The crisp mountain air of Karpacz, Poland, became the arena for youthful ambition as the U20 Snow Volleyball European Championships 2025 roared to life. What might sound like a contradiction – volleyball on snow – proved to be an electrifying spectacle, showcasing the raw talent and burgeoning spirit of Europe`s next generation of snow volleyball stars.
Indeed, Friday, March 7th, was not just another date on the calendar; it was a day etched in the memory of players and fans alike. With ideal weather conditions gracing the southern Polish slopes, the stage was perfectly set for an opening day that delivered a cascade of thrilling matches, setting an exceptionally high bar for the rest of the tournament.
Young athletes from across Europe engage in fierce competition at #EuroSnowVolleyU20 in the scenic setting of southern Poland.
A New Frontier for Sporting Excellence
Making its second historic appearance and its debut on Polish soil, the #EuroSnowVolleyU20 championship serves as a testament to the rapid rise of snow volleyball. A discipline that, not so long ago, was merely a niche offshoot, has swiftly carved out a significant following. This year`s competition featured an impressive lineup of nine women’s teams and an equal number of men’s teams, with Poland proudly fielding seven of these across both genders.
The morning session wasted no time in unveiling the tournament`s inherent drama. Spectators were treated to an instant classic in the men`s bracket: Poland 2 versus Italy. The Italians initially seemed more at home on the snow, snatching the first set in a tightly contested 21-19 battle. Yet, the Polish quartet of Szymon Kobyliński, Alan Robak, Oliwier Pawlicki, and Jakub Zdrojewski mounted a formidable comeback. Through sheer grit and tactical adjustments, they clinched the subsequent two sets, each decided by the slimmest of margins, securing a hard-fought victory that sent a clear message: the home teams were here to contend.
When Favorites Falter: An Unexpected Upset
The women`s court delivered its own captivating narrative, featuring an all-Polish clash between the highly-regarded Poland 1 and the determined Poland 3. Poland 1, comprising the formidable SMS Spała talents of Wiktoria Leśniewicz, Zofia Preweda, Paulina Łabuz, and Zuzanna Rapczyńska, entered as clear favorites. However, sport, as it often reminds us, rarely follows scripts. Poland 3, led by the relentless Emilia Żurawska, whose powerful attacks consistently capitalized on the solid defensive efforts of Wiktoria Surażyńska and Maria Pietrin, stunned the crowd by winning the first set 11-9.
The second set brought even more nail-biting tension, with Poland 3 on the cusp of a dominant 2-0 sweep. It was here that Rapczyńska, with a display of nerves of steel, saved three crucial set points with magnificent serves, dragging her team back into the fight. But ultimately, in the decisive tie-break, Żurawska reasserted her dominance, securing an unexpected, yet thoroughly deserved, first victory for Poland 3.
Team Türkiye, recovering from an earlier loss, demonstrated resilience by overcoming Poland 2 in a later match.
Lessons from the Snow: Adaptation and Ambition
As the afternoon session commenced after a brief reprieve, the intensity showed no signs of abating. The Turkish men’s team delivered a masterclass, executing a near-flawless performance against Poland 2. Reflecting on the demanding nature of the sport, Damian Kostrzewa, the coach of Poland 2, offered a candid assessment:
“The conditions are tough, but they are the same for everyone. Those who can move well, are mobile, have good coordination and technique, seem to perform better. On the other hand, taller players may struggle. We made crucial attacking errors in the first set and did not put up much of a fight in the second. It’s a shame, but we have another day ahead, and we will keep fighting.”
Damian Kostrzewa, Coach of Poland 2
The resilience of the Polish teams was also evident as Poland 1`s men – Tomasz Warych, Marcel Wanat, Michał Kucharski, and Wiktor Musiał – confidently swept Moldova 2-0, having already secured a straight-sets victory over Poland 4. Their unified sentiment resonated with the ambition fueling many participants:
“We felt great, especially with such a crowd and in such weather. It was a lot of fun. It is an interesting variation, something new for us. What sets Snow Volleyball apart from Beach Volleyball is mainly that it is harder to move. You could see that we struggled at times, but match by match, we are becoming a better team in terms of communication. We came to Karpacz to fight for the medals.”
Poland 1 Men`s Team
The day concluded with further triumphs for Polish teams, with Poland 3 and Poland 4 securing wins against Ukraine and Moldova, respectively, underscoring the depth of talent within the host nation.
Players enjoyed ideal weather conditions as the U20 European Championships commenced in Karpacz.
What Lies Ahead: The Path to Glory
Under the watchful eye of Tournament Director Michał Matyja, a former “King of the Snow” himself, the championships are poised for even greater excitement. Saturday promises more group-stage action starting at 10:00 am, culminating in the high-stakes knockout matches beginning at 4:20 pm.
The ultimate showdowns, where champions will be crowned, are scheduled for Sunday, March 9th, with the women`s final at 2:20 pm and the men`s final following at 3:00 pm. As the U20 Snow Volleyball European Championships unfold, Karpacz continues to prove itself as a dynamic hub for this enthralling, rapidly evolving sport, setting the stage for future stars to emerge from the snow-laden courts.
