What Is 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was a global circuit featuring 28 official events across 17 countries, culminating in the World Tour Finals held in Lucerne, Switzerland, from August 26–31, 2014.

Key Facts

The 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour included 28 official events across five continents.
Men's and women's tournaments awarded separate prize money, with top events offering up to $300,000 per gender.
Brazil dominated the season, with Emanuel Rego and Alison Cerutti winning multiple four-star and five-star events.
The World Tour Finals took place in Lucerne, Switzerland, from August 26 to 31, 2014.
Over 1,200 athletes from more than 60 countries participated in the 2014 tour events.

Overview

The 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was the premier international circuit for professional beach volleyball players, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). It featured elite teams from around the globe competing in tournaments graded by star levels, from one-star to the elite five-star Grand Slam events.

This season emphasized global reach and competitive balance, with events hosted across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The tour served as a critical platform for athlete development and Olympic qualification preparation ahead of the 2016 Rio Games.

28 official events were held during the 2014 season, including Grand Slam, Open, and Satellite tournaments across 17 different countries.
Each tournament awarded FIVB ranking points, with higher points given at five-star Grand Slam events such as those in St. Petersburg and Gstaad.
The tour began in May 2014 with the Fort Lauderdale Open in the United States and concluded with the World Tour Finals in late August.
Prize money varied by event level, with the top-tier tournaments offering up to $300,000 per gender, attracting the world’s best teams.
Over 1,200 athletes from more than 60 nations participated, highlighting the sport’s growing international competitiveness and diversity.

How It Works

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour operated as a points-based circuit where athletes earned prize money and ranking points based on tournament performance. Events were categorized by star ratings, which determined the level of competition and financial stakes.

Grand Slam (5-star): These were the most prestigious events, offering 1,200 FIVB ranking points to winners and prize pools up to $300,000 per gender.
Open (4-star): High-level tournaments awarded 900 ranking points to champions and prize money typically ranging from $130,000 to $200,000.
3-star Events: Mid-tier competitions provided 600 points to winners and prize funds averaging $75,000, serving as entry points for emerging teams.
Satellite Events: Entry-level tournaments offered 300 points and prize money around $25,000, crucial for developing national programs.
Team Rankings: The FIVB calculated team rankings based on their best 6 results from the season, influencing Olympic qualification and seeding.
World Tour Finals: The season-ending event in Lucerne featured only the top 8 teams based on accumulated points, ensuring elite-level competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of tournament types on the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour:

Tournament Level	Number of Events (2014)	Prize Money (Per Gender)	Ranking Points (Winner)	Example Locations
Grand Slam (5-star)	4	$300,000	1,200	Gstaad, St. Petersburg, The Hague, Lucerne
Open (4-star)	8	$130,000–$200,000	900	Shanghai, Moscow, Fort Lauderdale
3-star	10	$75,000	600	Doha, Yokohama, Rio de Janeiro
Satellite	6	$25,000	300	Haikou, Ljubljana, Tel Aviv
World Tour Finals	1	$200,000	Not applicable	Lucerne, Switzerland

The distribution of events reflected the FIVB’s strategy to balance elite competition with global accessibility. While Grand Slam events concentrated in Europe and key global cities, Satellite tournaments expanded the sport’s footprint in emerging markets, supporting long-term development.

Why It Matters

The 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour played a pivotal role in shaping the international landscape of the sport, influencing athlete careers, national programs, and Olympic pathways. Its structure and reach underscored beach volleyball’s status as a major global sport.

The tour provided critical ranking points used in qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, making performance in 2014 strategically vital.
High-profile events like the Gstaad Grand Slam attracted over 50,000 spectators, boosting visibility and commercial interest in the sport.
Women’s participation increased, with equal prize money offered in all events, reinforcing gender equity in professional beach volleyball.
Emerging nations such as China and Canada used Satellite events to develop talent, improving their global competitiveness by 2016.
The tour’s global broadcast reach, including live streaming, expanded its audience to over 120 countries via FIVB’s digital platforms.
Success in 2014 elevated stars like Alison Cerutti and April Ross, who became marketable figures beyond the sport.

By combining elite competition with developmental opportunities, the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour laid the foundation for the sport’s continued growth and professionalism in the lead-up to the Rio Olympics.