She’ll get exactly that when the the 2014 world title race - currently a three-way battle with fellow Aussies Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright - reaches a thrilling climax in Maui next month.

The trio are all in contention for the world crown heading into to final event on the world tour calendar after Gilmore nudged Fitzgibbons out of the number one spot with victory at the Cascais Pro in Portugal two weeks ago.

It sets up an epic showdown in Hawaii and it’s a stage the Gerroa product doesn’t shy away from on her quest for a maiden world title.

‘‘As a bit of a sports fanatic these are the moments that you love to watch, that last event and it’s all coming down to it,’’ Fitzgibbons said.

‘‘You know that we each want it just as bad [as each other] and we’re all going to do everything we can to get it.

‘‘It’s going to be a world-class wave and it’s a grandstand finish so I’m going to love being a part of that moment.’’

The defeat at the hands of five-time world champion Gilmore in Portugal leaves the three-time runner up in the all-to-familiar number two position as she looks for that breakthrough crown. 

‘‘It seems to be my number over the years, number two,’’ Fitzgibbons, back in Wollongong to compete in RUN Wollongong on Sunday, said.

‘‘But I don’t think I have to do anything too differently. It’s just a sport that’s made of narrow margins. You can be the hardest worker or the hardest trainer but you might not get the swing of that set or that one wave here or there.

‘‘I love that about the sport, it’s so unpredictable, but sometimes it knocks you around.

‘‘You’ve just got to keep working hard trying to get to that top spot.’’

Asked if the run of near-misses left her doubting whether she will ever claim that elusive title Fitzgibbons said: ‘‘For sure it’s one of those thoughts. When you’re in those moments and you’re shattered from a loss or a near miss you go through a series of thoughts: ‘what have I done wrong’ and ‘what if I can’t get there’ but I think it’s all about embracing those hard times.

‘‘You’ve got to take ownership of that and believe that you can get there and that you’re on the right pathway.’’

Fitzgibbons’ victory at the Fiji Pro earlier this year came as partner and Dragons star Trent Merrin was breaking Queensland’s eight-year run of Origin dominance with NSW.

With the scene set for an epic victory of her own, Fitzgibbons said the Blues victory will serve as inspiration to break her own drought.

‘‘For sure that was a massive moment for Trent and the Blues,’’ she said.

‘‘For that eight years they had some really shattering and heart-breaking losses and I think that’s what makes it so special to finally get that huge win.

‘‘I think that’ll be similar in a world title race for me if I can live that dream of becoming world champion.’’