Espinho`s Praia da Baía is poised to become the heart of European Beach Volleyball as it hosts the final stage of the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup 2025 from July 17 to 20. This marks a historic first for Portugal, welcoming this prestigious event that brings together the top pairs from eight nations to battle for the championship title.
Representing Portugal as the host country are the nation`s leading male pairs: the three-time national champions João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, alongside the vice-champions, brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa. Both teams are eager to deliver exciting performances for the anticipated capacity crowd.
Organized by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV) in partnership with the Espinho City Council (CME), the competition promises thrilling moments.
Vicente Araújo, President of the FPV, commented on the event`s significance: “The Nations Cup is a key tournament that will help our teams, João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, and the brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, accumulate points and improve their world ranking. Major international events are always successfully held in Espinho, and once again, with the support of the local council, we are confident of a strong competition and a fantastic event with great attendance. Espinho is a volleyball city, and we are sure to see many people at Praia da Baía supporting the games.”
National coach Ricardo Rocha highlighted the rigorous preparation: “We meticulously planned to ensure optimal form for all competitions. For the Nations Cup, we dedicated more time to preparation, including with our physical trainer. Participating in a stage of the National Circuit currently held at Praia da Baía is crucial preparation for the venue where we will be playing.”
Rocha also stressed the value of competing against the best: “We know the top European countries will be here with their premier pairs, and we are prepared for this challenge. Our athletes already possess experience at this level and are well acquainted with most of their opponents from the world circuit.”
Playing on home soil, the psychological advantage and public support will be significant assets. For João Pedrosa, an Espinho native, the feeling of competing before his family and friends is unparalleled. “I am very happy to play at home. My family and friends have limited chances to watch us play live, as most tournaments are abroad. Their encouragement on the court could truly make a difference.”
Hugo Campos shares this optimism, viewing the local preparation as a strategic edge. “Training and competing in this weekend`s National Tour stage at Praia da Baía might give us a slight advantage. Who knows, it could be the factor that tips the scales in decisive moments. We recognize the high level of competition, but we are solidifying our position at that level, and I believe we can bring greater joy to the Portuguese people.”
For brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, this will be their second Nations Cup appearance, bringing considerably more experience. Winners of the National Tour`s inaugural stage, the young athletes feel their progress. Gonçalo Sousa remarked, “Last year we had only three or four months of beach volleyball experience, and this competition was among our first international tournaments. Now, we have a much larger history of international events, and I believe we are achieving a strong level, both physically and tactically. We are going all in.”
Tomás Sousa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in Espinho, the place where he began the sport, and guaranteed their readiness. “It is a privilege to have a tournament of this magnitude at home. We are fully prepared. We know the standard will be high, but we will make the job of the top teams more challenging.”
Facing the Legends
The tournament is set to be a demanding test for the Portuguese duos, who may encounter legendary figures in Beach Volleyball. The spotlight is particularly on the formidable Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sørum, famously known as the `Beachvolley Vikings`. As Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020, World champions in 2022, and winners of four consecutive European titles, they are widely considered the main favorites. A match against this team will be a significant challenge for João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, who are also scheduled to meet them again in Pool A of the CEV EuroBeachVolley 2025 in Düsseldorf.
With elite pairs competing and the added incentive of playing at home, the Portuguese teams are determined to showcase their capabilities. The stage is perfectly set for an unforgettable Beach Volleyball spectacle at Praia da Baía!
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood