In the early 90's, an iconic photo of a young boy dropping in on a huge unknown wave made the cover of Surfing Life. 20 years on, in 2013, the boy the world had never heard of earned his chance to compete against the best surfer the world has ever seen

In 2012, a Fijian surfer the world had never heard of earned the chance to compete against the best surfer the world has ever seen. This is his story. At Cloudbreak, rated by many as the best wave in the world, local boatman Isei Tokovou won the wildcard entry into the Volcom Fiji Pro, a World Championship competition with more than $400,000 in prize money. Surfing with hand-me-down boards and without a trainer or support team, Isei carries the hopes of his nation on his shoulders.—Gareth Davies

In the early 90's, a photograph of a young boy dropping in on a huge unknown wave made the cover of Surfing Life. The photograph became iconic. 20 years later, the Fijian surfer the world had never heard of, earned the chance to compete against the best surfer the world has ever seen. This is his story.—Karl Lear