The Beach Pro Tour Baden Challenge kicks off in Austria from August 5 to 10, marking the return of a Challenge-level event to Baden for the first time in three years. Previously hosting only Futures competitions, Baden now steps up with a strong international presence that promises a high level of excitement and competition.
Event Schedule and Venue
All matches will be played at Thermalstrandbad Baden, a scenic venue known for hosting top beach volleyball events. The tournament unfolds over six days with the following schedule:
- Tuesday: Women's qualifier
- Wednesday: Start of the men's competition
- Thursday to Saturday: Pool play and knockout matches
- Sunday: Men's finals
Key Women’s Teams to Watch
The local favorites, Ronja and Dorina Klinger of Austria, enter as the top-seeded women's duo and will look to reach their first podium of the 2025 season in front of their home crowd. More notable contenders include:
- Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko (Ukraine) – European champions and recent gold medalists at the Stare Jablonki Challenge.
- Tanja Hüberli and Leona Kernen (Switzerland) – Featuring the Paris 2024 bronze medalist teaming up with a new partner.
- Taliqua Clancy and Jana Milutinovic (Australia) – Tokyo 2020 silver medalist pairs with Milutinovic in pursuit of podium finishes.
Notable Men’s Teams
The men's competition is equally packed with talent. Key teams include:
- Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler (Germany) – Recent fifth-place finishers at Gstaad and past Olympic silver medalists.
- Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson (Sweden) – Fresh off a silver medal finish at Gstaad.
- Adrián Gavira and Alejandro Huerta (Spain) – Veteran Gavira returns from injury to compete alongside Huerta.
- Austria’s men’s teams – The host nation is strongly represented with four teams in the main draw.
Impact on the Season
This event serves as a critical opportunity for teams to earn points and fine-tune their strategies heading deeper into the 2025 season. With several new partnerships and returning veterans, the Baden Challenge is set to deliver both high stakes and elite athleticism.
For more information on the Baden Challenge and the full schedule, visit the official Beach Pro Tour website.
