As the European summer hits its stride, the continent`s beach volleyball courts are hotter than ever. For the third consecutive week, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 is serving up a formidable trio of Futures events, promising high-stakes action and a fierce scramble for crucial ranking points. From the sun-drenched shores of Greece to the historic Italian squares and the scenic Swiss lakeside, 118 teams are set to demonstrate why European beach volleyball remains a global powerhouse.
This week, the spotlight shines on Ios, Greece; Messina, Italy; and Geneva, Switzerland. Each location offers a unique backdrop for the intense competition unfolding from Thursday through Sunday, culminating in a total of 15 medals up for grabs.
Ios, Greece: Where Olympians Meet Emerging Talent
Perched on the idyllic Mylopotas Beach, the Ios Futures event promises a captivating blend of seasoned experience and youthful ambition. The men`s tournament features 24 teams from 18 nations, including two notable Olympians ready to leave their mark on the sand. Polish blocker Piotr Kantor, a veteran of both Rio 2016 and Tokyo, teams up with Filip Lejawa, while Austrian Olympians Robin Seidl and Alexander Huber have rekindled their partnership from the Rio Games, undoubtedly aiming for a strong comeback.
On the women`s side, 22 duos representing 13 countries will compete. All eyes will be on the dynamic Ukrainian twins, Inna and Iryna Makhno, fresh off their gold medal triumph in Kraków. They face stiff competition from the consistent Lithuanian pair, Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, who have already secured multiple Futures medals this season. The Greek sun, it seems, will be a witness to both established mastery and burgeoning potential.
Messina, Italy: Home Advantage and Historic Battles
In Messina, the beach volleyball action shifts from the traditional beach to the spectacular Piazza Duomo, proving that the sport can thrive anywhere a net can be strung and sand can be laid. This unique urban setting, having just hosted a CEV Beach Nations Cup pool, sets the stage for Italy`s top male duos to vie for glory on home soil.
Paris Olympian Samuele Cottafava, a formidable left-handed defender, pairs with Gianluca Dal Corso. Joining them are Tokyo 2020 veteran blocker Enrico Rossi and his partner Marco Viscovich. With 26 men`s teams from 13 countries and 24 women`s teams from 10 nations (including strong contingents from Czechia and the Netherlands), the Italian event promises fierce competition. Estonia`s Liisa Remmelg and Heleene Hollas lead the women`s field, closely followed by the Czech twin sisters, Katerina and Anna Pavelková. Expect passionate Italian crowds and perhaps a touch of home-team magic.
Geneva, Switzerland: A Swiss Stronghold on the Lake
For the men`s event in Geneva, the beautiful La Rotonde du Mont-Blanc serves as the picturesque backdrop for what appears to be a domestic showdown. The entry list boasts 28 teams from 15 countries, but all four top-seeded duos hail from the host nation: Yves Haussener/Julian Friedli, Marco Krattiger/Leo Dillier, Adrian Heidrich/Jonathan Jordan (with Heidrich being a Tokyo Olympian), and Florian Breer/Luc Flückiger. This unprecedented Swiss dominance at the top of the seeding suggests an internal battle for national supremacy could very well unfold, adding an intriguing layer of rivalry to the international contest.
While other nations send their best, including strong contenders from Germany and Italy, the Swiss contingent – with six duos in total – are clearly looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage. It`s a testament to the depth of talent within Swiss beach volleyball, setting the stage for potentially historic all-Swiss medal matches.
These Futures events are more than just tournaments; they are crucial stepping stones for teams aiming to climb the international rankings. Each rally, each point earned, contributes to a team`s global standing, paving the way for participation in larger, more prestigious events. Co-organized by the CEV and Volleyball World, these European stops highlight a commitment to nurturing talent and expanding the sport`s footprint across the continent.
So, whether you`re following the strategic blocks in Ios, the audacious spikes in Messina, or the intense domestic rivalries in Geneva, one thing is clear: the European beach volleyball season is in full swing, offering a thrilling spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and unyielding determination. Prepare for a weekend where the sand will fly, and champions will emerge.
Torin Vale