The 2026 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour is set to begin its first Elite event of the season in João Pessoa, Brazil, running from Wednesday through Sunday. This exciting beach volleyball tournament brings together top-tier athletes, including reigning Olympic and world champions, competing in the city known for its challenging windy conditions along Brazil's Northeastern coast.
Qualifiers will determine the last eight spots in the 24-team main draws for both men's and women's competitions. The event features eliminations leading to pool play, and then transitions into a single-elimination format starting from the Round of 16. The tournament will culminate in the semifinals and medal matches on Sunday.
Among the highlights are Olympic champions Eduarda 'Duda' Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos, making a return to international competition following their participation in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship last year. They will face strong competition from world champions Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova from Latvia, as well as formidable teams like American players Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz.
On the men's side, Swedish Olympic champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig are aiming to continue their previous successes in João Pessoa. The event also features intriguing new sports partnerships, such as American Olympians Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh, alongside Brazilian hopefuls and international teams from 23 countries.
The João Pessoa Elite promises thrilling matchups, with 64 teams competing for top honors, setting a competitive tone for the 2026 season. Beach volleyball enthusiasts can enjoy live coverage of the event on VBTV.
For more details, visit the [Volleyball World website](https://en.volleyballworld.com/beachvolleyball/competitions/beach-pro-tour/2026/elite16/joao-pessoa-bra/news/olympic-world-champions-back-beach-pro-tour-this-week-joao-pessoa){:target="_blank"}.
