According to the rules of the International Volleyball Federation, only the 32 highest-ranked doubles teams in the men's and women's world rankings will be able to compete in the prestigious victory on the Ljubljana beach. Slovenian fans will also be able to cheer on seven Slovenian pairs who have already won a number of awards on home soil.

  • Four female players and one is falling on the ground to save the ball at the women's doubles beach volleyball match. Tajda Lovšin (with the ball) and Tjaša Kotnik in the women's doubles beach volleyball match. Photo: FIVB
  • A profile photo of Jan Pokeršnik, member of the best Slovenian men's beach volleyball team. Jan Pokeršnik, member of the best Slovenian men's beach volleyball team in recent years. Photo: UKOM
  • Tajda Lovšin and Tjaša Kotnik with the silver medal and purple flowers at the beach. A row of flags in the background. Tajda Lovšin and Tjaša Kotnik with the silver medal at the Beach Pro Tour World Series match on the Greek island of Ios. Photo: FIVB
  • Profile photo of Nejc Zemljak giving an interview. Nejc Zemljak (in the photo) and Klemen Šen became national champions in beach volleyball for 2022. Photo: UKOM.
  • Training of Slovenian doubles members on the beach. Two by the net are jumping in the air for the ball. Training of Slovenian doubles members on the beach. Photo: UKOM

The competition will start with Thursday's qualifiers at Ludus in Črnuče, with the finals on Saturday and Sunday at Kongresni trg. The World Series tournament will traditionally include the finals of the National Junior Championships, where Slovenian volleyball hopefuls will compete for the titles of national champions and champions in three age categories.  The grand final of the Open Beach Volleyball Sitting and Standing Championships will take place in the centre of Ljubljana on 1 August. After a successful European premiere last year, the Open Beach Volleyball Sitting and Standing Championships are returning to Ljubljana. The event will feature 70 para-volleyball players from 12 countries.

Beach volleyball, which is mostly played on beaches and other natural sandy venues, is in itself one of the most sustainable sports. This year, the organisers have added a free shuttle service for all participants.

More information about the event is available on the website www.beachvolleyljubljana.com

The Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) recognises the importance of such events, which enhance Slovenia's image as a great destination for active holidays and athletes' training, and reinforces the value of the I feel Slovenia brand.