The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Exclusive kind of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease over the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
On the Ladies’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered among the greatest on the earth. In a dramatic all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to gain another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second in their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The men’s remaining highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that stored lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of young players wanting to study, contend, and share the sand with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce prospect for youth athletes being Component of A serious volleyball occasion along with a beneficial recruiting instant for school applications in attendance.
An entire Photograph gallery captured the essence from the Event—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of target and laughter among the teammates. These illustrations or photos, broadly shared on-line, aided showcase the elegance and intimacy of the sport in its most genuine location.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its long term. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a product much like Manhattan Seaside, wherever the municipality could take a larger part in internet hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified teaching site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up Sodo66 was far more than just a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.