The prestigious Elite16 beach volleyball tournament returns to the iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro from September 24 to 28, 2025. As the ninth Elite-level stop of the Beach Pro Tour season, this event draws the world's top teams for high-stakes competition and valuable tour points.
Top Men's Teams to Watch
Leading the men’s field are Anders Mol and Christian Sorum from Norway—currently ranked number one and reigning European champions. Entering in Pool A, they begin their campaign following the qualification round.
Among their fiercest challengers are:
- Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot (Netherlands) – second seeds
- Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan (Qatar) – Olympic bronze medalists
- Nicolas and Tomas Capogrosso (Argentina) – ranked world No. 4 and in Pool C
- Evandro Oliveira and Arthur Mariano Lanci (Brazil) – local favorites with home-court history
- Andre Stein and Renato Lima (Brazil) – featuring recent world championship synergy
Tournament Format
The structure of the competition includes:
- 24 teams split across five pools
- Top three teams from each pool advancing to elimination rounds
- Final medal matches scheduled for Sunday
This format ensures fast-paced matchups and sets the stage for dramatic upsets and standout performances.
Hopefuls in Qualification
Teams still battling for a main-draw slot include England’s Joaquin and Javier Bello, who shocked the field with a win in Rio last year. Other notable teams in qualification rounds are:
- Mathias Berntsen and Hendrik Mol (Norway)
- Remi Bassereau and Calvin Aye (France)
Each pair looks to secure their spot and challenge the world’s best in the Brazilian sand.
Brazil's Integral Role
This Elite16 stop highlights Brazil’s importance on the Beach Pro Tour. Hosting five Elite events in 2025, the nation reaffirms its place as a beach volleyball epicenter, with Rio’s Copacabana serving as the sport’s spiritual home and a global competition magnet.
For more details on the tournament and full team listings, visit the official Beach Pro Tour schedule here.
