The Beach Pro Tour Elite16 has arrived in Ostrava, Czechia, drawing top global competitors and igniting local hopes for a historic victory. Running from May 28 to June 1, the tournament is hosted at the striking Lower Vítkovice industrial venue, a familiar setting for Czech stars Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner.
Perusic and Schweiner, the reigning world champions, are no strangers to the podium. Over the years, they have delivered strong performances on Czech soil, securing podium finishes in cities like Prague and Brno. Yet, a victory in Ostrava remains elusive. Despite making the semifinals five times—finishing second on three occasions—the team has yet to top the event.
After a break from competition, the Czech duo returns with renewed energy following a win at the Yucatán Challenge and a fifth-place finish in Quintana Roo earlier this year. They now aim to capitalize on their momentum against a field packed with elite talent.
Top Contenders in the Men’s Tournament
- David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig – Sweden’s Olympic champions and major contenders.
- Anders Mol and Christian Sørum – The top-ranked pair from Norway.
- Ahmed Tijan and Cherif Younousse – Qatar’s formidable Olympic team.
Key Teams in the Women’s Bracket
- Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth – Top-seeded Americans leading the draw.
- Carol Salgado and Rebecca Cavalcanti – Experienced Brazilian team.
- Thamela Coradello and Victoria Lopes – Another competitive duo from Brazil.
- Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann – Past Ostrava winners from Germany.
Czech Talent on Display
Marie-Sára Štochlová and Marketa Svozilová received a wild card entry after solid performances in the Challenge circuit. They now face their biggest test yet in a field filled with top international talent.
What to Expect
The tournament kicks off with pool play on Wednesday, progressing to elimination rounds over the weekend. With strong home support and top-tier competitors, Ostrava is set for a weekend of high-stakes volleyball and a potential chapter of Czech sporting history.
For the full schedule and event updates, visit the official Beach Pro Tour page on Volleyball World.
