The official press conference for the 31st Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Masters 2025 was held on the morning of Tuesday, June 10, in a festive atmosphere with the participation of key sports representatives and local government officials.

The four major stops of this year’s event were presented, along with the Federation’s goals and initiatives that upgrade the championship. The contribution of municipalities, sponsors, and contributors to the successful organization of the tournaments was highlighted.

Representatives of the organizers, athletes, and officials from the Hellenic Volleyball Federation (EOPE) were present, sending the message that beach volleyball continues to grow dynamically across the country.

Manolis Roumeliotis (Team Manager of National Beach Volleyball Teams)

Manolis Roumeliotis, representing the Federation, emphasized: “We thank the Hellenic Olympic Committee for their hospitality, as well as all co-organizers of the Masters tournaments. Their contribution is decisive, as is that of the sponsors and supporters who are essential for these tournaments to take place.

We have a new stop in Ios, and three tournaments returning from last year: Thessaloniki, Piraeus, and Marathon. I believe both the organization and the competitive level have improved compared to last year. Many foreign teams have registered, and Greek teams have also raised their level.

I wish everyone good luck and a beautiful summer.”

Stelios Angeloudis (Mayor of Thessaloniki)

The Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, could not attend but sent greetings stating: “The Beach Volley Thessaloniki Grand Slam is the fourth consecutive international sporting event hosted in our city as part of the ‘International Games Alexander the Great’ institution. This initiative aims to establish our city as a hub for top sports events.

This year, the Thessaloniki Beach Volleyball tournament is multinational, more dynamic, and exciting than ever. The municipality strategically invests in sports as a means of tourism development, strengthening the local economy, and international promotion. We are confident that athletes, escorts, and audiences will experience a unique event.

With cooperation, professionalism, and vision, Thessaloniki moves forward.

We thank the Volleyball Federation, all co-organizers, volunteers, and the citizens of Thessaloniki who embrace such events. We look forward to welcoming you from June 13 to 15 at Aristotelous Square, in the heart of our city, for a three-day sports and entertainment event.”

Vasiliki Petridou (CEO of Luxurios Group)

Vasiliki Petridou, CEO of Luxurios, said: “We thank the Federation for giving us the opportunity to host beach volleyball in Ios. We started in 2018 and were the only tournament not interrupted even during the quarantine years. This consistency is very valuable for the athletes.

This year we are stepping up the level of the Greek circuit, and combined with the preceding world tournament, we offer significant support to Greek athletes to reduce their expenses and earn valuable points toward their goals.

Ios has some of the most beautiful beaches for beach volleyball. We strive to welcome all participants and hope for even greater support and cooperation with EOPE in the future.”

Nikos Glemos (Deputy Mayor of Sports, Municipality of Piraeus)

Nikos Glemos emphasized: “As the Municipality of Piraeus, we support all sports, especially an Olympic sport held at the Municipal Theatre in Korai Square. We have a strong history in the sport, with major teams like Olympiacos, and beach volleyball complements this dynamic presence.

Our mayor, Mr. Moralis, brought beach volleyball to Piraeus, and I believe we succeeded. This year will be even better. Through the Hellenic Handball Federation, we have secured funding from the NSRF, and you will see many great things.”

Anastasios Chrysinas (Deputy Mayor of Sports, Municipality of Marathon)

Anastasios Chrysinas said: “It is a great honor to represent the Municipality of Marathon and the Mayor. Marathon, a place synonymous with sports, symbolizes peace and unity through athletic ideals.

Beach volleyball strengthens this identity and promotes sports in all its forms. We remain supporters of every action promoting sports education and fair competition.

I wish success to all participants and contributors.”

Alekos Paraskevopoulos (Director of the Beach Volleyball Department)

Alekos Paraskevopoulos explained: “Let me say a few words about what the Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Championship means and the four tournaments presented today, which follow a specific concept. This concept includes live broadcasts on ERT, common sponsors, and a uniform format. For the first time in years, we have a perfect balance between squares and beaches—two tournaments in major squares of significant municipalities like Piraeus and Thessaloniki, and two beautiful seaside venues, the Mylopotas beach in Ios and Schinias beach in Attica.

This might become a model for the coming years. We will undertake activities to upgrade the tournaments, making a step towards the future based on the past.

Each tournament’s main draw has 12 men’s and women’s teams, with the finals featuring the top eight ranked teams. Qualifiers are held the previous day with many teams participating. These are elite tournaments where only the best teams compete in the main draw.”

Vangelis Sideris (Greek Champion)

Vangelis Sideris expressed: “I would like to thank EOPE and everyone helping to make these beautiful tournaments happen at central locations, allowing us athletes to offer as much entertainment as possible to the public. What we experienced last year at Syntagma Square was an incredible experience for our team. The level has risen this year; it will be very challenging to keep the champion title, but we are excited and looking forward to the start of the tournaments to give our best.”

Ioanna Perdikaki (Greek Runner-up)

Ioanna Perdikaki said: “I am very happy to be here today as the first Masters tournament begins this weekend. As Mr. Roumeliotis said, the level has risen this year, especially with foreign teams participating in the women’s championship. I believe it will be a very competitive championship with great matches. I wish all athletes good health and thank the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, co-organizers, and volunteers for their support. Good luck to everyone.”

Antonis Karykas (Balkan U22 Champion)

Antonis Karykas said: “We are very excited about the start of the Panhellenic Championship. Last year we had a very good run as the youngest team both in the Panhellenic and Balkan competitions, bringing a gold medal to our country. We are looking forward to the start of the games this year and thank the Hellenic Federation for providing this event. We look forward to playing at the Grand Slam and Masters.”

Official sponsors of the Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Championship 2025 include Lipton Ice Tea, Borotalco with its innovative deodorants, RIO mare (leader in canned tuna), and Hiron, a company in electricity and natural gas.

Additionally, the championship is officially supported by Errikos Dynan Hospital Center and GALA.