Innovative format defines Czech representatives for European Cup 2025

The Czech Volleyball Federation organised earlier this month a domestic competition for Beach Volleyball clubs, counting also as a qualifier for the 2025 edition of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup. The competition followed an innovative format taking into account the results of previous years as well in determining the clubs’ allocation across the various rounds.  

In a round robin phase, clubs competed against each other in a best-of-five format, thereby involving men’s, women’s and mixed teams. The clubs advancing from the pool stage progressed to the semis followed by gold and bronze medal matches. 

The semis featured BVŠP A versus BC Strahov, which was a repeat of last year’s fixtures, and BK Pankrác versus BK Ládví. If we were to look at the semis and medal matches, in three such cases the outcome and eventual winners were decided only via a final duel involving mixed-gender teams. 

In the bronze medal contest, BK Ládví secured two wins over their opponents from Strahov courtesy of their women’s teams. The men’s team Hladík/Jachnicki secured a third victory and with it the bronze medal, with Strahov settling for fourth place. The grand finale was only decided through a final duel involving mixed teams. Honzovičová and Mikulenka, representing Beachclub Prague Sports Club, managed to overcome the previously undefeated pair Lorenzová and Semerád. Therefore, Beach Volleyball School Prague A (BVŠP A) had to be content with second place, whereas the Beachclub Prague Pankrác emerged victorious.  

To determine the club due to represent Czechia in the CEV Beach Volley European Cup 2025, the Czech Volleyball Federation did take into account the number of wins secured in each gender, with the spot going to those with the highest number of matches won across the fixtures contested on Saturday and Sunday. The women of Beachclub Prague Pankrác remained undefeated and with this remarkable result, they secured their participation in the European Cup. On the other hand, Beachclub Strahov had the best result in men’s matches, but they were already sure of their participation after claiming top honours at the MEVZA zonal qualifying event held earlier this year in Bratislava. Therefore, a second Czech club, BK Ládví, will participate in the men’s preliminary phase of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup as well. 

The organisers extend their gratitude to the main partner of Czech Beach Volleyball - ČEZ GROUP - for supporting the delivery of the ČEZ Czech Club Championships 2025, while commending also the referees, fans and spectators, but especially the players for their great performances and highly competitive spirit!