By Jack Burden

MIAMI, Fla. — In a sensational end to one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in professional water skiing history, Brando Caruso clinched his maiden pro victory at the Miami Pro Slalom, the final event of the 2024 Waterski Pro Tour. Held at the Greater Miami Ski Club, the Miami Pro Slalom was the highest cash-prize slalom event on the 2024 calendar and marked a dramatic conclusion to a season that saw a record number of unique winners.

Caruso, who became the 10th different winner in men’s slalom this year, emerged victorious against a field filled with world-class talent. “That was unexpected,” Caruso said, reflecting on his win. “I didn’t train as much as I used to, so I wasn’t expecting this, but I’ve been waiting for this moment for the last two, three years. Wow! I’m out of words.”

The 2024 men’s slalom season featured six first-time winners and matched the 2008 record for the most unique winners in a single year, making it the most competitive season in over a decade. Caruso’s victory at Miami placed him in rare company, as more new winners emerged this year than in the previous nine seasons combined.

The season also concluded with William Asher of Great Britain and Jaimee Bull of Canada securing the Waterski Pro Tour season championships for men and women, respectively. Asher’s frequent podium finishes across most of the season’s events cemented his lead, while Bull’s consistent performance saw her clinch her fourth consecutive Tour title. Whitney McClintock Rini added to the excitement by winning the women’s slalom in Miami, topping off an engrossing season for both men and women competitors.

For Caruso, the Miami Pro Slalom marked the peak of a career moment long in the making. The Italian skier had been on the edge of a major breakthrough, and his win stands as a testament to perseverance amid a season defined by close margins and fierce competition.