Everyone loves an underdog–and when you’re Joel Parkinson up against the 11-time world champion, Kelly Slater, surfing in the Pipeline Masters, an event Slater has won a record six times, to win your first world title, the odds are stacked against you. In the wake of this year’s dramatic title race, we see an outpouring of support from Parko’s colleagues and countrymen, all ecstatic that he was able to claim the glory.

@quiksilver posted an image of Kelly congratulating Joel in the water, taken by Todd Glaser

@billabong is just as stoked as Joel; they haven’t seen a world title trophy since Andy Irons won it in 2004.

@surfermag posted this shot of Joel and the sweet taste of victory/champagne.

…And the party begins. Joel with best mate Mick Fanning, posted by @damienhobgood. You may recall 2009, when Mick stole the title from Joel at Pipeline. Now that guilt can be replaced with cocktails!

Kustom Footwear, one of Joel’s sponsors, had some celebratory shirts made. Posted by @tsherms.

@maliamanuel and VonZipper showing their support. Something about Australians and the f-word…

@stabsurf posted this unused Kelly Slater 12 logo. Shame to see something so clever voided so quickly. Maybe next year…

And finally, Joel posted this photo of Axel, the son of his dear friend and three-time world champion, the late Andy Irons. Axel is sitting happily in uncle Joel’s trophy.