UPDATE: The AVP League Championships are set to ignite Oak Street Beach this weekend, starting Saturday, September 2, 2023. Volleyball fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as elite teams battle for glory in Chicago, with championship matches concluding on Sunday afternoon.
This year, the AVP brings an exciting twist by grouping players into city-based teams instead of traditional individual pairings. As Chicago hosts this thrilling tournament, top athletes like Phil Dalhausser and Trevor Crabb will compete for the biggest payout of the season, estimated at $100,000. “Chicago is one of the best places that we play year after year,” said Dalhausser, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, expressing his enthusiasm for the passionate local fanbase.
The competition is fierce, with teams having no room for error in this single-elimination tournament format. The stakes are high as the best teams from the AVP Cup, including the Palm Beach Passion, look to showcase their skills without the safety net of pool play.
The excitement peaks with a star-studded lineup. On the men’s side, keep an eye on:
– Andy Benesh and Miles Partain: After a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this top-seeded duo aims to defend their Chicago title.
– Trevor Crabb and Phil Dalhausser: With a storied career spanning over two decades, Dalhausser’s return adds intrigue. They finished the AVP Cup with a solid 6-2 record.
On the women’s side, two standout teams are poised to make waves:
– Taryn Kloth Brasher and Kristen Nuss: Representing the U.S. in Paris, this duo boasts a world ranking of ninth and a stellar 7-1 record in the AVP Cup.
– Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes: After a nail-biting Olympics, the Canadians enter Chicago riding high from their recent victory against Brazil.
The tournament kicks off with the women’s quarterfinals at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, featuring matchups like LA Launch vs. San Diego Smash. The excitement continues throughout the weekend, culminating in championship matches broadcast live on CBS on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the women and 2 p.m. for the men.
As Chicago embraces its role as a premier volleyball destination, fans are urged to gather at Oak Street Beach to witness the intensity unfold. With the potential for surprises and upsets, every match promises to be a nail-biter.
Stay tuned for live updates as the AVP League Championships deliver thrilling beach volleyball action this Labor Day weekend!
