Top Men’s Beach Volleyball Duos of 2025

As we head into 2025, the competition in men’s beach volleyball is fiercer than ever. With seasoned veterans holding their ground and new partnerships shaking up the rankings, this year promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

This list highlights the top men’s duos we expect to dominate the sand in 2025, based on their recent achievements, FIVB world rankings, and individual performances. Some of these teams have already proven themselves at the highest level, while others are on the rise, ready to challenge for the biggest titles.

Who will rule the courts this year? Let’s dive into the best men’s beach volleyball duos of 2025!

 

 

10. Samuele Cottafava / Paolo Nicolai (Italy)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Round of 16
• BPT Elite16 Hamburg 2024 – 4th Place
• CEV European Championships – Netherlands 2024 – 4th Place
• BPT Elite16 Gstaad 2024 – 4th Place
  
  

Paolo Nicolai, at 36 years old, brings a wealth of experience to this Italian duo, while Samuele Cottafava adds speed and agility, making them a well-balanced team. They once reached #3 in the world rankings in 2022, proving they have the potential to compete at the highest level.

Their 2024 season saw multiple close finishes, consistently reaching deep rounds in top tournaments, though just missing out on podium spots. Their Olympic Round of 16 finish shows they remain competitive, but they will be looking for stronger results this year.

Expectations for 2025

Cottafava and Nicolai still have the ability to challenge the top teams, but they need to break through in key moments to get back to the podium. With Nicolai’s veteran leadership and Cottafava’s dynamic play, they have the tools to turn near-misses into big wins. If they can fine-tune their game, they could become a real threat in major tournaments this year.

 

 

9. Jorge Alayo / Noslen Díaz (Cuba)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Round of 16
• BPT Challenge Stare Jablonki 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Elite16 Tepic 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Challenge Guadalajara 2024 – 4th Place
• BPT Challenge Saquarema 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Challenge Recife 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
  
  

Jorge Alayo and Noslen Díaz have been steadily climbing the ranks, proving that Cuba is a rising force in beach volleyball. Their 2024 season was packed with strong performances, including multiple Challenge-level podium finishes and a standout bronze at the Elite16 event in Tepic. While their Olympic run ended in the Round of 16, simply qualifying and competing on the world’s biggest stage was an achievement in itself.

This Cuban duo plays with intensity and raw athleticism, blending power and speed to challenge opponents. Alayo’s height and blocking ability make him a strong presence at the net, while Díaz is a fast, aggressive defender capable of turning defense into attack in an instant. Their physical style of play makes them an exciting team to watch.

Expectations for 2025

With several podium finishes in 2024, the next step for Alayo and Díaz is breaking through at the Elite16 level and competing more consistently with the top teams. Their Challenge-level success shows they have the talent to win, but the challenge will be closing out big matches against tougher competition.

If they continue their steady improvement, 2025 could be a breakout year where they move beyond strong finishes and start claiming more titles. Expect them to be a dangerous team in every tournament they enter, capable of pulling off surprises against the world’s best.

 

 

8. Javier Bello / Joaquín Bello (England)

Last Achievements:

• BPT Elite16 Rio de Janeiro 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Challenge Nuvali 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Challenge Recife 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
  
  

Making History for England

Javier and Joaquín Bello have been making waves in international beach volleyball, proving that England is a nation to watch in the sport. The twin brothers achieved a historic milestone in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the first British players to win a Beach Pro Tour event, defeating none other than Mol and Sørum in the semifinals before securing the gold.

This wasn’t the first time the Bellos made history. Back in 2022, they won bronze at the Commonwealth Games, earning England’s first-ever beach volleyball medal. With their strong technical skills, sharp game sense, and great chemistry as twins, they have continued to break barriers for British beach volleyball.

Expectations for 2025

The Bellos are one of the most promising young duos on tour, and 2024 showed they can compete with the world’s best. Their Elite16 gold in Rio proves they are capable of big things, and as they gain more experience in the toughest events, they could become consistent podium contenders.

For 2025, the challenge will be to continue improving and maintain their momentum. If they build on their Rio performance and refine their ability to handle high-pressure matches, they could become one of the strongest teams in the sport. Expect them to keep putting England on the beach volleyball map with even bigger achievements this year.

 

 

7. Evandro Gonçalves / Arthur Lanci (Brazil)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Quarter-finals
• Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha 2024 – 5th Place
• CSVP Uberlândia Finals 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Elite16 Brasília 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Challenge Guadalajara 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Challenge Recife 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
  
  

A Strong Brazilian Duo on the Rise

Evandro Gonçalves and Arthur Lanci have proven themselves as a powerful and well-balanced team, bringing a mix of experience and energy to the sand. Evandro is one of the most feared servers in beach volleyball, known for his towering presence and ability to deliver game-changing aces. His power at the net makes him a formidable opponent in both attack and defense. Lanci, on the other hand, is a quick, smart defender with excellent ball control, making him the perfect complement to Evandro’s dominant style.

Their 2024 season saw strong results, including an Elite16 victory in Brasília, a gold at the Challenge level in Recife, and a quarter-final finish at the Paris Olympics, proving they can compete with the best.

Expectations for 2025

This duo has all the tools to climb even higher in the rankings. They’ve already shown they can win at different levels of competition, and the next step is finding more consistency in top-tier events. With Evandro’s massive serve and Lanci’s agility and playmaking, they are a serious threat to any team on the tour.

If they can sharpen their teamwork and convert close matches into victories, 2025 could be the year they break into the top ranks of the world’s elite. Expect them to push for more Elite16 podiums and make a deeper impact in the biggest tournaments this season.

 

 

6. Nicolás Capogrosso / Tomás Capogrosso (Argentina)

Last Achievements:

• BPT Elite16 Rio de Janeiro 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• Final Clasificación Olímpica CSV – Iquique 2024 – 1st Place
• BPT Elite16 João Pessoa 2024 – 4th Place
• BPT Elite16 Hamburg 2024 – 5th Place
• BPT Challenge Stare Jablonki 2024 – 4th Place
  
  

Rising Stars of Argentina

Nicolás and Tomás Capogrosso have been steadily climbing the ranks, establishing themselves as one of Argentina’s top beach volleyball duos. Their journey has been marked by consistent improvement, culminating in their first-ever Elite16 podium finish in Rio de Janeiro, where they finished as runners-up. They went undefeated all the way to the final but just missed out on their first gold after failing to capitalize on match points.

Their 2024 season showed steady growth, with strong performances in João Pessoa, Hamburg, and Stare Jablonki. They also secured their Olympic spot by winning the CSV Final in Iquique, proving they belong among the world’s best.

Expectations for 2025

With momentum on their side, 2025 could be a breakthrough year for the Capogrosso brothers. They’ve shown they can compete with top-tier teams, and the next step is turning close matches into gold medal finishes. Their strong chemistry, aggressive play, and determination make them an exciting team to watch, and if they continue their upward trajectory, they could be one of the biggest surprises of the season. Expect them to push for even bigger results this year.

 

 

5. Cherif Younousse / Ahmed Tijan (Qatar)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – 4th Place
• Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Elite16 João Pessoa 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
  
  

Playing Style

Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan are one of the most explosive and athletic duos in beach volleyball. Cherif is a towering blocker, using his power and reach to dominate at the net, while Tijan’s quick reactions and defensive speed make him a nightmare for opponents. Their ability to turn defense into attack has been a key part of their success.

They made history with bronze at Tokyo 2020, putting Qatar on the beach volleyball map. Since then, they’ve remained a top-tier team, consistently competing for podium finishes.

Expectations for 2025

After narrowly missing an Olympic medal in Paris and earning podium finishes in Doha and João Pessoa, Cherif and Tijan are still among the world’s best. Their biggest challenge in 2025 will be closing out big matches and converting silver and bronze into gold. Expect them to be a serious threat in every major event this year.

 

 

4. Stefan Boermans / Yorick de Groot (Netherlands)

Last Achievements:

• Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha 2024 – 4th Place
• BPT Elite16 Hamburg 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Elite16 Ostrava 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Challenge Stare Jablonki 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Elite16 Doha 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇

Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot have firmly established themselves as one of the best teams in the world, showing their ability to battle with the sport’s elite. They had an impressive 2024 season, consistently making deep runs in tournaments and earning multiple podium finishes, highlighted by their gold medal at the BPT Elite16 Doha.

Their Paris 2024 Olympic performance also proved their strength, as they fought their way to the quarter-finals, demonstrating their ability to handle high-pressure matches on the biggest stage. While they fell just short of the medal rounds, their aggressive play and solid teamwork showed they are capable of challenging for the top spots.

Playing Style:

Boermans is known for his powerful blocking and presence at the net, making him a tough obstacle for opposing attackers. De Groot complements him perfectly with his quick reflexes, sharp defensive skills, and ability to set up plays with precision. Together, they form a well-balanced duo that can adapt to different styles of play and compete against any team in the world.

Expectations for 2025:

Looking ahead to 2025, expectations are high for this Dutch team. They have proven they can win big matches and stand on the podium, but the next step is breaking through to claim even more gold medals. If they can maintain their consistency and capitalize on key moments, they could find themselves pushing for the top of the world rankings. This year could be a defining one for Boermans and de Groot as they aim to solidify themselves among beach volleyball’s very best.

 

 

3. Nils Ehlers / Clemens Wickler (Germany)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Silver Medal 🥈
• CEV European Championships – Netherlands – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Elite16 Espinho 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
  

Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler have proven to be one of the strongest teams in beach volleyball, showcasing their ability to perform at the highest level. Their incredible run at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a defining moment in their careers, as they fought their way to the final, defeating Norway’s Mol and Sørum in a thrilling semifinal match. While they ultimately settled for silver, their performance solidified them as one of the top duos in the world.

Playing Style:

Ehlers brings a dominant blocking presence to the net, using his height and reach to challenge opponents and disrupt their attacks. Wickler, on the other hand, is a smart, agile defender with quick reactions and great decision-making. Their combination of size, skill, and tactical awareness makes them a well-balanced and difficult team to beat.

After securing multiple silver medals in 2024, including at the CEV European Championships and Elite16 Espinho, they head into 2025 with even higher expectations. They’ve shown they can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the world, and the next step for them will be turning those close finishes into gold medals. With their experience and consistency, expect them to be a serious threat in every major tournament this year.

Expectations for 2025:

If their Olympic performance is any indication, this German duo is more than capable of fighting for the very top. 2025 could be the year they take that final step and establish themselves as the best in the game.

 

 

2. Anders Mol / Christian Sørum (Norway)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Bronze Medal 🥉
• Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 João Pessoa 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Hamburg 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Vienna 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Gstaad 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
• BPT Elite16 Doha 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
  
  

Known as the "Beachvolley Vikings", Anders Mol and Christian Sørum have been a dominant force in international beach volleyball since 2018. Their playing style is characterized by Mol's exceptional blocking abilities and Sørum's outstanding defensive skills, creating a formidable combination at the net and in the backcourt. Their strategic on-two attacks and seamless teamwork have set them apart as one of the most successful duos in the sport's history.

Despite facing stronger competition in recent seasons, Mol and Sørum continued to prove their dominance in 2024. They secured Olympic bronze in Paris, adding another major medal to their collection, and then reclaimed their throne by winning the Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha. Their multiple Elite16 gold medals throughout the season showed that they are still among the toughest teams in the world.

Expectations for 2025:

Currently ranked #2 in the FIVB world rankings, Mol and Sørum remain one of the most consistent and elite duos in the game. While they’ve been challenged more frequently by rising stars like Åhman & Hellvig, they proved in Doha that they can still come out on top. Their experience, strategic play, and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments make them strong contenders for more golds in 2025.

The big question for this year: Will they reclaim their spot as the undisputed #1 team in the world, or will the new generation take over? One thing is for sure—Mol and Sørum aren’t going anywhere. Expect them to keep fighting at the top and continue their legendary career.

 

 

 

1. David Åhman / Jonatan Hellvig (Sweden)

Last Achievements:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Gold Medal 🥇
• Beach Pro Tour Finals in Doha 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Elite16 Gstaad 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Ostrava 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Espinho 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Tepic 2024 – Gold Medal 🥇
• BPT Elite16 Doha 2024 – Silver Medal 🥈
• BPT Elite16 João Pessoa 2024 – Bronze Medal 🥉
  
  

At just 22 years old, Swedish duo David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig have revolutionized beach volleyball with their innovative "Swedish Jump Set" technique. This dynamic style involves the setter leaping during the set, forcing opponents into split-second decisions and often leaving one attacker unblocked. Their approach has added a new layer of unpredictability and speed to the game, setting them apart from traditional playing styles. 

Their impressive list of achievements in 2024, including a historic Olympic gold medal and multiple Elite16 titles, showcases their dominance on the court. Despite being considered undersized in a sport often dominated by taller athletes, Åhman and Hellvig's agility, strategic prowess, and exceptional teamwork have propelled them to the top of the world rankings. 

Looking ahead to 2025, this young pair is poised to continue their ascent, inspiring a new generation of players and redefining the possibilities in beach volleyball.

 

 

Our Top Bet for 2025

With so much talent on the sand, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for men’s beach volleyball. While all the teams on this list have the potential to dominate, our top pick is David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig. Their explosive style, innovative jump sets, and relentless energy have already set them apart, and after winning Olympic gold and multiple Elite16 titles in 2024, they look ready to continue their reign.

We know this isn’t a wild bet—after all, they’ve already proven they can beat the best. But with the way they dominated in 2024, it’s hard to see them slowing down. We believe Åhman and Hellvig will continue to rule the sand in 2025, and the rest of the world will have to find a way to catch up.

That being said, beach volleyball is unpredictable, and the chase for the top spot is more competitive than ever. Mol/Sørum, Ehlers/Wickler, Boermans/de Groot, and many others are hungry for more, and we can expect plenty of thrilling battles throughout the season.

Regardless of rankings and results, one thing is for sure—this year will be packed with high-level competition, epic rallies, and unforgettable matches. Let’s see who rises to the challenge and takes over the sand in 2025! 🏐🔥