After a relentless journey across Europe, gracing the shores and courts of Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, Czechia, Latvia, Sweden, and Greece, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour sets its compass towards France. This week, the vibrant city of Montpellier is poised to host a double-gender Futures event, promising a thrilling showcase of talent, grit, and the sheer joy of beach volleyball.
Montpellier: A Fitting Stage for French Beach Volleyball Aspirations
Montpellier, a city long recognized as a stronghold for French national beach volleyball teams, provides a perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. The chosen venue, the popular Montpellier Beach Volley Club, nestled within the picturesque Parc de La Rauze, offers both players and spectators an idyllic setting for competitive action. It`s more than just a tournament; it’s a testament to France`s growing presence on the international beach volleyball map, offering its home players a rare chance to shine on familiar ground.
The Women`s Field: A Convergence of Rising Stars and Medal Magnets
The women’s draw in Montpellier is brimming with athletes who have already tasted success on the Beach Pro Tour this season. Leading the charge, quite literally, is France’s own 22-year-old Anouk Dupin. Her 2025 campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal, a veritable masterclass in consistent podium finishes. Four tournaments, three different partners, and four medals – a gold in Valencia with Saofe Duval, another gold in Jurmala with Marine Kinna, a silver in Madrid alongside Alex Merle, and a bronze in Battipaglia, again with Kinna. One might wonder if she collects medals faster than some collect frequent flyer miles, a truly impressive feat of adaptability and skill.
For this home event, Dupin teams up with 28-year-old Elsa Descamps, who recently secured a bronze herself in Geneva. The depth of French talent doesn’t end there, with Saofe Duval also having claimed a bronze earlier in Ios. Beyond the local heroes, the competition remains fierce, featuring:
- Czechia`s Martina Maixnerova and Kylie Neuschaeferova, aiming for another gold after their triumph in Messina.
- Germany`s Janne Uhl and Paula Schürholz, who conquered the Madrid event.
- Estonia`s Eva Liisa Kuivonen and Liisa-Lotta Jürgenson, silver medalists from Jurmala.
- The dynamic Spanish contingent of Sofía Izuzquiza, Sofía González, and Ana Vergara, each with multiple podiums this season, showcasing the strength of Spanish beach volleyball.
The women’s tournament features 28 teams representing 17 nations, a clear indication of the tour`s expanding reach and competitive landscape, promising diverse styles and high-octane matches.
The Men`s Arena: Olympians, Veterans, and Trailblazers
On the men’s side, the Montpellier Futures welcomes a compelling mix of seasoned professionals and determined newcomers. Headlining the draw are Austrians Robin Seidl and Alexander Huber, who have rekindled their partnership after representing their country at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Their reunion has been fruitful, yielding two bronze medals in Battipaglia and Ios this season, proving that some partnerships, like fine wine, only get better with age.
Other notable pairs poised to make their mark include:
- Germany’s Robin Sowa and Jonas Reinhardt, silver medalists from Cervia in their debut season together, demonstrating quick synergy.
- Spanish duo Antonio Saucedo and Álvaro Iglesias, bronze medalists from Malmö, consistent performers on the circuit.
- Bulgarians Dimitar Kalchev and Dimitar Mehandzhiyski, who famously secured Bulgaria`s first-ever Beach Pro Tour medal with a bronze in Sveti Vlas. A moment for the history books, indeed, and a testament to their perseverance.
The men`s event mirrors the women`s in size, with 28 duos from 18 nations vying for top honors. Hosts France field a strong contingent of five teams, hoping to capitalize on the home-court advantage and deliver memorable performances for their fans.
The Road to the Podium: Tournament Schedule
The Montpellier Futures event kicks off on Thursday with the qualification rounds for both genders, where dreams will be both realized and, unfortunately, deferred. This initial crucible ensures that only the most prepared teams advance. Friday marks the beginning of the main draw, with intense pool play setting the stage for the elimination rounds on Saturday. The crescendo builds to Sunday, when the semifinals and the coveted medal matches will determine who stands atop the podium, bathed in the French sunshine, earning their rightful place in the annals of this year`s tour.
More Than Just a Game: The Significance of Futures Events
While perhaps not as globally prominent as Elite16 or Challenge events, the Beach Pro Tour Futures series plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of professional beach volleyball. Run by the CEV in close collaboration with Volleyball World, these events offer indispensable opportunities for European teams to compete, hone their skills, and, critically, accumulate valuable international ranking points. For many, it`s the proving ground, the stepping stone to greater recognition and future glory. It`s where today`s hopefuls become tomorrow`s champions, making every point, every match, a vital step in their athletic journey.
As the sand settles in Montpellier, one thing is certain: the competition will be fierce, the rallies captivating, and the spirit of beach volleyball, as always, truly infectious. Fans and followers are encouraged to keep a keen eye on the results as the Beach Pro Tour continues its fascinating journey across the continent, shaping careers and delivering unforgettable sporting moments.
