Retired three-time world champion Mick Fanning will chase a fifth Bells Beach title after being awarded a wildcard for next month's World Surf League (WSL) event in Victoria.

Fanning, who retired from the WSL in 2018, competed last year as a wildcard at Narrabeen.

The 40-year-old said a return to the prestigious Bells Beach event was a dream outcome.

"Bells is the one I was really aiming for," Fanning said. 

Fanning claimed four Bells Beach titles during his career, with victories in 2001, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

He sits alongside Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Stephanie Gilmore and Mark Richards for four wins at the Victorian point-break.

Only Gail Couper — with five Bells triumphs — has won more times at the venue.

"To go and ring the bell for the fifth time, no-one has ever done it apart from Gail Couper," Fanning said.

"During my career I got close, but right now I just want to focus on putting on a good performance.

"My preparation when I was on tour was non-stop training but this time around I've just been focusing on my surfing and making sure it's up to the level of the best in the world."

Fanning won his three world titles in 2007, 2009 and 2013.

The window for the Bells Beach event, the fourth stop on this year's WSL tour, opens on April 10.

Japan's Kanoa Igarashi holds top spot in the men's rankings, with Costa Rica's Brisa Hennessy leading the women's standings.

The remaining wildcards for the men's and women's draws will be decided at a local trials event from April 7, with 20 men and 20 women competing for the one spot in each division.

AAP/ABC