The sixth season of the Beach Wrestling World Series is about to get underway, bringing the toughest beach-based sport back to fans around the world with new locations across three continents from May to October, fierce battles between new talent and seasoned champions, and a new chapter in the sport's fastest-growing format.

First up: Monterrey, Mexico. After a successful debut on Mexican sand last year in Acapulco, the World Series returns to the country in a weeks’ time; this time inland, but the intensity, skill, and spectacle will be just as high. Monterrey is home to some of Mexico’s most passionate sports fans, with a strong tradition in football, baseball, and wrestling, making it a perfect new host city for the Beach Wrestling World Series. 

The action will unfold at Canchas Voleibol Playa, a popular sand sports venue that has hosted regional and national beach volleyball events and is now ready to welcome the world’s best beach wrestlers.

Hot on the heels of the recent Pan-Am Championships, Monterrey will set the stage for a new season of rivalries and title hunts. Strong European contenders are expected to make the trip, looking to lay down early markers for the year, and the ever-improving Team USA will be aiming to build on a great 2024. A strong delegation is anticipated from the host nation, who excelled in Acapulco last year, winning two gold medals.

The 2025 calendar features five stops across South America, Africa, and Europe, with all but the European locations hosting a Beach Wrestling World Series event for the first time.

After Monterrey on May 12 and 13, the Series heads to the familiar shores of Poreč, Croatia on May 31 and June 1, a crowd favourite known for thrilling finishes.

September sees a debut in Casablanca, Morocco on September 6 and 7, expanding the Series’ footprint to North Africa.

The fourth stop will take place on September 27 and 28, with a location in Europe still to be confirmed. From there, the Beach Wrestling World Series moves to its grand finale in Alexandria, Egypt on October 18 and 19, where the 2025 world champions will be decided as the Series breaks African sand for the first time ever.

Looking to defend their crowns are the overall winners from the 2024 Beach Wrestling World Series:

• Women’s 50kg: Ana Maria Pirvu (Romania)
• Women’s 60kg: Anastasiya Kravchenko (Ukraine)
• Women’s 70kg: Oksana Herhel (Ukraine)
• Women’s +70kg: Eliana Bommarito (USA)
• Men’s 70kg: Oleksii Boruta (Ukraine)
• Men’s 80kg: Vasile Diacon (Moldova)
• Men’s 90kg: Ibrahim Yusubov (Azerbaijan)
• Men’s +90kg: Mamuka Kordzaia (Georgia)

All eight champions proved their dominance across the 2024 season, but the challenge to stay on top will be even greater this year, with a new wave of contenders aiming to shake up the standings.

New to Beach Wrestling? Beach wrestling is a fun, fast version of wrestling that takes place on sand. It’s easy to follow. Matches last just three minutes, and the goal is to score points by taking your opponent down, pushing them out of the ring, or exposing their back to the ground. One point is awarded for a takedown or push-out, and a big move that puts the opponent on their back earns three points. First to three points wins, or whoever’s ahead when time runs out. No shoes, no mats — just action, energy, and excitement across 4 weight divisions for men and women

Five stages. Five chances to make history. The toughest sport on sand is back — and the battle begins now.