The 2026 Beach Pro Tour kicked off in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, where teams backed by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme made a powerful statement by sweeping all the medals in both the men’s and women’s categories of the event.
Men's Competition Highlights
Australia’s Solomon Bushby and Justin Schumann emerged victorious in the men’s tournament. The duo dropped only two sets over five matches to claim the gold medal. In the final, they narrowly defeated the American pair of Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst with a 2-1 victory.
The bronze medal went to another U.S. team, Diego Perez and David Wieczorek, who celebrated their first podium finish on the Beach Pro Tour.
Women's Competition Highlights
Romania’s Beata Vaida and Francesca Alupei showcased resilience and tenacity, coming from behind to triumph over New Zealand’s Shaunna Polley and Olivia MacDonald in the final. The bronze was claimed by Japan’s Sakura Ito and Mayu Sawame, who delivered a strong performance to defeat the American duo Kelly Belardi and Charlotta Bell.
All three women’s medalist teams benefited from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, an initiative that offers coaching, equipment, and expert guidance to elevate national beach volleyball programs.
Event Overview
This opening Futures event featured significant international participation, with:
- 28 men's teams
- 24 women's teams
- Representation from 11 countries
The tournament emphasized the growing global reach and competitiveness of beach volleyball, and showcased how targeted support structures are producing elite-level teams.
Next Up
The Beach Pro Tour will continue with its next Futures event in Sanya, China, scheduled for March 5 to 8.
