Kelly Slater's sheer domination of competitive surfing is something that has not only gone unmatched in the sport, but across all sports in the history of mankind. Touted by many as one of the greatest athletes of all time, the nine-time ASP World Champion sank his teeth into competitive surfing against legends such as Tom Carroll, Martin Potter and Derek Ho and the seasoned veteran and surfing legend has only improved with age. Slater won a mind-blowing five out of the first seven events in 2008, forcing his colleagues to set their sights on 2009 for any chance at an ASP World Title. With an unprecedented nine ASP World Titles under his belt, the question is, is there any surfer out there who can stop Slater from steamrolling his way to a 10th title in 2009?

The Floridian prodigy began his ASP World Title legacy when he claimed his first in 1992 and followed up by conquering the majority of the '90s, placing six ASP world title trophies on his mantle throughout the decade. Slater returned back to competition after a brief sabbatical from 1999-2001, tackling the new millenium's arsenal of talent including Andy Irons, Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson and proved he hasn't lost his touch, claiming three additional titles since his return.

While rumors abound as to Slater's dedication to a 10th ASP World Title, the icon is not without other opportunities, lending his many talents to worlds of acting and music as well as supporting charities and philanthropic causes the world over. All eyes will be on Slater and his movements in 2009, and all eyes will be on the rest of the ASP Top 45 to see if they can stop him.

Slater's legendary stature constantly attracts a swarming media frenzy, probing about his numerous celebrity relationships and pending retirement. Regardless of the lack of privacy for Slater due to his achieved celebrity status, there is one thing that will never need to be brought to the table, that Slater's accomplishments mark him as the best competitive surfer of all time. Slater is to surfing what Michael Jordan is to basketball or what Tiger Woods is to golf. In addition to his competitive dominance Slater is known for his abundant charity work for organizations such as Life Rolls On, SurfAid and the Space Coast Early Intervention Center.