The AVP Huntington Beach Open is set to be a spectacular event, showcasing elite international teams that have been granted wildcard entries. This exciting tournament is scheduled to run from May 15-17 at the beautiful Huntington Beach Pier, marking the start of the 2026 AVP season as the inaugural Heritage tournament. Spectators can expect to witness Olympic-level talent with the participation of teams from Brazil, Switzerland, and Qatar.
Among the exceptional competitors is the Brazilian duo, Thâmela Coradello and Victoria Lopes. They stand at an impressive third place in the FIVB World Rankings. This team is renowned for their stellar performances, having achieved a World #1 ranking in May 2025 and winning three gold medals on the Beach Pro Tour Elite16 circuit. The Huntington Beach Open offers them a chance to prove their skills once again against the top international and AVP league contenders.
Representing Switzerland are the talented sisters Anouk and Zoé Vergé-Dépré. Holding an eighth-place in world rankings, Anouk has previously earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while Zoé finished fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Officially teaming up in late 2024, they rapidly ascended to the top 10 during the 2025 season, showcasing their formidable abilities on the court.
The tournament will also feature the powerful Qatari team of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, who are ranked sixth globally. They achieved a historic milestone with Qatar's first Olympic beach volleyball medal in Tokyo and have continued their success with recent victories on the Beach Pro Tour.
This AVP event is promising to be electrifying, featuring an intense dual-gender, 16-team main draw, and a double-elimination format. Beach volleyball enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling matches laden with fierce competition as these international powerhouses challenge seasoned AVP athletes. For more details, you can visit the official AVP announcement.
