The iconic shores of Copacabana are once again preparing to host the pinnacle of beach volleyball. From September 24th to 28th, 2025, the Women`s Elite16 event of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour promises five days of thrilling competition, dramatic upsets, and spectacular athleticism under the Brazilian sun. This isn`t just another stop; it`s a battle for gold in one of the sport`s most hallowed grounds.
A Golden Return to Familiar Sands
For Brazilian fans, all eyes will be on local hero Carol Solberg. Her return to Rio holds a special significance. Last November, Copacabana witnessed a poignant moment as Carol, alongside her then-partner Barbara Seixas, claimed gold in what was dubbed their `swan song` – their final tournament appearance together. This year, Carol is back, but with a new formidable partner, Rebecca Cavalcanti. As the world’s number two team, seeded 11th in the main draw, their journey to repeat history will begin against USA’s Julia Donlin and Lexy Denaburg in Pool B.
It`s a testament to the enduring spirit of the game that athletes, much like Carol, continuously seek new challenges, new partnerships, and new opportunities to etch their names in the annals of beach volleyball history. One can almost hear the sand whispering tales of past glories and future aspirations.
A Global Gathering of Giants
The Rio Elite16 is a true melting pot of talent, featuring the best teams from across the globe. This isn`t a casual beach outing; it`s a high-stakes arena where every serve, dig, and spike is meticulously executed. Let`s cast an eye over some of the key contenders:
Brazil`s Reigning Royalty and Rising Stars:
- Thamela Coradello & Victoria Lopes: The world`s undisputed number one team. These bronze medalists from Rio 2024 are the top seeds and have already pocketed two golds and a silver this year. They`re undoubtedly the team to beat, opening their Pool A campaign against a qualifier.
- Talita Antunes & Taiana Lima: Proving that age is just a number, these experienced Brazilians, both in their 40s, are veterans of the sport. Competing in Pool F, they`ll be fiercely aiming for their first Beach Pro Tour podium finish of the year. Their wisdom on the court is as potent as any young guns` raw power.
International Powerhouses:
- Tina Graudina & Anastasija Samoilova (Latvia): Ranked world number three, these two-time Olympians are seeded second. Their Pool B match promises a stern test against a team emerging from the qualification rounds.
- Terese Cannon & Megan Kraft (USA): Silver medalists from last year`s Rio Elite16 and recent silver winners at the Joao Pessoa Elite, this American duo (world number four) enters Pool E, also facing a qualifier. Their consistency is a force to be reckoned with.
- Kelly Cheng & Molly Shaw (USA): Reigning world champion Kelly Cheng, with new partner Molly Shaw, recently claimed their first Beach Pro Tour gold in Joao Pessoa. They headline Pool D, ready to start their Rio run against Brazil’s Vitoria Rodrigues & Hegeile Almeida.
- Valentina Gottardi & Reka Orsi Toth (Italy): The world’s number five, fresh off their first gold together at the Hamburg Elite, return to the Tour in Pool D, promising a compelling challenge.
- Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson (Canada): Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalists and Montreal Elite gold winners, this Canadian pair is in Pool F, eager to reclaim their winning momentum.
- Anouk Verge-Depre & Zoe Verge-Depre (Switzerland): These Swiss Olympians, world number six, have an impressive track record with four medals in their last six Tour appearances. They lead Pool C, where they`ll meet French Olympians Clemence Vieira & Aline Chamereau and Italy’s Claudia Scampoli & Giada Bianchi.
- Svenja Muller & Cinja Tillmann (Germany): The world’s number seven team, competing in Pool E, will also commence their journey against a qualified opponent.
- Daniela Alvarez & Tania Moreno (Spain) & Dorina Klinger & Ronja Klinger (Austria): Spanish Olympians will square off against the world`s eighth-ranked Austrian team in a Pool A opener, setting the stage for an immediate clash of titans.
The Gauntlet of Qualification
The journey to the main draw is no walk in the park. Wednesday, September 24th, kicks off with a single round of eight intense qualification matches. These aren`t just warm-ups; they are decisive battles to earn a coveted spot among the elite. The qualifier bracket itself is packed with seasoned contenders, including several athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games:
- Lithuania’s Monika Paulikiene & Aine Raupelyte
- France’s Lezana Placette & Alexia Richard
- Netherlands’ Katja Stam & Raisa Schoon
- Three-time Olympian and Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Taliqua Clancy (Australia) with partner Jana Milutinovic
- Paris 2024 Olympian Marie-Sara Stochlova (Czechia) and her teammate Marketa Svozilova, who are seeded top of the qualification bracket.
The grit and determination displayed in these early matches are often a prelude to the fireworks in the main tournament.
Tournament Structure: Path to the Podium
Once the dust settles from the qualifiers, the main draw will commence on Thursday morning. A modified pool play format will see three teams from each pool advance to the elimination rounds. From there, it`s a relentless march through quarter-finals and semi-finals, culminating in the highly anticipated medal matches on Sunday, September 28th. Only the strongest, most resilient, and strategically brilliant teams will stand on the podium.
The Copacabana beach, with its postcard-perfect scenery, offers a stunning backdrop for this high-octane sport. But make no mistake, for these athletes, it’s less about the view and more about the victory. The sun might be shining, but the competition will be fierce.
The 2025 Beach Pro Tour Elite16 in Rio de Janeiro is poised to be an unforgettable chapter in beach volleyball history. With a blend of legendary returns, dominant world champions, and hungry qualifiers, the stage is set for a truly epic showdown. Who will conquer the golden sands and claim the ultimate prize? Only time, and a whole lot of strategic spiking, will tell.
