The 2026 Tlaxcala Challenge is set to begin in the historic city of Tlaxcala, renowned for its significant influence in the world of global beach volleyball. This event, the second stop in the 2026 Beach Pro Tour, promises exhilarating competition from March 18 to 22.
Swedish Talent Leading the Way
The event will see top men's teams, including Swedish duos David Ahman & Jonatan Hellvig and Jacob Holting Nilsson & Elmer Andersson, take center stage. These teams notably competed against each other in an all-Swedish final at the 2025 World Championships. Ahman & Hellvig, currently the reigning world and Olympic champions, return to Tlaxcala following a victory at the Elite event in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. This win positioned them at the summit of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Ranking, exciting local fans with their participation in this rare Challenge tournament.
Nilsson & Andersson, regarded as the younger Swedish team, are also capturing attention. Their dynamic synergy resulted in a successful campaign in 2025, earning them a top seed position. With nine Beach Pro Tour medals to their name, their presence in Tlaxcala represents a strong bid for further accolades.
International Competition
The tournament isn't limited to Swedish prowess; it features strong international competition, with teams from Australia, Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany prepared to challenge the Swedish teams. Altogether, 32 teams are competing, starting with qualification rounds on Wednesday. The eight successful teams will join the 24 pre-seeded pairs in pool play as they vie for the coveted Challenge title.
Fans around the world can watch all of this exciting volleyball action live on the Beach Volleyball World YouTube channel. Matches will commence at 09:00 local time (15:00 UTC). The Tlaxcala Challenge is an elite showcase of beach volleyball talent, set against the backdrop of a stunning Mexican setting.
For more details, visit the official event page.