The 26-year-old endured a nervous wait from the stands since she was eliminated from the event in the quarter-finals, opening the door for fellow Australians and world title contenders, Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright.
However Fitzgibbons’ title hopes were dashed when she was knocked out in the nail-biting third heat of the quarter finals – a loss that left the 23-year-old weeping on her board.
But Tyler Wright was unrelenting in her bid for victory.
A surf-off for the world title between Aussies Gilmore and Wright was a hotly anticipated possibility by surf fans until the 20-year-old Lennox Heads native was beaten by Hawaiian local, Carissa Moore in the Maui event final.
Wright posted a combined final score of 14.03 against the Hawaiian favourite’s 18.23 – a result that handed Gilmore her sixth world title.
“I really had no doubt in my mind that Tyler could take it all the way and win the event,” Gilmore told AAP.
“I was mentally prepared to get out there and do a surf-off.
“I owe Carissa a drink tonight, that’s for sure … this is so unreal.”
The victory has moved Gilmore to just one title away from equalling Aussie Layne Beachley’s seven surfing world crowns.
Gilmore – who lives in Tweed Heads – says the three way Aussie race for the title has made 2014 one of the toughest years of her eight years on tour.
“I can’t believe it’s happened this way. It should have gone to a surf-off – maybe I would have really had to show what I can do because I didn’t really surf that great this event,” she said.
“But what an incredible year.”
Tyler Wright’s (pictured) title hopes were dashed by Hawaiian local, Carissa Moore. Getty.
The final was a slight case of déjà vu for Wright who was pipped to world championship victory in 2013 by 22-year-old Moore.
Despite the loss Wright was humble and full of praise for her victorious countrywoman.
“What an experience – just the whole day in general,” Wright told AAP.
“Congrats to Steph; she had an amazing year and deserves it.”
Sally Fitzgibbon’s says she is still hungry for her future world crown hopes. Getty.
And Fitzgibbons, who has been a three-time world title runner up, said while she was devastated by the loss she would be back.
“It’s still a dream and I’m going to go after it,” she said.
Stephanie “Happy” Gilmore can add the 2014 trophy to her 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 world titles.
