Surfers Return for Rare Big Wave Contest in Hawaii NYT | Top Stories Talya Minsberg 23 December 2024 at 12:12 The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was held for just the eleventh time since its founding in 1984. Landon McNamara, a local of Oahu’s North Shore, won this year’s event. © Marco Garcia/ReutersOnly 45 competitors and 25 alternates were invited to this year’s Eddie. The list is a who’s who of top professional surfers and local legends.