Coolangatta's Dean Morrison surprised the biggest names in world surfing and then himself as he beat childhood hero Mark Occhilupo in the final of the Quiksilver Pro on Monday.

The 22-year-old delivered a near flawless finals appearance in front of 5000 people at his home beach of Snapper Rocks, excelling in the 1.5 metre waves to collect the biggest pay cheque of his brief professional career - US$30,000.

"It feels like dream. I hope I don't wake up. I can't believe it," beamed Morrison.

"I don't know what I feel, I don't believe it.

"I was 80 per cent sure I was going to come second."

Earlier in the day Morrison had upset six-time world champion American Kelly Slater and close friend Mick Fanning on his way to the final.

In the 30-minute final Morrison selected the best waves including a 9.73 and a 9.23 for a combined score of 18.96 points - easily beating Occhilupo's 12.84 points.

"I take my hat off to Deano - he was amazing," said 36- year-old Occhilupo, who admitted being tired after a full day of surfing on the peeling right hand point break.

"I think I peaked early."

The win made it back to back victories for locals, with Joel Parkinson taking out the event last year.

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