UPDATE: The AVP League Championships are set to ignite the excitement at Oak Street Beach in Chicago this weekend, starting Saturday, September 2. Beach volleyball fans can expect thrilling matchups as top teams vie for the championship title.
Officials confirm that the event will feature intense single-elimination tournaments, with the winners crowned by Sunday afternoon. This format heightens the stakes, making every match a must-watch as teams compete for the season’s largest payout.
“We absolutely love this event, and we couldn’t be more excited to be back in Chicago to play in the AVP League Championship,” said Brandie Wilkerson, Olympic silver medalist.
The competition begins Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with women’s quarterfinals, followed by men’s matches, leading to the championship finals broadcast live on CBS-2. Fans are urged to arrive early to secure a spot at this highly anticipated event.
This year, the AVP has introduced a unique twist: teams are now representing cities rather than individual players. The tournament will feature top duos from cities like Palm Beach, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Notably, Chicago’s absence in the AVP Cup team lineup doesn’t diminish the city’s enthusiasm, as it hosts this crucial championship.
Defending champions Palm Beach Passion, featuring Olympic medalists Phil Dalhausser and Trevor Crabb, enter the tournament with a strong record of 6-2 in AVP Cup play. Dalhausser, a veteran of over two decades, recently announced his return to competitive volleyball, adding to the excitement surrounding his pairing with Crabb.
Watch for the dynamic duo of Taryn Kloth Brasher and Kristen Nuss, who are currently ranked ninth in the world. This unexpected pair from New Orleans and Sioux Falls boasts a remarkable 7-1 record in AVP Cup matches, capturing the title at the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open just last week.
With favorites like Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes also looking to capitalize on their recent success, upsets are a real possibility. Teams seeded lower can still make significant impacts, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The schedule is packed with action, kicking off with the following matches:
- Saturday
- 10:30 a.m.: Women’s Quarterfinal 1 – LA Launch vs. San Diego Smash
- 11:30 a.m.: Women’s Quarterfinal 2 – Brooklyn Blaze vs. Miami Mayhem
- 12:30 p.m.: Men’s Quarterfinal 1 – New York Nitro vs. Miami Mayhem
- 1:30 p.m.: Men’s Quarterfinal 2 – LA Launch vs. San Diego Smash
- 3:00 p.m.: Women’s Semifinal 1 – Palm Beach Passion vs. Quarterfinal 1 Winner
- 4:00 p.m.: Men’s Semifinal 1 – Palm Beach Passion vs. Quarterfinal 1 Winner
- Sunday
- 10:30 a.m.: Women’s Semifinal 2 – Austin Aces vs. Quarterfinal 2 Winner
- 11:30 a.m.: Men’s Semifinal 2 – Dallas Dream vs. Quarterfinal 2 Winner
- 1:00 p.m.: Women’s Championship Match – CBS-2
- 2:00 p.m.: Men’s Championship Match – CBS-2
As the AVP League Championships unfold at Oak Street Beach, fans are reminded that the action is fierce, and the competition is relentless. Don’t miss the chance to witness some of the best beach volleyball in the world, right in the heart of Chicago!
