Kelly Slater wrapped up his ninth world surfing title by winning his third round heat at the Billabong Pro Mundaka in Spain today.
The American beat local Basque wild card entrant Eneko Acero 14.96 points to 10.00 in tricky 1.5 to two metre waves in the Mundaka rivermouth.
Slater cannot be overtaken in the championship standings despite two more events remaining in the 11-round world championship tour.
The 36-year-old from Florida has won five of the eight events completed so far in the most dominant campaign in pro surfing history.
"It's going to take a little while to sink in," Slater said when mobbed at the waters edge.
"I'm probably going to have to call home and talk to family for it to really hit me."
Slater's crowning comes 16 years after securing his first world Title at the age of 20.
He is the oldest and youngest surfer in ASP history to win a world title.
"I felt a lot more at ease this year," Slater said.
"It's probably my personal life.
"That's the biggest change in my life.
"I'm happy and settled and I've got the support there that just feels amazing.
"Nothing else has really changed, I've worked with my boards a little bit here and there and I've always worked on my mind and my emotions, but something just really clicked into place this year."
He said it was the best season of his stellar career.
"In 1996 I had a good year I won 7 out of 13," he said.
"In 1996 I won five events of 12 but both years I was counting ninths at the end of the year.
"This year I've won five events of eight, I'm sitting on a second and I still have a throwaway to spare.
"The depth of success I've had this season is the deepest of my career."
Slater thanked 2007 world title holder Mick Fanning for keeping the American phenomenon in the sport.
"When Mick won last year I was obviously really stoked for him," Slater said.
"I think I knew from the first contest last year that Mick was going to win. He was really focused and he didn't have anything standing in his way mentally or emotionally.
"He was the one person who sent me text when I was looking at leaving that said, We need you to stay on tour. Don't worry, you'll find that personal stuff. It will happen, and now it has.
"Even though he is the toughest competitor on tour he's always been a good friend and I have a lot of respect for Mick."
