Lima denied Gilmore a hat-trick of Bells Beach titles as she triumphed 17.34 points to 13.06 over the 21-year-old Queenslander after leading for most of their final.

It was her maiden victory but the 24-year-old from Rio has long shown the ability to challenge two-time world champion Gilmore, finishing ninth, third then runner-up in her three seasons on the main tour.

''This feels amazing,'' Lima said.

''This is the first world tour event I've ever won and to win it at Bells Beach is like a dream.

''To be the first winner from Brazil to ring the bell, it's amazing. I hope everyone in Brazil stays up and parties big.''

Lima posted rides of 9.17 and 8.17 in the opening minutes.

''Steph [Gilmore] is so good out there in any conditions and I knew I needed to get scores on top of her quickly,'' she said.

After two events and heading into the mid-year break, Lima is now second in the season standings to Gilmore who won the season-opener on the Gold Coast.

''The world title is always my goal, every year,'' Lima said.

''Last year was a really good year for me, but I couldn't win an event.

''Now that I have a win, my confidence is very high and I look forward to the next event.''

Gilmore offered no excuses.

''Silvana [Lima] finally got me and she was ripping,'' Gilmore said.

''Her win was well-deserved and I hope it creates a great rivalry for the year ahead.''

Earlier Lima beat Peru's former world champion Sofia Mulanovich in the semi-finals while Gilmore beat 18-year-old Australian Sally Fitzgibbons to qualify for the Bells Beach final. AAP