It will be a battle on the beach for who will take home the big US Open of Surfing title in Huntington Beach.

Will one of the world’s top competitive surfers prove why they are among the best in the board sport? Or will they be toppled by hungry surfers hoping to earn valuable points while climbing their way to the win during the nine-day surf contest?

No matter who claims the win Aug. 7, spectators are guaranteed an explosive show in the surf arena on the south side of the famed Huntington Beach Pier.

“It’s an exciting event where there’s always a few underdogs who kind of break through,” said Ryan Simmons, USA Surfing coach and longtime announcer for the competition. “Everyone is gnarly. Anyone can win the event.”

The US Open of Surfing, which kicks off Saturday draws a mix of competitors: surfers who grew up on the amateur circuit proving themselves at the same world-famous surf break as well as international athletes who travel from afar for a chance at the coveted title.

A strong finish at the US Open of Surfing, recently made a stop on the World Surf League’s eight-event Challenger Series, could also mean