The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Unique form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a quit about the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and native heroes inside of a fan-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.

The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Rather, spectators collected across the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on Seashore towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Organized with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer version of the game, exactly where Group, competition, and link had been the main focus.

Within the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as Among the many finest on the planet. Within a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to gain another two. The selecting established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global activities.

The men’s closing featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.

Across four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination structure that saved followers on their toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, Solar-soaked times. The Match also involved a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a Sodo66 uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A serious volleyball function plus a valuable recruiting instant for school applications in attendance.

An entire Photograph gallery captured the essence from the Event—from superior-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter among the teammates. These photographs, extensively shared online, aided showcase the elegance and intimacy with the sport in its most genuine location.

With its good results, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked conversation about its foreseeable future. Town leaders are Checking out a model much like Manhattan Seashore, where the municipality could just take a bigger role in hosting the tournament each year. There’s also A much bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected schooling site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was extra than simply a Match. It was a statement—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.