What Is 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was a global circuit of 28 official tournaments held from February to September 2013, featuring over 1,200 athletes from 68 countries competing for rankings and prize money totaling $2.7 million.

Key Facts

The 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour included 28 official events across 18 countries.
Tournament prize money totaled $2.7 million, with the highest payout at $300,000 in St. Petersburg.
Over 1,200 athletes from 68 nations participated in the 2013 tour.
The tour ran from February 12 in Shanghai to September 8 in St. Petersburg.
USA’s Kerri Walsh Jennings and Brazil’s Alison Cerutti were among the top-ranked winners.

Overview

The 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was the 17th edition of the international beach volleyball circuit organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). It featured elite teams from around the globe competing in a series of tournaments to earn ranking points and prize money while preparing for major international events.

This year's tour emphasized global reach and competitive depth, with events spanning five continents. The season served as a crucial platform for athletes aiming to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, making performance in 2013 particularly strategic.

28 official tournaments were held across 18 countries, including stops in China, Brazil, Switzerland, and Russia, showcasing the sport’s international appeal.
The tour kicked off on February 12, 2013, with the Shanghai Grand Slam and concluded on September 8, 2013, at the St. Petersburg Grand Slam.
Total prize money distributed during the season reached $2.7 million, with the highest single-event purse of $300,000 awarded in St. Petersburg.
Over 1,200 athletes from 68 nations participated, reflecting the growing global footprint of beach volleyball at the elite level.
Top-performing teams included Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor of the USA, who won the Shanghai Grand Slam before retiring from full-time competition.

How It Works

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour operates as a seasonal circuit where national teams earn points based on tournament finishes. These points contribute to FIVB world rankings, influencing Olympic and championship qualifications.

Ranking Points: Teams earn points based on final placement in each tournament, with Grand Slams offering up to 1,200 points for first place.
Tournament Tiers: Events are classified as Grand Slams, Opens, or Majors, with Grand Slams offering the highest prize money and points.
Team Qualification: Entry is determined by FIVB rankings, with the top 32 teams automatically qualifying and others entering through qualifying rounds.
Prize Distribution: Prize pools vary by event tier; the St. Petersburg Grand Slam awarded $300,000, with 25% going to the winning team.
Global Rotation: The tour visits at least five continents annually to promote the sport and ensure geographic diversity in competition.
Olympic Implications: Strong 2013 performances helped teams like Brazil and Germany secure early momentum toward Rio 2016 qualification.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key 2013 World Tour events by location, prize money, and winner:

Event	Location	Date	Prize Money	Winners
Shanghai Grand Slam	China	April 23–28	$300,000	USA (Walsh Jennings/May-Treanor)
Stavanger Open	Norway	June 11–16	$75,000	BRA (Alison/Emanuel)
Warsaw Grand Slam	Poland	July 2–7	$300,000	BRA (Ricardo/Brenha)
Gstaad Grand Slam	Switzerland	July 9–14	$300,000	GER (Brink/Florschütz)
St. Petersburg Final	Russia	September 3–8	$300,000	BRA (Alison/Cerutti)

These events highlight the tour’s balance of financial incentives and competitive prestige. Grand Slam events consistently offered the highest stakes, attracting the top-ranked teams and delivering global media exposure. The geographic spread allowed athletes to adapt to diverse climates and playing conditions, enhancing the tour’s athletic rigor.

Why It Matters

The 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour played a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s competitive landscape ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics. It elevated athlete visibility, expanded fan bases, and reinforced beach volleyball as a premier Olympic discipline.

Alison Cerutti and Harley Silva of Brazil solidified their dominance, winning three Grand Slams and finishing the year as world number one.
The tour helped Germany rise in rankings, with Brink/Florschütz claiming Gstaad and boosting European competitiveness.
USA’s strong early-season showings emphasized their continued leadership despite the retirement of May-Treanor.
Increased media coverage in Asia and Europe expanded the sport’s commercial appeal and sponsorship opportunities.
Young teams from Canada and Austria gained experience, signaling a generational shift in the sport.
The tour’s structure influenced future formats, with FIVB later adopting more consistent prize distributions and ranking rules.

Ultimately, the 2013 season was a bridge between eras—honoring legends while launching new stars—ensuring beach volleyball’s evolution as a dynamic, globally celebrated sport.