The 33rd CEV EuroBeachVolley, Europe`s premier beach volleyball event, is set to kick off next week in Düsseldorf, Germany. From Wednesday to Sunday, the continent`s top teams will gather for this highly anticipated annual celebration.
Hosted at Düsseldorf`s Rochus Club, this marks Germany`s fourth time hosting the tournament, a testament to its success in the sport. This year`s event promises to be exceptionally competitive, with all top European teams confirming their participation.
The women`s tournament features 32 teams divided into eight pools of four. Each team will play twice in a modified pool play format. Pool winners advance directly to the Round of 16, while second and third-placed teams will compete in the Round of 24.
Women`s pool play and the Round of 24 will occur from Wednesday to Thursday. The Round of 16 and quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, semifinals on Saturday, and medal matches on Sunday. As the tournament approaches, let`s delve into the women`s Pools A, B, C, and D.
Women`s Pool Previews
Pool A Analysis
Teams:
- Valentina Gottardi/Reka Orsi Toth (Italy)
- Marketa Svozilova/Marie-Sára Štochlová (Czechia)
- Valentyna Davidova/Anhelina Khmil (Ukraine)
- Ieva Dumbauskaite/Gerda Grudzinskaite (Lithuania)
Italy`s Valentina Gottardi and Reka Orsi Toth, a new pairing for 2025, have shown strong form on the Beach Pro Tour and are favored to top Pool A. Despite their youth, both possess significant international experience, including multiple EuroBeachVolley appearances. The battle for second place is expected between Czechia`s Svozilova/Štochlová, who`ve had inconsistent international results, and Ukraine`s Davidova/Khmil, a rapidly ascending duo since 2024. Lithuania`s Dumbauskaite/Grudzinskaite, while the lowest seed, are seasoned Futures-level competitors with upset potential. While the Italians are well-positioned for a direct Round of 16 spot, they must be wary of the Ukrainians` potential. The Czechs are likely to secure the third elimination round spot, but the Lithuanians remain dark horses.
Pool B Analysis
Teams:
- Dorina Klinger/Ronja Klinger (Austria)
- Emi van Driel/Wies Bekhuis (the Netherlands)
- Yeva Serdiuk/Daria Romaniuk (Ukraine)
- Chenoa Christ/Anna-Chiara Reformat (Germany)
Austria`s Klinger sisters, Dorina and Ronja, have cemented their status as a continental powerhouse and are expected to dominate Pool B, despite their opponents` potential. The Netherlands` Emi van Driel and Wies Bekhuis are a promising young duo, poised to secure second place, but will face stiff competition from Ukraine`s Yeva Serdiuk and Daria Romaniuk, another Ukrainian team on the rise. Germany`s Chenoa Christ and 16-year-old Anna-Chiara Reformat, playing together for the first time, face a tough challenge against more experienced teams. The Austrians are strong favorites for first, with the Dutch likely second, leaving Ukrainians and Germans to vie for the final elimination round spot.
Pool C Analysis
Teams:
- Anouk Vergé-Dépré/Zoé Vergé-Dépré (Switzerland)
- Sandra Ittlinger/Anna-Lena Grüne (Germany)
- Mila Konink/Raisa Schoon (the Netherlands)
- Julia Radelczuk/Natalia Okla (Poland)
The Swiss Vergé-Dépré sisters, Anouk and Zoé, arrive in Düsseldorf as one of the most in-form teams, boasting four consecutive Beach Pro Tour medals. They are strong contenders for the top spot, though they will face significant challenges from Germany and the Netherlands. Germany`s Sandra Ittlinger and Anna-Lena Grüne, fresh off a Beach Nations Cup Finals victory, are consistently improving in their first year as partners. The Netherlands` Raisa Schoon, a two-time Olympian, and 19-year-old Mila Konink show immense promise but are yet to achieve a breakout result. Poland`s Julia Radelczuk and Natalia Okla, with limited international experience since 2024, face an uphill battle. While Anouk and Zoé are the top team, they`ll need to perform optimally against their rising German and promising Dutch counterparts. The Polish team, though considered underdogs, could potentially surprise.
Pool D Analysis
Teams:
- Tanja Hüberli/Leona Kernen (Switzerland)
- Tina Graudina/Anastasija Samoilova (Latvia)
- Melanie Paul/Lea Sophie Kunst (Germany)
- Heleene Hollas/Liisa Remmelg (Estonia)
Pool D is set for the most thrilling battle for first place, with Switzerland`s Tanja Hüberli/Leona Kernen and Latvia`s Tina Graudina/Anastasija Samoilova closely matched. The Latvians bring the experience of two EuroBeachVolley titles, while the Swiss have displayed excellent form since partnering this season. The fight for third place will also be compelling. Germany`s Melanie Paul and Lea Sophie Kunst, playing on home soil, show potential despite some inconsistency. Estonia`s Heleene Hollas and Liisa Remmelg, the leading Estonian team, have been performing strongly at the Futures level. A clear divide exists between the top two teams and the rest, promising an exciting second round of matches as teams vie for direct advancement to the Round of 16 or a spot in the elimination rounds.
