Mick Fanning announced that the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be his last event as a pro surfer.
The Australian surfer will retire from the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) after the second contest of the season.
Fanning says he can't give it 100 percent anymore and is not enjoying it as much as he was in the past.
"The tour has given me so much, but I need a fresh challenge. I still love the game, but can't find the motivation and dedication required to compete for world titles anymore," said Fanning in an official statement.
The "White Lightning" spent 16 years on Tour and won 22 events. He was crowned world surfing champion in 2007, 2009, and 2013.
In 2015, while surfing the final of the J-Bay Open against Julian Wilson, Fanning was attacked by a great white shark. He fought the predator and escaped uninjured.
"My time on tour has been incredibly rewarding, and I have so many amazing memories. I'm proud of our sport and the way it continues to evolve."
Michael Eugene Fanning was born on June 13, 1981, in Penrith, New South Wales. He started surfing at the age of five.
"I'm also looking forward to evolving my own surfing in new ways, visiting unfamiliar places and taking on different experiences," concludes Fanning.
Fanning plans to put an end to his successful pro surfing career in the place where he started to shape his style - Bells Beach.
In 2001, he won the legendary Australian event as a wildcard. One year later, he joined the ASP World Tour and wrapped up the season with the Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Mick Fanning overcame personal problems, tragedies, severe injuries, and even shark attacks.
The regular-footer co-owns Balter Brewing Company alongside Bede Durbidge, Josh Kerr, and Joel Parkinson.