Starting as the Gold Coast Pro in 1996 before the Quiksilver change in 2002 at Snapper Rocks, here are four of the most memorable moments in the event's history:

4: Dean Morrison’s personal best (2003)

Tweed Heads star Dean Morrison had scored a few junior titles but had never netted a major win when before 2003.

Surfing against fellow local stars Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, the 22-year-old stunned the surfing world as he cut through the opposition at Snapper.

In the final, Morrison defeated Mark Occhilupo, a childhood hero, to secure his sole pro title and his largest ever career pay cheque of $49,000

“It feels like a dream. I hope I don’t wake up. I can’t believe it,’’ he said after winning. “I was 80 per cent sure I was going to come second.’’

3: Joel takes out the title (2002)

Another Coolie kid, Joel Parkinson had the honour of winning the newly renamed Quiksilver Pro in March 2002 at age 20.

Parkinson “took a giant leap towards a coveted world title” when he outshone Kelly Slater and Occy to win in front of 10,000 people.

“It is early days still but having a win here at home is a great start to the year,” he said.

“I just hope the roll keeps going. A few more wins through the year would be awesome.

It was Parko’s second year on the tour and his colleagues praised his ability.

“He’s a great surfer and I wouldn’t’ put anything past him,” Occy said at the time.

Parko went on to win the event again in 2009 and came runner-up in 2013 and 2014.

2 Parko gives the finger (2013)

Parko looked like he was close to taking out the crown again in 2013 when one of the event’s most memorable and unexpected moments occurred.

Parko needed a score of 9.89 to overtake rival Kelly Slater in the dying minutes of the final and paddled into a wave that looked set to take him on a long-barrelling ride.

But with Slater holding priority, Parkinson was forced to yield when the American decided to take the wave — and channelled his frustration through his index finger.

The moment was captured in a memorable photo which showed both the men in a moment of mixed emotions. Slater went on to win the event.

1 Steph’s big win (2005)

As Luke Monroe wiped out, a little-known 17-year-old from Kingscliff made her grand entrance to surfing.

Steph Gilmore beat two world champions and pocketed almost $20,000 to win the 2005 Roxy Pro and scored a day off from school.

The win was hailed as one of the greatest ever surfing fairytales, with the Year 12 student making it into the draw on a wildcard after performing strongly in the trials.

Gilmore was left stunned by the win.

“I can’t believe this is happening … It’s so amazing I can’t believe I am even here,” she said.

“I was just dreaming about this the other week and for it to come true is so cool.

“My dad said I can have tomorrow off so I am stoked.”

Gilmore beat Hawaiian Megan Abubo in the final. In the past 12 years, Steph has won the Roxy Pro five times.