Brazilian beach volleyball star André Loyola has returned triumphantly to familiar sands at the 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 in Itapema, this time forming a fresh partnership with the emerging Renato Lima. The pair made an immediate impact, winning both of their opening day matches to progress from the qualifiers into the elimination rounds.
Loyola, recognized as one of Itapema’s most decorated athletes with four prior titles at the venue, showcased his experience during a commanding straight-sets victory (21-12, 21-12) over fellow Brazilians Bruno Peiter and Nicholas Schosler. He and Lima then fought through a tightly contested match against Italy’s Samuele Cottafava and Gianluca Del Corso, emerging victorious 27-25, 24-22 to begin their main draw campaign.
Past Success and New Beginnings
Previously winning with partners like Evandro Gonçalves and George Wanderley between 2018 and 2023, Loyola’s return is rich with history. His new teammate, Renato Lima, joined forces with him in August 2025 and the duo gained early momentum by breaking into the top ten at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship.
Due to the competition’s entry point restrictions, Loyola and Lima began in the qualifiers. Now, just one match remains to determine the top team in Pool E, where they’ll clash with fellow Brazilians Heitor Benito and Vinícius Freitas on Thursday.
Other Brazilian Highlights
Brazilian teammates Arthur Mariano and Adrielson dos Santos also had a strong showing. After passing through the qualifiers, they notched a straight-sets win against Spain’s Adrián Gavira and Alejandro Huerta. Their next key matchup will be against Argentina’s Capogrosso brothers in a Pool F showdown.
About the Event
The Itapema leg of the tour continues through Sunday and features:
- Daily men’s and women’s matches
- Pool play followed by knockout rounds
- Quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals
Considered a highlight of the Volleyball World Tour, the Itapema stop attracts elite global talent and remains a cherished venue in the Brazilian beach volleyball circuit.
For full coverage and match updates, visit the official source on Volleyball World.
