Just one day after the U18 competition wrapped up, top U20 beach volleyball talents from across Central Europe took to the courts in Portorož for the CEV U20 Beach Volleyball European Championships 2025 First-round Qualifier, organised by MEVZA.
The tournament, running across two days, kicked off today with pool matches and Round of 12 clashes in both the men’s and women’s competitions. With high stakes on the line – a direct ticket to next year’s European Championships for the top national federation – the level of play was intense from the first serve.
In the men’s bracket, defending powerhouses and rising duos alike delivered thrilling rallies and tight finishes. Home favourites Predan/Štuhec (SLO) impressed with confident performances in the pool stage, continuing Slovenia’s strong form in Portorož following yesterday’s U18 gold in the men’s tournament. Austria, Hungary, and Czechia also showcased depth in their rosters, with several pairs advancing comfortably into tomorrow’s quarterfinals.
On the women’s side, teams like Benedek/Brecsok (HUN), Müller/Rößler (AUT), and Pfeffer/Licardo (SLO) demonstrated composure and chemistry. Notably, the Czech duo Ku?erová/Zají?ková turned heads with a clean performance, dropping just a handful of points across both matches.
The day concluded with the Round of 12, which narrowed the field and set the stage for tomorrow’s knockout rounds – quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches. With energy running high and weather conditions near perfect, spectators can expect a gripping finish to this high-stakes qualifier.
Stay tuned as Portorož once again becomes the heart of youth beach volleyball in Europe, and two national federations book their spot at the CEV U20 Beach Volleyball European Championships 2025.
