Before 150,000 fans on his home-turf, Brett Simpson fulfilled a dream and won the 2009 Hurley US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach. Not to mention, he took home an unprecedented $100,000 for the victory (conveniently coughed up by his sponsor, Hurley). "There's nothing better than sleeping in my bed during the biggest event of my life," said Simpson. "I stuck to the same routine all week, and somehow it all worked out. I can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now."

En route to winning the biggest contest of his life, Brett took down 2007 world champion Mick Fanning. It was a thrilling final that saw explosive exchanges in the beginning until the waves decided to take a rest towards the end of the 30-minute heat. Simpson took the lead from the opening and never let go. In front of his local friends and family, Brett could not have been more stoked. Every time I was feeling a bit tired, the energy level of the crowd would lift me right up. It s unbelievable to have all the support and my family and friends here with me. This is the best day of my life.

This year's US Open of Surfing is being talked up as one of the most memorable Opens of all time. One of these reasons is attributed to the waves. Unlike years past where the Open has been completed in 2 foot slop, the 2009 campaign featured an amazing South swell that arrived Thursday and stayed till the final buzzer on Sunday. The consistent and large surf provided walls for the world's best to showcase their skill. Kelly Slater and Nathaniel Curran each had a perfect 10 wave, Kai Barger dominated the Nike 6.0 Jr. Pro and little 16-year old Courtney Conlogue gave a gutsy performance and took the women's US Open.

In an amazing contest that featured some heavy-hitting 'CT talent, local-boy Brett Simpson rose to the occasion and steamrolled the competition. Since the Open is a prestigious 6-star 'QS event, he damn near cemented his place on the 2009-2010 WCT as well. Big ups to Brett and look back for video highlights of the 2009 US Open on BNQT soon!


BNQT Pro Spotlight - Brett Simpson