The official press conference for the 31st Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Masters 2025 took place on the morning of Tuesday, June 10, in an upbeat atmosphere, attended by prominent sports figures and local officials.
This year’s event spotlighted four key stops, alongside the Federation’s objectives and initiatives aimed at enhancing the championship. The vital contributions of municipalities, sponsors, and partners in organizing these tournaments were emphasized.
Key representatives from the organizing committee, athletes, and officials from the Hellenic Volleyball Federation (EOPE) were present, conveying a message of robust growth for beach volleyball across the nation.
Manolis Roumeliotis (Team Manager of National Beach Volleyball Teams)
Manolis Roumeliotis, speaking on behalf of the Federation, stated: “We extend our gratitude to the Hellenic Olympic Committee for their support, as well as to all co-organizers of the Masters tournaments. Their roles are crucial, along with those of our sponsors and supporters who make these events a reality.
This year brings a new stop in Ios, alongside three returning tournaments from last year: Thessaloniki, Piraeus, and Marathon. I am confident that both the organization and the competitive standards have improved compared to last year. We have seen increased registrations from foreign teams and a notable enhancement in the performance of Greek teams.
I wish everyone success and a wonderful summer.”
Stelios Angeloudis (Mayor of Thessaloniki)
Though unable to attend, Mayor Stelios Angeloudis sent his regards, stating: “The Beach Volley Thessaloniki Grand Slam marks the fourth consecutive international sporting event hosted in our city as part of the ‘International Games Alexander the Great’ series. This initiative aims to position Thessaloniki as a premier destination for high-caliber sports events.
This year, the Thessaloniki Beach Volleyball tournament promises to be more dynamic and exciting than ever. Our municipality is strategically investing in sports as a means to promote tourism, boost the local economy, and enhance international visibility. We are confident that athletes, visitors, and spectators will enjoy a truly memorable event.
Through collaboration, professionalism, and foresight, Thessaloniki continues to progress.
We express our gratitude to the Volleyball Federation, all co-organizers, volunteers, and the citizens of Thessaloniki for embracing such events. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone from June 13 to 15 at Aristotelous Square, in the heart of our city, for a three-day festivity of sports and entertainment.”
Vasiliki Petridou (CEO of Luxurios Group)
Vasiliki Petridou, CEO of Luxurios Group, remarked: “We are grateful to the Federation for allowing us to host beach volleyball in Ios. Since 2018, we have been the only tournament uninterrupted even during the quarantine period. This consistency is invaluable for our athletes.
This year, we aim to enhance the Greek circuit, along with the earlier world tournament, providing substantial support to Greek athletes to minimize their expenses and earn crucial points towards their goals.
Ios boasts some of the most stunning beaches for beach volleyball. We are committed to welcoming all participants and hope for even greater support and collaboration with EOPE in the future.”
Nikos Glemos (Deputy Mayor of Sports, Municipality of Piraeus)
Nikos Glemos noted: “As the Municipality of Piraeus, we back all sports, particularly Olympic disciplines held at the Municipal Theatre in Korai Square. Our strong sporting heritage, exemplified by major teams like Olympiacos, finds a natural complement in beach volleyball.
Our mayor, Mr. Moralis, championed the introduction of beach volleyball in Piraeus, and I believe we have succeeded. This year promises to be even better. Securing funding from the NSRF through the Hellenic Handball Federation, we look forward to many exciting developments.”
Anastasios Chrysinas (Deputy Mayor of Sports, Municipality of Marathon)
Anastasios Chrysinas expressed: “It is a great privilege to represent the Municipality of Marathon and our Mayor. Marathon, a name synonymous with athletics, symbolizes peace and unity through sports ideals.
Beach volleyball enhances this identity and promotes sports in their myriad forms. We are committed supporters of every initiative that advocates for sports education and fair competition.
I wish success to all participants and collaborators.”
Alekos Paraskevopoulos (Director of the Beach Volleyball Department)
Alekos Paraskevopoulos explained: “I would like to outline the significance of the Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Championship and the four tournaments we presented today, which follow a unified concept. This includes live broadcasts on ERT, shared sponsors, and a consistent format. For the first time in years, we have achieved a perfect balance between urban squares and beach venues—two tournaments in prominent squares like Piraeus and Thessaloniki, and two idyllic seaside locations, Mylopotas beach in Ios and Schinias beach in Attica.
This model could inform our approach in the coming years. We will engage in activities aimed at enhancing the tournaments, drawing on past successes for future initiatives.
Each tournament will feature a main draw of 12 men’s and women’s teams, with the finals showcasing the top eight ranked squads. Qualifying rounds will be held the day prior, allowing many teams to participate. These are elite competitions where only the strongest teams qualify for the main draw.”
Vangelis Sideris (Greek Champion)
Vangelis Sideris expressed appreciation: “I would like to extend my thanks to EOPE and everyone involved in organizing these exciting tournaments at central venues, which enables us athletes to provide an engaging experience for spectators. Our experience last year at Syntagma Square was unforgettable. The competition has intensified this year, and while defending our champion title will be challenging, we are eager to get started and give our best.”
Ioanna Perdikaki (Greek Runner-up)
Ioanna Perdikaki remarked: “I am thrilled to be here today as we gear up for the first Masters tournament this weekend. As Mr. Roumeliotis noted, the competitive landscape has heightened this year, especially with the inclusion of foreign teams in the women’s division. I expect a highly competitive championship with outstanding matches. I wish good health to all athletes and thank the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the co-organizers, and the volunteers for their invaluable support. Best of luck to everyone.”
Antonis Karykas (Balkan U22 Champion)
Antonis Karykas shared: “We are very enthusiastic about the commencement of the Panhellenic Championship. Last year we performed exceptionally well as the youngest team in both the Panhellenic and Balkan competitions, securing a gold medal for our country. We are eager for the games to begin and extend our gratitude to the Hellenic Federation for facilitating this event. We look forward to competing in the Grand Slam and Masters.”
The official sponsors of the Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Championship 2025 are Lipton Ice Tea, Borotalco with its innovative deodorants, RIO mare (a leader in canned tuna), and Hiron, a company specializing in electricity and natural gas.
Additionally, the championship is officially supported by Errikos Dynan Hospital Center and GALA.
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