Benidorm becomes the capital of World Veteran Volleyball

The Spanish Mediterranean city of Benidorm has once again become the international meeting point for veteran Volleyball athletes as the IVVA World Veteran Volleyball Championship 2026 brings together hundreds of competitors from across the globe. Organised by the International Veteran Volleyball Association (IVVA) in cooperation with Club Vóley Playa Poniente Benidorm, the championship takes place from 6 to 10 October 2026, transforming the city into a celebration of sport, international friendship, and active lifestyles. With approximately 850 participants representing more than 30 nationalities, the event is one of the major international gatherings dedicated to veteran Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. 

Two disciplines – One global Volleyball community 

The championship combines two volleyball disciplines in one international sporting event. Volleyball matches take place at the Raúl Mesa Sports Hall and Palau d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm, while the spectacular Poniente Beach hosts the Beach Volleyball competition. Across 18 courts – six indoor and twelve Beach Volleyball courts – athletes compete in multiple age categories, demonstrating exceptional determination, experience, and sporting quality. On Tuesday, 6 October alone, the tournament schedule featured 480 matches, involving 50 Volleyball and 130 Beach Volleyball teams.
The championship welcomes former professional athletes, national team representatives, Olympic-level competitors, and passionate amateur players who continue competing well beyond the traditional age limits of professional sport.
Among the notable participants is former Spanish Olympian Raúl Mesa, an Olympian at Beijing 2008 in Beach Volleyball, European Champion in 2005 and one of Spain’s leading Beach Volleyball players of his generation.

Other ‘big names’ are: 
Přemysl “Přemek” Kubala (CZE): IVVA Co-Founder, Olympian at London 2012 in Beach Volleyball, multiple Czech champion and long-time Czech national team player.

Rafael Pascual (ESP):  One of the most successful Spanish Volleyball players ever. Former Spanish national team captain, European Champion in 2007 and MVP of the 1998 FIVB World Championship.

Javier Bosma (ESP): Olympic Beach Volleyball silver medallist at Athens 2004. Three-time Olympian: Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

Jörg Ahmann (GER): Olympic Beach Volleyball bronze medallist at Sydney 2000. Two-time Olympian: Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.

Yuliya Buyeva (UKR): competing for Ukraine in the women’s division, an Olympian at Atlanta 1996 (11th place) and Ukrainian champion.

Quinton Smith (AUS): competing for Great Britain in the men’s 55+ division, he is a former Australian national team player (1987-1989) and participant at the 1989 Asian Championship.

Ulf Zettersten (SWE): competing in the men’s 55+ division in Beach Volleyball, he is a two-time Swedish Beach Volleyball Champion (1991, 1993).

Ola Hestnes (NOR): competing with Zettersten in the men’s 55+ division in Beach Volleyball, he is a former Norwegian national team player in indoor Volleyball. 

Their participation reflects the unique spirit of IVVA: bringing together athletes with different backgrounds and experiences through a shared passion for Volleyball.

More than a championship 

The IVVA World Championship is not simply about medals and results. It is about creating an international community where sport connects people regardless of nationality, language, or age.
Under its guiding philosophy, “AGE IS NO LIMIT,” IVVA promotes lifelong participation in sport, active ageing, international friendship, and healthy lifestyles.
For many participants, the championship is also an opportunity to reconnect with friends, discover new destinations, and share unforgettable experiences.
The tournament combines high-quality sporting competition with social activities, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore the Mediterranean destination.

International sport with a real economic impact 

Beyond the sporting competition, the championship represents an important contribution to Benidorm’s tourism economy. According to organisers’ estimates, the event is expected to generate approximately 8,000 overnight stays and an economic impact approaching €2 million.
Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, local businesses, and tourism services benefit from the arrival of international athletes and their accompanying guests.
The championship demonstrates how international sporting events can contribute to year-round tourism, particularly outside the traditional summer season.
Benidorm provides an ideal environment thanks to its modern sports facilities, Mediterranean climate, extensive hotel infrastructure, and internationally recognised hospitality.
The event benefits from cooperation with the Benidorm City Council, local sports organisations, hospitality partners, and supporting businesses.

Building a global movement 

Founded with the vision of creating international sporting opportunities for experienced Volleyball players, IVVA has developed into a growing global community. Its mission extends beyond organising championships. IVVA seeks to establish long-term relationships between athletes, sporting organisations, host cities, and international partners.
By combining indoor and Beach Volleyball, tourism, and international networking, the association is developing a distinctive model of sports events that brings value to both participants and host destinations.

Adam Kubala, CEO of IVVA, explains the organisation’s vision: “IVVA is about much more than Volleyball. We are building an international community of people who share the same passion for sport, friendship, and an active lifestyle. Benidorm shows exactly what we want to achieve. Athletes from different countries and generations come together, compete at a high level, and create friendships that continue long after the championship ends. Our ambition is to continue developing IVVA worldwide, bringing our championships to new destinations and proving that age should never be a barrier to sport.”

As the championship moves into its decisive stages, athletes continue competing for world titles in their respective categories. The tournament will culminate on Saturday, 10 October, with the final matches, medal ceremonies, and celebrations bringing together the international IVVA community. The success of Benidorm 2026 reinforces the potential of veteran Volleyball as a growing segment of international sports tourism.
For IVVA, the objective remains clear: to expand its global community, establish partnerships with new destinations, and create unforgettable sporting experiences for athletes worldwide.
Volleyball does not end with age because AGE IS NO LIMIT.

About IVVA 

The International Veteran Volleyball Association (IVVA) is an international sports organisation dedicated to developing and promoting veteran Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. 
Through international championships and community initiatives, IVVA connects athletes from around the world, promotes lifelong participation in sport, and cooperates with destinations seeking to develop international sports tourism.

Official website: www.ivva.eu