Tournaments! A battle between teams, individuals, and fans. Where heroes rise and champions are made.
From Olympic dreams to championship glory volleyball has a huge fanbase and tournaments across the world.
As a seasoned volleyball coach, I have attended countless matches. I will discuss the most popular volleyball tournaments that every player should dream of playing in and share my expertise to inspire you to grow as a player and fan.
Let Start!
International Volleyball Tournaments (For National Teams)
FIVB World Championship
It is one of the premier sporting events, celebrating volleyball’s excellence, unity, and global appeal, held every four years since 1949 for men and 1952 for women. Twenty-four national teams competed, bringing together the best from over one hundred fifty qualifying teams for the championship.
The top teams earn Olympic spots, ensuring high-level competition among the best players and teams. The championship format is pool play followed by knockout rounds. The winner receives the FIVB Volleyball World Championship trophy and the total prize often exceeds $1 million, making it one of the most prestigious events.
The most successful teams in the men’s championship are Brazil, which has three titles, the Soviet Union with six, and Italy, which has three titles. In the women’s championship, the Soviet Union has secured five titles, Japan has won three, and China has four titles.
In 2022, Italy’s men’s team won the men’s championship making their title count to 4, and Serbia’s secured their 2nd women’s title.
Olympic
This tournament is equally monumental, taking place every four years. It started in 1964 in Tokyo, and the Olympics have featured twelve national teams for both men and women. Beach volleyball was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The Olympic volleyball tournament features twelve to sixteen teams per gender for indoor volleyball and twenty-four teams per gender for beach volleyball. Teams compete in a round-robin format followed by knockout rounds.
Teams qualify through continental championships, world championships, and Olympic qualification tournaments. Brazil won fourteen gold medals in the Olympics during Rio 2016. France’s men’s team won gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, while the USA’s women’s team and Italy’s women’s team secured the top spot in 2020 and 2024, respectively.
FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL)
The league has been held annually since 2018, with sixteen national teams in men’s and women’s categories with champions winning about $1 million (women) and $1.2 million (men) as prize money. The VNL replaced the FIVB World Grand Prix and FIVB World League.
In the previous format, teams competed in a round-robin format, but in the new format, teams needed to go through the pool phase and the finals. Sixteen teams are divided into two groups of eight. Each team needs to play 12 matches in the pool phase. The top four teams from each group advance to the final knockout.
FIVB Volleyball World Cup
It is held every four years and the competition always takes place in Japan. The men’s FIVB Volleyball World Cup was first held in 1965, while the women’s tournament began in 1973. Twelve national teams per gender compete in a round-robin format. The teams score points based on their performance, and the top teams are ranked accordingly.
The FIVB Volleyball World Cup is a qualification tournament for the Olympic Games, with the top two teams earning Olympic spots. In 2019, Brazil (Men) and China (Women) secured their place in the next Olympics.
FIVB Challenger Cup
It is the gateway to higher-level tournaments like the Nations League. Held annually since 2018, it gives upcoming teams competition on the global stage. The Challenger Cup allows six teams per gender, to face each other in a round-robin format followed by knockout rounds.
Teams qualify through continental championships, world rankings, and a qualification tournament.
Major Club Volleyball Tournaments
FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship
At the club level, the FIVB Volleyball Club Championship is an annual event having six to eight of the world’s top club teams. They compete in a round-robin format followed by knockout rounds. Teams qualify through continental championships and wild card invitations. The prize is $350,000 for men and $250,000 for women.
The men’s championship began in 1989, while the women’s championship started in 1991. It’s a prestigious tournament, where teams like Trentino Volley and Imoco Volley secure titles as they did in 2022. Imoco Volley bagged their third title in the most recent edition in 2024.
CEV Champions League
The CEV Champions League is Europe’s premier volleyball club competition, organized by the Confederation Europeenne de Volleyball (CEV). It brings together the continent’s top clubs.
It was established in 1959 for men and in 1961 for women. The tournament features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, and the highest scorer will reach the finals. Teams qualify through national championships, European Cup rankings, and wild card invitations.
Asian, African, and South American Club Championship
The Asian Men’s and Women’s Club Volleyball Championships are the premier club competitions in Asia. Organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), they feature top clubs from across the continent. It was established in 1999 for both men and women.
The African Men’s and Women’s Club Volleyball Championships are the premier club competitions in Africa. Organized by the Confederation Africaine de Volleyball (CAVB), and features elite clubs. It was established in 1985 for men and in 1995 for women.
The South American Men’s and Women’s Club Volleyball Championships are the premier club competitions in South America. Organized by the Confederacion Sudamericana de Voleibol (CSV), features top clubs. It was established in 1970 for men and in 1971 for women.
The competition format is the same for all Club championships as it has a group stage followed by knockout rounds and qualification depends on National championships and individual continents rankings.
These regional tournaments are held every year and highlight the best volleyball clubs from different continents. The great part of these tournaments is how diverse the playing styles are, and it is appealing to see how different countries approach the game.
Popular Beach Volleyball Tournaments
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship
It is a highly acclaimed international competition that showcases the world’s best duos beach volleyball players, held every two years. It has an extensive record-breaking 1.2 billion viewers worldwide. In 2019 in Hamburg, Germany, there were a record 140000 spectators. This event provides a festive atmosphere with its urban beach setting which appeals to fans of all ages.
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour
In 1898 the first world tour was organized by the FIVB. The official tour began in 1992, and four years later, beach volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games. In the 2000s, the tour expanded globally, adding new events and increasing prize money.
Rio and Copacabana were the most iconic spots and players like Kerri Walsh and Misty May have set the standards high for players.. In 2012, the tour reached a record 17 events, and in 2015, looking at the popularity FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour App was launched. Today it features over 40 events annually, broadcasting in 190 countries and reaching 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.
AVP PRO Beach Volleyball Tour
It is one of the top professional beach volleyball events in the United States, founded in 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the tour experienced rapid growth, and players like Karch Kiraly, Sinujin Smith, and Randy Stoklos added fuel to success.
In 2010, the AVP tour revived from its struggle and had a great comeback. Now it features top American players, as well as international competitors in the events. The iconic locations were Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Huntington Beach.
Continental and Regional Volleyball Tournaments
CEV European Championship
It was established in 1993, and organized by the Confederation Europenne de Volleyball (CEV). It featured high-level competitions featuring Olympic medalists and world champions in iconic locations like Vienna, Berlin, and Moscow.
Today it features 32 teams per gender, broadcasts on Eurosport, reaches 500000 viewers per event, 200000 social media followers, and offers 100,000 euros in prize money annually.
NORCEA Championship
It was established in 2007 with one of the top tournaments for national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean organized by the North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation. Top players from 27 member countries participate in the championship
Today it features 16 teams per gender, broadcasts on Eurosport, reaches 200000 viewers per event, with 50000 social media followers, and offers 20,000 euros in prize money annually.
Asian, African, and South American Volleyball Championship
Asian Volleyball Championship was established in 1975, featuring 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams from Japan, China, Korea, and Iran.
African Volleyball Championship was established in 1967 with top teams 16 men and 12 women from Eygpt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco competing and showcasing their talent.
South American Championship was established in 1951 with 8-10 South American men’s and women’s teams from Brazil, Argentina, and Peru competing.
These tournaments are held every two years. They showcase top talent and serve as a qualifying event for the FIVB World Championship and Olympic Games. With global broadcasts reaching several countries witnessing fans worldwide. Regional rivalries, cultural importance, and national pride added fuel to the popularity.
Collegiate and University Volleyball Tournaments
NCAA Volleyball Championship
It is established in 1970, featuring 64 women’s and 48 men’s teams in a single elimination bracket. Programs like UCLA, Stanford, and Penn State drive its popularity. UCLA holds 19 women’s titles, while Standford holds seven consecutive titles from 1996 to 2002 and recently Pittsburgh in 2018, Kansas City in 2019, and Minneapolis in 2020.
NCAA popularity has grown 25% since 2010, generating over $10 million annually.
U Sports Volleyball Championship
It is Canada’s premier university volleyball tournament. Established in 1967 for men and 1970 for women, showcasing top collegiate talent among student-athletes. Eight teams per division compete in a single elimination bracket. Alberta Golden Bears won 8 men’s while UBC Thunderbirds won 11 women’s championships. Trinity Western Spartans won 4 consecutive men’s titles from 2011 to 2014 while Toronto Varsity Blues won 3 consecutive women’s titles from 2015 to 2017.
Knowing volleyball tournaments worldwide holds significant importance, especially for players, coaches, fans, and even those involved in the sports industry. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Understanding the Global Standard – International tournaments like the FIVB Nations League and the Olympics showcase the best teams and strategies, helping players and fans understand the competition level.
- Player Development and Learning – Aspiring players can learn new techniques and strategies by watching elite players improve their games through observation.
- Global Ranking and Reputation – These Tournaments influence world rankings, impacting professional opportunities and recognition for teams and players.
- Knowledge of Top Teams and players – Helps fans and athletes learn the best strategies and skills. It inspires others to improve and keeps the sport evolving with new trends.
- Exposure to different playing styles – Tournaments expose viewers to diverse playing styles from different regions, enriching their knowledge of the sport.
- Tactical Insights – Coaches and players can study advanced strategies used by top teams and apply them to improve their performance in local competitions.
- Trend and Rule Changes – Global tournaments often introduce new trends and rule changes, helping fans and professionals stay updated.
- Cultural exchange and Global Influence – It brings together players from different countries to share skills and traditions. Events like the Olympics showcase diverse playing styles and inspire athletes globally.
- Career and scholarship opportunities – For young athletes performing well in national and international tournaments can lead to scholarships and professional opportunities.
- Engagement with the Global Volleyball Community – Following global tournaments connects fans to the worldwide volleyball community and sees how the sport is celebrated across different cultures.
The world’s top volleyball tournaments bring non-stop excitement that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Keeping up with these “Volleyball Tournaments”, you will enrich the experience as both a player and a fan. The Volley Nation League delivers action all year long. While the regional competitions such as the European and South American Championships add a special touch of local pride and rivalries. Club tournaments like the FIVB Club World Championship, take the sport to a new sky. Whether you have just started or are already deep into the game or are a die-hard fan, knowing about these events will help you stay inspired and connected to the world of volleyball. It’s a thrilling celebration of skill, passion, and the joy of playing.
