The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Exclusive type of magic, blending earth-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a cease to the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes in a very supporter-helpful, no-frills environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered around the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Structured with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer Variation of the game, where Group, competition, and link had been the main focus.
Around the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re deemed Amongst the greatest on the planet. In a very dramatic all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to win the next two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second in their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s ultimate featured One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Sodo66 Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a exceptional opportunity for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a precious recruiting instant for faculty applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could get a larger function in web hosting the Event every year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified coaching website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.