The exciting surfer has rightfully earned the label of one of Australia's most marketable athletes, represented internationally through his key sponsors Hurley, Red Bull and Oakley.
Wilson is Australia's 30th highest-paid athlete, making an estimated $2 million last year according to the BRW Rich List.
Brought up in an obsessed surfing family in Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Wilson developed a passion for the water at an early age.
His incredible natural talent on a surfboard was noticed from a young age, winning multiple professional junior titles and culminating in being crowned the 2006 World Junior's Champion.
His stunning girlfriend, Chadwick model Ashley Osborne, is a regular addition to the professional surfing circuit, supporting Julian as he travels the globe surfing.
She expressed her pride in her boyfriends heroic efforts, posting on Instagram: "I am so proud of my man @julian_wilson for paddling to help his friend in need risking his life, that's many of the reasons why I love him."
'Gave it a bit of what for'
The shark knocked triple world champion Fanning off his board, just as a wave rolled through and hid him from view. Wilson frantically began paddling to the rescue, putting aside his own safety.
"I was just praying that he was going to be there, not underwater or blood everywhere,' he said. "I went straight into panic mode. Like, he's just a sitting duck now. And I felt like I have my board still, and I could just get to him, and I just felt like I wasn't moving at all.
"I was just thinking that by the time I got there I would be swimming down to find him."
Wilson broke down in tears after the incident but on Tuesday also told how Fanning swore at the shark as he fought back and "gave it a bit of what for".
The laid-back surfer wrote a typically selfless social media post in honour of his close mate Fanning, dismissing claims that he was the man of the hour.
"Love you brother! Today was one of those days you hope you'll never experience in life and to see you stand your ground and fend off that monster. You're my hero mate," Wilson said.
"You're the true definition of living by the sword."
While Fanning has been applauded for fighting off the shark, he has paid tribute to "warrior" Wilson, who paddled to his rescue even as Fanning screamed for him to get to the shore.
Fanning, who has been part of the world tour since 2002, has been a mentor to Wilson as the World Surfing League has travelled the globe.
Wilson described Fanning on Tuesday as "an amazing human being and a great friend and he's a great role model".
Humble and brave
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk nominated Wilson for a bravery award after the shark attack, saying in a Government statement: "What we saw in South Africa was Queensland mateship at its best.
"Anyone who paddles towards a shark attack instead of away from it is pretty brave in my books - I don't know too many people who would have done that."
Wilson seemed embarrassed to learn that he had been recommended for a bravery award by his home state of Queensland.
His mother, Nola Wilson, confirmed his humble reaction in an interview on Channel 9 saying: "He's the most humble person you could possibly imagine.
"I'm always proud of Julian. That's just his nature, he would be so concerned for Mick that it wouldn't have even entered his head to do anything else."
Fanning agreed wholeheartedly, echoing the sentiments of those close to Julian.
"I was just thankful he was there - you just see - he looks like a powerboat coming for me. Like I said he was just a warrior, so thanks bud," he said.
