The third independent installment of Ljubljana`s “Volleyball on Water” event, themed `Magic Ljubljanica` this year, captivated audiences with its most diverse program yet. It featured thrilling matches among athletes from three continents, exquisite culinary offerings by Michelin-starred chef Luka Košir, and a vibrant music and dance spectacle, including performances by Miha Krušič`s Pro Dance, illusionist Magic Alexander, Acro Connection, and Classy Band.
A floating platform on the river Ljubljanica hosts the annual Volleyball on Water event.
Project manager Kristina Taja Grünfeld of the Extrem agency summarized the two-day event`s success: “While our national team continues its journey in the Volleyball Nations League, Volleyball on Water provided passionate fans a unique way to experience the sport`s excitement. Spectators filled the riverbanks and bridges, cheering on the intense matches, applauding the shows, and enjoying the culinary delights from Grič restaurant.”
The Tournament
The athletes once again took center stage at Volleyball on Water. A total of 32 players from 14 countries and three different continents competed in this one-of-a-kind elimination tournament. Its uniqueness stems from the attractive floating and partially submerged platform on the Ljubljanica river, which transforms into a dazzling LED-lit battleground at night.
The final matches were electrifying. The women`s final saw a repeat of last year`s pairing, but with a different outcome. The previously undefeated Slovenian cousins Nina and Tajda Lovšin were vanquished by the Polish duo Monika Jagla and Malgorzata Vlk. In the men`s final, Czech champion Martin Melmuka, playing alongside local favorite Alan Košenina, also failed to defend his title, conceding defeat to New Zealand`s Jack McManaway and Ben O’Dea.
Players test their skills in a truly unique environment.
Results
Women`s Tournament:
- 1. Monika Jagla/Malgorzata Vlk (POL)
- 2. Nina Lovšin/Tajda Lovšin (SLO)
- 3. Maja Marolt/Zoja Kalar (SLO)
MVP: Monika Jagla
Men`s Tournament:
- 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
The intense battles and captivating shows were also witnessed by members of the Slovenian men’s national volleyball team, who were preparing for the Nations League. Among them was the event`s ambassador, Rok Možič, who will also host his own volleyball camp this summer:
“This event is a fantastic promotion for Volleyball, drawing large crowds and offering a truly unique experience. It`s challenging for beach volleyball players due to the water, making movement slower and more demanding. I`d love to play myself, but it always coincides with national team commitments. Still, it`s clear both players and spectators thoroughly enjoy `Volleyball on Water.`”
The winners and other top players from the 2025 edition of the event.
Excited Americans
This year’s event also offered a special opportunity for a few fortunate individuals to try out the unique court. Among them were three Americans who, after discovering the event on social media, altered their European travel plans to journey from Amsterdam to Ljubljana specifically for “Volleyball on Water.” They even got to experience the magic of playing on the court!
Ariana from Los Angeles shared her excitement: “Crazy! When I showed my friends the videos, they were thrilled. I never imagined that I would even be able to play on this court. This is a truly extraordinary project, and if it were brought to California, it would definitely be a big hit. We do not have such beautiful rivers in our cities as yours, but we do have the sea and lakes, where we could make a real spectacle out of it.”
Side Events and Entertainment
Beyond the thrilling matches, the show program added another layer of excitement. Dancers from Miha Krušič’s Pro Dance studio returned to the Ljubljanica with their enchanting `River Man` story. The most extensive show program to date also featured the masters of acro yoga, dance, and acrobatics from `Slovenia’s Got Talent` – Acro Connection; Slovenia’s most renowned illusionist, Magic Alexander, known for captivating audiences on BBC1, Discovery, and Travel Channel; and the Classy Band, who performed beloved Ljubljana evergreens as part of the `Voice of Ljubljanica` program.
The event is organised annually in the city center of Ljubljana.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood