Elouan Chouikh and Joadel Gardoque have made a significant breakthrough in the world of beach volleyball, capturing gold at the Itapema Elite16 event in Brazil. The young French pair, aged 23 and 22 respectively, delivered a stellar performance that culminated in a straight-sets victory over Latvian veterans Martins Plavins and Kristians Fokerots (21-13, 21-19).
This win marks a historic milestone as they become just the second French team to win an Elite16-level event. Even more impressive, they did it in only their second appearance on this elite stage. Their consistent play throughout the tournament, securing victories in five of their six matches, demonstrated their readiness to compete with the world’s best.
Key Highlights from Itapema
- Chouikh and Gardoque defeated multiple teams with Olympic experience.
- Itapema served as the final stop of the 2025 Beach Pro Tour Elite16.
- Brazil’s Evandro Gonçalves and Arthur Lanci claimed the bronze medal after a strong performance against compatriots André Loyola and Renato Lima.
Evandro and Arthur’s win adds another medal to their successful 2025 season, having previously won gold and silver at Elite16 events in João Pessoa and Brasília. Their consistency underscores Brazil’s enduring strength on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
With the Elite16 season concluded, attention now turns to the final event of the Beach Pro Tour: the Laginha Beach Futures in Cape Verde, scheduled from December 11 to 14, 2025. The French duo’s unexpected triumph adds further excitement as newer teams challenge the established order.
Chouikh and Gardoque’s win symbolizes a shift in beach volleyball’s competitive landscape, with European pairs surging forward and challenging traditional powerhouses. For more details on their victory, read the full article on Volleyball World.
