The renowned AVP Manhattan Beach Open, a staple in beach volleyball since 1960, promises to enthrall fans from August 14-16, 2026, with fierce competition and rich history. Dubbed "The Granddaddy of Them All," this year's tournament boasts the largest field of the season, featuring 64 teams in the main events and an additional 160 teams competing for 16 qualifier spots on August 13. The matches take place at the scenic Manhattan Beach Pier, offering free general admission to the public.
In the men's bracket, all eyes are on the newly formed duo of Chase Budinger and Trevor Crabb, holding the top seed. Despite a past on-court conflict, they're joining forces for this event. They aim to dethrone legends like Phil Dalhausser, the eighth seed chasing his eighth title, and other leading competitors, including:
- Taylor Crabb
- Andy Benesh, the second seeds
On the women’s side, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz are the ones to watch. As the reigning champions, they're targeting their third consecutive Manhattan Beach Open victory. Their rivals include:
- Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng
- Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, eager to claim their first title at this prestigious competition.
The Manhattan Beach Open stands as a pivotal part of the AVP 2026 season, impacting rankings and the playoff landscape as teams gear up for the AVP League Championships in Chicago next month. Matches will be streamed live on AVP's YouTube channel, with the finals also aired on CBS Sports Network and CW. With its celebrated past and exciting present, the Manhattan Beach Open is set to deliver memorable moments in beach volleyball history.
For more details, visit the official AVP site.
