Luke Shepardson has won the 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational became official on Sunday morning, marking the first time the event has occurred since Feb. 25, 2016. Shepardson, a 27-year-old North Shore native, won with 89 points out of a possible 90.

Like Aikau, Shepardson is also a lifeguard. Shepardson is a lifeguard for the City & County of Honolulu.

Eight surfers entered the water to begin the competition on Sunday, starting with 2016 champion John John Florence, who finished as the runner-up.

The event was streamed live on the KHON2 website from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as on television via KHII.

A total of 40 surfers competed.

Women were also in this year’s field as non-alternates for the first time.