Espinho, Portugal is set to become the epicenter of European beach volleyball as it hosts the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup 2025 Finals. From July 17 to 20, the renowned Praia da Baía will welcome the top national teams for this prestigious competition. This marks the first time Portugal has been selected to host the event, bringing a significant international spotlight to the nation`s beach volleyball scene.
Portugal enters the men`s competition with its strongest domestic representatives: the three-time national champions João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, and the national vice-champions, brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa. These teams carry the hopes of the host nation and are aiming to deliver strong performances backed by anticipated crowd support.
The tournament, a collaborative effort between the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV) and the Espinho City Council, is viewed as a crucial platform for the Portuguese players. Vicente Araújo, President of the FPV, emphasized the event`s importance for gaining valuable world ranking points and enhancing the players` international profiles. He highlighted Espinho`s established reputation as a volleyball hub, expressing confidence in the city`s ability to host a successful event with substantial public engagement at Praia da Baía.
Preparation for the Portuguese squads has been rigorous. National coach Ricardo Rocha detailed the careful planning undertaken to ensure the teams are in optimal physical and tactical condition. He noted the strategic advantage of participating in a recent National Circuit stage held at the same venue, considering it vital preparation for the specific playing conditions at Praia da Baía.
Playing at home inherently introduces a psychological dynamic. João Pedrosa, a local athlete from Espinho, shared his personal anticipation, valuing the rare opportunity to compete in front of his family and friends, believing their presence could provide a tangible boost on the court. Hugo Campos concurred, seeing the familiarity with the home environment, reinforced by recent training and competition at the venue, as a potential edge in critical match moments.
For Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, their participation represents significant growth since their first Nations Cup experience. Having accumulated more international competition exposure over the past year, the brothers feel their game has progressed considerably. Gonçalo, who recently won the opening stage of the National Tour, expressed confidence in their current physical and tactical readiness. Tomás echoed his brother`s sentiments, acknowledging the privilege of competing in Espinho, the city where his volleyball journey began, and stated their determination to present a formidable challenge to even the highest-ranked opponents.
A notable challenge awaiting the Portuguese teams is the potential clash with elite international pairs, including those widely regarded as legends of the sport. The formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sørum – often referred to as the `Beachvolley Vikings` – stand out as primary contenders. With their impressive record, including Olympic gold, a World Championship, and multiple European titles, they represent the pinnacle of the sport. A match-up against Mol and Sørum would serve as a significant benchmark for Pedrosa and Campos, particularly as they are scheduled to face the Norwegians again later in the year at the CEV EuroBeachVolley 2025.
With the combination of home-court advantage, dedicated preparation, and the opportunity to compete against the world`s best, the Portuguese teams are poised for a challenging yet exciting tournament. Espinho`s Praia da Baía is set to provide a compelling stage for the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup 2025 Finals, promising moments of intense competition and a showcase of top-tier beach volleyball.