The third annual `Volleyball on Water` event in Ljubljana, themed `Magic Ljubljanica`, showcased its most diverse program yet. This year, it featured intense competitions involving athletes from three different continents, complemented by culinary delights from Michelin-starred chef Luka Košir, and a vibrant music and dance show starring Pro Dance performers by Miha Krušič, the illusionist Magic Alexander, Acro Connection, and Classy Band.
A floating platform on the river Ljubljanica hosts the annual Volleyball on Water event
Kristina Taja Grünfeld, project manager from the Extrem agency, encapsulated the essence of the two-day spectacle in the Slovenian capital: “This year`s Volleyball on Water tournament truly wove a story of magic, highlighted by thrilling contests among participants from 14 nations. Our goal was to immerse visitors in the enchanting experience of the Ljubljanica through all their senses. While our national team continues its impressive run in the Volleyball Nations League, Volleyball on Water provided dedicated fans with a unique, yet equally passionate, way to engage with the sport. Spectators lined the riverbanks and bridges, enthusiastically cheering on the competitive matches, applauding the shows, and delighting in the exquisite culinary offerings from the Grič restaurant.”
The Tournament Highlights
Once again, the athletes were at the heart of the `Volleyball on Water` story. A total of 32 players, representing 14 countries across three continents, battled it out in this one-of-a-kind elimination tournament. Its unique appeal stems from the attractive floating and partially submerged platform on the Ljubljanica river, which, by night, transforms into a mesmerizing LED-lit arena.
The final matches were electrifying. In a repeat of last year`s women`s final, Nina Lovšin and her cousin Tajda, previously undefeated, were bested by the Polish duo Monika Jagla and Malgorzata Vlk. Similarly, Czech champion Martin Melmuka, paired this year with local favorite Alan Košenina, couldn`t defend his title, losing to New Zealand`s McManaway and O’Dea in the men`s final.
Players test their skills in a truly unique environment
Results Overview
Women
- 1. Monika Jagla/Malgorzata Vlk (POL)
- 2. Nina Lovšin/Tajda Lovšin (SLO)
- 3. Maja Marolt/Zoja Kalar (SLO)
MVP: Monika Jagla
Men
- 1. Jack McManaway/Ben O’Dea (NZL)
- 2. Alan Košenina/Martin Melmuka (SLO/CZE)
- 3. Malo Foncarnier/Iskander El Ghouti (FRA)
MVP: Ben O’Dea
Members of the Slovenian men`s volleyball team, amidst their preparations for the Nations League, also observed the intense matches and captivating shows. Among them was the event`s ambassador, Rok Možič, who is set to host his own volleyball camp this summer. He remarked, “This event significantly promotes Volleyball. It consistently draws a large crowd and offers an experience unlike any other. I`m delighted that it takes place every summer on the Ljubljanica, and that I`m a part of its story. Competitively, this challenge is especially well-suited for beach volleyball players; movement is slower, but the water makes it more demanding, and there`s less impact on the ground compared to beach play. I`d love to try it myself someday, but so far, I haven`t had the chance, as the event always coincides with national team preparations or matches. Nevertheless, it`s clear that both players and spectators thoroughly enjoy `Volleyball on Water`.”
The winners and other top players from the 2025 edition of the event
International Enthusiasm
This year`s `Volleyball on Water` also presented a unique opportunity for a few fortunate individuals to step onto the court themselves. Among them were three Americans who, after learning about the event via social media, rerouted their European trip from Amsterdam to Ljubljana specifically for this experience. They even got to personally try out the court`s unique magic! Ariana from Los Angeles shared her excitement: “It’s incredible! When I showed my friends the videos, they were absolutely thrilled. I never imagined I’d actually get to play on this court. This is truly an extraordinary project, and if it were brought to California, it would undoubtedly be a huge success. While our cities might not have such beautiful rivers, we do have the sea and lakes, where we could certainly turn this into a spectacular event.”
Spectacular Side Events
The entertainment program featured the return of Miha Krušič’s Pro Dance studio dancers to the Ljubljanica with their `River Man` story. The most elaborate show program to date also included performances by the masters of acro yoga, dance, and acrobatics from `Slovenia’s Got Talent` – Acro Connection; Slovenia’s most renowned illusionist, Magic Alexander, who has captivated audiences on BBC1, Discovery, and Travel Channel; and for this special occasion, the Classy Band reunited to perform classic Ljubljana melodies as part of the `Voice of Ljubljanica` program.
The event is organised annually in the city centre of Ljubljana
