Top 10 International Volleyball Tournaments Every Player Should Know

Volleyball has grown into one of the most widely played and followed sports in the world. International tournaments provide a stage where elite players showcase their skills, representing their countries and competing for prestigious titles.

These events push athletes to their limits, testing their strength, strategy, mental toughness, and skills as a whole. High-stakes matches and fierce rivalries create a captivating atmosphere for both players and fans.

Recognizing the importance of these tournaments helps players elevate their game and engage more deeply with the sport.

1. FIVB Volleyball World Championships

Recognized as the premier international volleyball event, the FIVB Volleyball World Championships bring together the best national teams in a high-stakes competition held every four years.

First held in 1949 for men and 1952 for women, the tournament has become one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the volleyball world. Separate competitions for men and women ensure that both sides of the sport receive equal attention and recognition.

Nations compete through a rigorous qualification process, with teams from all continents earning their spot in the final tournament. The championship features a series of group stage matches followed by knockout rounds, testing each team’s endurance, strategy, and adaptability.

The ability to perform consistently at a high level is crucial, as even a single loss can eliminate a team’s chance for a medal.

Winning the World Championships elevates a team’s status in the volleyball world and cements its place in history. Teams that triumph in this tournament often establish themselves as dominant forces in international volleyball for years to come.

2. Olympic Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, instantly becoming a fan favorite and one of the most closely followed sports during the Summer Games. The Olympic Volleyball Tournament gathers the best national teams, creating a high-stakes battle for gold that reflects both athletic excellence and national pride.

The prestige of an Olympic medal elevates the status of any player or team, making it one of the most sought-after achievements in the sport.

Since its introduction, the Olympic Volleyball Tournament has grown into one of the most watched events in the Games. The men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams each, which qualify through a series of regional and international tournaments.

Only the most consistent and elite teams secure a place, ensuring that the level of competition remains exceptionally high.

3. Volleyball Nations League (VNL)

Launched in 2018, the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) has quickly become one of the most prestigious annual volleyball tournaments. It features the top 16 men’s and women’s national teams, providing a platform for high-stakes competition and strategic development.

The tournament’s format emphasizes fast-paced, competitive play, as teams face off in a series of matches held in multiple host countries over several weeks.

The VNL consists of a preliminary round followed by a final stage, where the top teams compete for the championship title. The round-robin structure ensures that teams face a variety of opponents, testing their ability to adapt to different play styles and strategies.

Each match carries weight, as points accumulated during the preliminary round determine qualification for the finals.

4. FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships

Beach volleyball’s premier event, the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, occurs every two years and attracts the best players from around the globe.

Established in 1997, the tournament quickly gained recognition for its competitive format and exciting atmosphere.

Played in a doubles format, it requires teams to demonstrate exceptional teamwork, agility, and endurance. Success in this tournament is often a defining moment for players’ careers, solidifying their status among the sport’s elite.

The tournament’s structure includes qualification rounds, pool play, and knockout stages. Teams face a series of matches where adaptability and consistency are critical to advancing.

The unpredictable nature of outdoor conditions, such as wind, sun, and temperature changes, adds an extra layer of complexity. Players must adjust their strategy on the fly while maintaining technical precision and mental focus.

5. CEV Champions League Volley

Europe’s most prestigious club volleyball competition, the CEV Champions League, brings together the top club teams from across the continent in a season-long battle for supremacy.

Established in 1959 for men and 1960 for women, the tournament holds a status similar to the UEFA Champions League in soccer.

The competition features elite-level play, where only the strongest teams from national leagues earn the right to compete.

Top-tier club teams must qualify through domestic league success or by meeting certain performance criteria set by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). The format includes a group stage, followed by knockout rounds, leading to a highly anticipated final.

Each match demands a high level of tactical preparation, physical endurance, and mental resilience. Teams must navigate packed schedules and long travel distances while maintaining top form.

6. NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship

The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship represents the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball in the United States. Held annually, the tournament features the top Division I college teams competing in a high-stakes knockout format.

The championship attracts intense attention from fans, scouts, and professional teams, making it one of the most important stepping stones for athletes pursuing a professional volleyball career.

It begins with 64 teams, selected based on regular-season performance and conference championships. Single-elimination format raises the pressure, as one loss eliminates a team from the competition.

The unpredictability of the tournament ensures that both powerhouse programs and underdog teams have a chance to succeed. College volleyball’s passionate fan base fuels the intensity of the tournament. Packed arenas and energetic student sections create a competitive atmosphere that mirrors professional-level events.

7. Asian Volleyball Championships

The Asian Volleyball Championships serve as the premier competition for national teams in Asia, showcasing the strength and technical excellence of the continent’s volleyball powerhouses.

Established in 1975, the tournament is organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and held every two years. It features separate competitions for men’s and women’s teams, allowing both sides of the sport to shine on an international platform.

Asian teams have long been known for their quick, tactical play and disciplined teamwork. Unlike teams that rely on pure power, Asian squads often focus on speed, precision, and strategic execution.

Fast-paced rallies and creative plays characterize matches, creating a challenging environment for opponents.

China, Japan, and South Korea have historically dominated the competition, but emerging teams like Iran and Thailand have started making significant strides in recent years.

8. World Cup Volleyball Tournament

Held every four years, the World Cup Volleyball Tournament serves as a critical stepping stone for Olympic qualification.

Established in 1965 for men and 1973 for women, the tournament has become one of the most intense and prestigious events in the volleyball calendar.

Elite national teams face off in a round-robin format, where consistency and resilience are key to securing a top finish. Only the highest-ranking teams earn the opportunity to compete at the next Olympic Games, making every match a high-stakes battle.

The pressure of securing an Olympic berth intensifies the competition, as teams face elite opponents in a relentless schedule.

Unlike knockout tournaments, the round-robin format means every team plays against all other participants, rewarding consistency and tactical strength over a series of matches.

9. World Men’s Volleyball League

Established in 1990, the World Men’s Volleyball League quickly gained recognition as one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

National teams from five continents compete in a multi-stage format, culminating in a dramatic final round where the best teams face off for the championship.

Its commercial success and broad participation have played a major role in elevating the global profile of men’s volleyball and increasing fan engagement worldwide.

Structured to maintain high levels of competition throughout, the tournament features a series of group-stage matches followed by knockout rounds. The format ensures that only the strongest and most consistent teams advance to the finals. Each participating team must navigate:

• Demanding schedule
• Balancing travel
• Recovery
• Tactical preparation

Strong depth in the roster and strategic flexibility often determine which teams succeed under pressure.

10. World Women’s Volleyball Grand Prix

Created in 1993, the World Women’s Volleyball Grand Prix quickly became one of the premier international tournaments in women’s volleyball.

Designed as the female counterpart to the Men’s Volleyball League, the Grand Prix provides a highly competitive platform for national teams to test their strength and strategy on a global stage.

Its format includes a series of preliminary tournaments, culminating in a final round where the top-performing teams battle for the championship.

The Grand Prix was established to increase exposure for women’s volleyball and provide regular, high-level competition between major international events like the World Championships and the Olympics.

The tournament’s structure rewards consistent performance over multiple rounds, pushing teams to maintain high standards throughout the season.

Interesting Fact: in 2023, the Chinese women’s volleyball team won FIVB World Grand Prix for the first time.

The Bottom Line

Following and participating in these international tournaments enhances a player’s competitive edge and strengthens the global volleyball community.

Competing against the best teams and athletes in the world provides invaluable experience and inspiration.

Engaging with these tournaments fosters a deeper connection with the sport and helps players refine their skills at the highest level.