Synopsis

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was first organised in 1989 with just three countries (Brazil, Japan and Italy).  It is now in its 22nd season and is made up of 32 events in five continents with approximiately 60 participating countries, more than 1000 active registered athletes, 3000 volunteers and over $8.3 million in prize money.

The SWATCH-FIVB World Tour is an annual series of International  Beach Volleyball tournaments made up of Grand Slam and Open events.  The six Grand Slam events offer a higher number of points and more money to the players.  They benefit from a very large integrated media and television plan with exceptional exposure and a tremendously high commercial value.

Catering to a total of more than 600,000 annual on-site spectators, the World tour provides a highly attractive, complete sport and entertainment programs that follow the calendar year.

The FIVB Beach Volleyball International Circuit evolved from the World Series to the World Tour and exploded in popularity in Europe, Latin America and Asia.  The SWATCH-FIVB World Tour stops include some of the most spectacular venues in the world and range from ocean and lakeside sites, mountains resorts and city centre locations.

2012 Calendar:

Brasilia (BRA)                   16 - 22 Apr                            

Sanya (CHI)                       24 - 29 Apr                          

Mislowice (POL)               24 - 29 Apr                        

Shanghai (CHI)*               30 Apr - 6 May                   

Beijing (CHI)*                   7 - 13 May                             

Prague (CZE)                     22 - 27 May                       

Date:16 April - 28 October 2012

Coverage:Teams:
32 teams qualified to the final stage also known as Main Draw.
- First 22 teams in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Ranking are automatically qualified.
- 2 wild card teams chosen by FIVB.
- 8 teams qualify through preliminary and county quota tournaments.

Format:
Open Events Format: 32 teams enter a knockout stage where they compete in a double elimination style tournament.

Grand Slam Events Format: 8 pools x 4 teams' qualification round.  The first 3 teams per pool qualify to the 24 teams Main Draw where they compete in a single elimination style tournament.

Ranking:
The first 4 positions are decided through the semi final and final matches.

Duration:21 LIVE events
18 x 26min highlights programmes

Rights:All media rights

Territories:Worldwide