising”, while another wrote, “No big stars. No big deal. No future…” 

New rules of the 2022 Vans Pipeline Masters

The fans already miss the presence of surfing legends Kelly Slater and John John Florence in the waves of the ocean. They also look dissatisfied with the new scoring system that was introduced in this year’s Pipeline Masters. 

This time the event is invite-only. The surfers will also go through three non-elimination heats, while all the scores combined would decide the winner. The judging criteria too has largely changed from previous events, with equal emphasis on turns, airs, and barrels. Plus, there won’t be any priority system either. The surfers will face each other three times, which will also increase the competition, as per Vans.

WATCH THIS STORY – A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence

The fans are bursting with anger, and the reason is understandable. Without the surfing champions, the event is boring and disappointing for fans. With the new rules, things are unfamiliar. What do you think of this year’s Pipeline Master? Let us know in the comment section.