The sand has settled and the champions are crowned following the conclusion of the 2025 Armenian Beach Volleyball Championships. Held at the Khachik Asmaryan Beach Volleyball Academy in Yerevan, the tournament wrapped up on June 22nd after commencing earlier in the month on June 7th. For over two weeks, the nation`s top beach volleyball talent battled it out during intense weekend competitions.
This year`s edition saw a competitive field, featuring 10 women`s teams and 14 men`s teams. The initial phase involved teams competing in subgroups, setting the stage for the business end of the tournament. The top eight men`s and six women`s teams earned their place in the next round, where the pressure ramped up under the double elimination system – a format known for offering second chances, but often requiring teams to navigate a longer, more demanding path to the final.
Men`s Competition: Experience Prevails
The men`s category featured a roster of seasoned teams, providing spectators with a series of highly entertaining and closely fought matches. The journey through the double elimination bracket tested endurance and skill, culminating in a final showdown between top contenders.
Emerging victorious and claiming the title of 2025 National Champions was Team Yerevan, comprised of Andre Simoni and Vahe Nazaryan. They overcame a strong challenge to stand atop the podium. The second place went to FIMA-2 (Khachatur Asmaryan and Hayk Baghramyan), while Team Gyumri (Karen Tigranyan and Petr Ikomasov) secured the third spot, completing the men`s medal picture.
Women`s Competition: Youthful Triumph
The women`s side of the tournament was equally intense, with teams battling fiercely for national honours. The final match was a captivating affair, highlighting both current prowess and future potential.
In a notable performance, it was the Republic of Armenia`s U18 national team, featuring Elizaveta Tonoyan and Amalya Karapetyan, who clinched the championship title. They secured their victory with a hard-fought 2-1 win in the final against Team Fast (Elen Arakelyan and Narine Hakobyan). This triumph is particularly significant as the U18 team is set to participate in upcoming EEVZA U20 and U18 Championships in Vilnius and Riga, events that serve as crucial first-round zonal qualifiers for the respective CEV Beach Volleyball European age-group championships. Securing third place on the podium was Team Geghashen, represented by Arpine Badalyan and Lusine Gevorgyan.
Rewards and Recognition
Beyond the prestige of being national champions, the top three teams in both categories received tangible rewards courtesy of the Volleyball Federation of Armenia. Medals and cups were presented, alongside financial incentives:
- 1st place: 200,000 AMD (approximately €450)
- 2nd place: 120,000 AMD (approximately €270)
- 3rd place: 80,000 AMD (approximately €180)
More significantly for the winning teams, claiming the national title secured them the coveted right to participate in the preliminary phase of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup 2025, offering a direct pathway onto the international stage.
Looking Ahead
The activity at the Khachik Asmaryan Beach Volleyball Academy isn`t slowing down. In just a few days, the venue will host the U18 event, promising another exciting display of talent. With a record registration of over 20 teams in each gender expected, it`s a clear indicator of the growing enthusiasm and participation in beach volleyball among Armenia`s younger generation, ensuring a bright future for the sport in the nation.
Gideon Holt 
Torin Vale