The sands of Düsseldorf, Germany, are set to ignite as the 33rd edition of the CEV EuroBeachVolley approaches. From Wednesday to Sunday, the continent’s elite beach volleyball pairings will converge at the renowned Rochus Club, vying for the coveted European title. This year promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with every top team confirming their participation. As the first serve looms, we delve into the intricate dynamics of Men`s Pools E, F, G, and H, examining the favorites, the dark horses, and the potential upsets that could reshape the tournament narrative.
With 32 men’s teams divided into eight pools of four, the modified pool play system ensures a thrilling preliminary phase. Pool winners secure a direct passage to the Round of 16, while second and third-placed teams face a challenging gauntlet through the Round of 24. This format is designed to reward consistency and penalize complacency, setting the stage for high-stakes drama from the outset.
Pool E: World Champions and Rising Tides
Teams: Ondřej Perušič/David Schweiner (Czechia), Christoph Dressler/Philipp Waller (Austria), Marco Krattiger/Leo Dillier (Switzerland), Momme Lorenz/Tilo Rietschel (Germany)
In Pool E, the spotlight firmly rests on the reigning World Champions, Ondřej Perušič and David Schweiner of Czechia. Their exceptional form this summer, marked by three medals in five Beach Pro Tour events, reaffirms their status as global powerhouses and undeniable favorites for this pool. Expect nothing less than a dominant performance as they aim for direct qualification.
However, the pursuit of the remaining elimination spots promises intrigue. Switzerland’s new pairing, Marco Krattiger and Leo Dillier, have made an impressive debut in 2025, securing four medals at Challenge and Futures levels. Their rapid synergy makes them strong contenders for the second spot. Austria`s Christoph Dressler and Philipp Waller, though lacking the same recent podium finishes, bring a wealth of experience at this level and could spring a surprise. Meanwhile, the young German duo of Momme Lorenz and Tilo Rietschel, playing on home sand, will be eager to test their mettle against seasoned veterans. While their path to direct advancement might be steep, the absence of pressure can sometimes unlock unexpected performances. It would be a polite understatement to say they`re the underdogs, but history has a curious way of rhyming.
Pool F: The `Pool of Death` Beckons
Teams: Javier Bello/Joaquin Bello (England), Stefan Boermans/Yorick de Groot (the Netherlands), Yves Haussener/Julian Friedli (Switzerland), Clemens Wickler/Nils Ehlers (Germany)
If tournaments have a crucible, EuroBeachVolley 2025`s is undoubtedly Pool F. This quartet is a microcosm of European beach volleyball excellence, where at least three teams harbor genuine medal aspirations. England’s dynamic Bello twins, Javier and Joaquin, despite a quieter 2025, proved their elite capability with a Beach Pro Tour Elite gold in Brazil last year. Their potential to revert to that form makes them a formidable threat.
The Netherlands’ Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot, multiple EuroBeachVolley silver medalists, have consistently been among Europe’s top teams for years. They are a perennial force. Adding to this potent mix are Germany’s Clemens Wickler and Nils Ehlers. Fresh off silver medals at both the Paris Olympics and the EuroBeachVolley in 2024, they arrive with career-best momentum and the undeniable roar of the home crowd. One might almost feel sorry for Switzerland`s Yves Haussener and Julian Friedli, who, despite solid international results, find themselves in a truly brutal pool. They will need to play beyond their statistical weight class to make an impact here. The opening clash between Bello/Bello and Ehlers/Wickler isn`t just a match; it`s an early declaration of intent, potentially dictating the entire pool’s outcome.
Pool G: Polish Precision Meets Rising Talent
Teams: Michal Bryl/Bartosz Łosiak (Poland), Jacob Hölting Nilsson/Elmer Andersson (Sweden), Lukas Pfretzschner/Sven Winter (Germany), Eylon Elazar/Kevin Cuzmiciov (Israel)
Pool G features the experienced Polish Olympic duo, Michal Bryl and Bartosz Łosiak, as the clear frontrunners. While a gold medal has eluded them in 2025, their consistent international performance and strategic acumen make them exceptionally difficult to unseat in pool play. They possess all the tools to navigate this phase with controlled precision.
However, the path to the top will not be without challenges. Sweden’s Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson, the reigning U22 European champions, represent the vanguard of rising talent. Their silver medal at the Gstaad Elite event this year signals their readiness to compete at the highest level. Germany’s Lukas Pfretzschner and Sven Winter, despite a slight dip in form from their excellent 2024 season, remain potent contenders, especially with the home advantage. Israel’s Eylon Elazar and Kevin Cuzmiciov have significantly elevated Israeli beach volleyball, earning multiple Beach Pro Tour Futures medals. While they might be considered a tier below their pool counterparts, their determination to cause an upset should not be underestimated. Bryl and Łosiak are expected to advance first, but the Swedes and Germans are fully capable of disrupting that plan on a good day, turning presumed outcomes into gripping contests.
Pool H: The Enigma of Unpredictability
Teams: Paul Henning/Lui Wüst (Germany), Timo Hammarberg/Tim Berger (Austria), Gianluca Dal Corso/Marco Viscovich (Italy), Adrián Gavira/Alejandro Huerta (Spain)
Pool H stands as the tournament`s most tantalizing enigma, where the final standings could genuinely surprise everyone. Each team possesses the potential to claim any spot from first to fourth, making every match a crucial battle. Germany’s Paul Henning and Lui Wüst, top-seeded in this pool and enjoying the full support of the home crowd, have demonstrated the most consistent results on the Beach Pro Tour, positioning them as slight favorites to lead the charge.
The young Austrian pair, Timo Hammarberg and Tim Berger, 2022 U20 European champions, have shown commendable progress over the last two seasons, steadily climbing the international ranks. Their youthful audacity could be a significant factor. Italy’s Gianluca Dal Corso and Marco Viscovich, reuniting after a successful run at the Futures level, will be fierce competitors, eager to prove their renewed partnership can contend at the elite stage. Finally, the vast experience of Spain’s Adrián Gavira could be pivotal, but his partnership with Alejandro Huerta is new, and they will need to overcome limited court time together. This makes them a wild card: immense potential, yet an unknown quantity. While the Germans appear marginally better positioned, the young Austrians and the reunited Italians are also aiming for the summit. This pool promises a delightful display of strategic chess and raw athleticism, where every point could swing the balance of power.
The Countdown Begins
As Düsseldorf prepares to host Europe’s beach volleyball spectacle, the stage is set for a week of unparalleled competition. The pools discussed here offer a glimpse into the diverse talent and compelling narratives that will unfold. From seasoned champions defending their legacy to rising stars striving for their breakthrough, every match will contribute to the rich tapestry of EuroBeachVolley 2025. The road to gold is rarely straightforward, and in these pools, it promises to be exceptionally winding and exhilarating. Prepare for a championship where predictions are mere suggestions, and the sand dictates destiny.
Torin Vale