Electric crowds and British brilliance at landmark indoor Queen & King of the Court

A major milestone for the fast-growing format saw matches spread across Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing world-class beach volleyball indoors for an unforgettable weekend of action with almost a 1000 people in attendance.

Played on the very sand used during the London 2012 Olympic Games, 20 of the world’s top teams competed against the backdrop of dynamic lighting, pumping music and an electric crowd, ensuring a superb follow-up to the 2024 London showcase.

Home talent - including Issa Batrane, Freddie Bialokoz, Javier and Joaquin Bello, Enrique Bello, Niko Gleed, Kirsty Star and Katie Keefe - all featured in the main draw on Friday night.

That was after with Gleed and the younger Bello brother had progressed through a thrilling afternoon of qualifiers, which saw other pairs from England and the other home nations take part.

With strong home support in the stands, every British point was met with an eruption of noise, creating an atmosphere unmatched at a UK beach volleyball event since London 2012.

After an enthralling Friday night under the Crystal Palace lights, Saturday saw even larger crowds, energised by music, giveaways and a packed schedule of matches.

The momentum provided by the home support carried England’s Batrane and Bialokoz all the way to the final, where they battled hard for the London crown.

In that final, the pair produced a stand-out second round to come from behind and secure at least a bronze medal - already their best result at a Crown Series event.

Facing formidable opposition in Téo Rotar (2025 World Championship bronze medallist), Calvin Aye and the Italian duo of Alex Ranghieri and Manuel Alfieri, the challenge was immense.

Ultimately, it was the Italians who triumphed, claiming the 2025 London title, while Issa and Freddie earned a well-deserved third place.

Sportworx's CEO Wilco Nijland reflected on the weekend with gratitude and optimism amd, in his message to athletes, he acknowledged the challenges of staging the inaugural indoor edition but emphasised how successfully it came together.

“Looking back at yesterday with almost full stands and an amazing atmosphere, it shows us that London is a place to stay for the next years and develop Queen & King of the Court even more,” he said.

He highlighted the overwhelmingly positive response to the indoor format and expressed excitement about its future development.

Volleyball England CEO Charlie Ford echoed that positive outlook, believing the weekend's event to be extremely significant.

He said: “This Queen & King of the Court Crown Series event marked a historic moment for our sport, made possible through our outstanding partnership with Sportsworx.

“Delivering the world’s first indoor edition of QKotC was ambitious, and the effort their team put in to make it a success was remarkable.

"The huge, engaged crowds enjoyed a world-class showcase that set a new benchmark for beach volleyball in the UK.

“I also want to thank our officials and local volunteers, whose dedication and professionalism are the backbone of these events. We are deeply grateful for everything they do to help deliver these showpiece moments.

“Perhaps the most important aspect of hosting international events like this is the opportunity it provides for our senior and youth pathway athletes. Giving them the chance to compete in front of a home crowd, to feel that energy, and to test themselves against some of the best beach volleyball athletes in the world is invaluable for their development and for the future of English volleyball.

“This is just the beginning. We have ambitious plans for the next three to five years to establish London as an integral stop on the QKotC global calendar, and we look forward to building on this momentum and creating many more unforgettable memories together in the years ahead.”

Batrane was thrilled to have an event in his back garden and said: “The first QKOTC indoor beach event in history, and what a perfect place to do it! My backyard of Crystal Palace in London. A true blessing to have an opportunity to play at home in front of family and friends.

“Last year was amazing with the first event at home, and to have that upgraded to a Crown Series tournament this year didn’t disappoint.

“Some of the best players in the world, on the London 2012 Olympic sand, put on a spectacle for everyone. For Fred and myself to feel that electric energy from the home crowd on Saturday - and to finish on the podium - made it all even sweeter.

“London is hungry for more events like these! The fans, the young aspiring athletes... you can just see it in their eyes in the crowd, and I can’t wait to have another opportunity to play at home in the coming years.”

Photos by Conny Kurth - @connykurth - and Jon Cornish -@jcornishphoto.