Portugal’s top beach volleyball duos are heading to China’s Xiamen for the Beach Pro Tour Challenge from May 14 to 18. João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, the country’s three-time national champions, are set to kick off their campaign in the main draw on Thursday. Meanwhile, brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, the current national vice-champions, will start their journey in the qualifying phase.
A Season of Mixed Fortunes
Last year, Pedrosa and Campos finished 17th at the BPT Xiamen. This season, they’re looking to bounce back after a strong start. At the Yucatán Beach Pro Tour Challenge, they notched up a stunning 2-0 win against Cuba’s Diaz and Alayo, booking their spot in the semifinals. The victory was a great way to kick off their 2025 campaign.
This is the fourth stop on the 2025 FIVB Beach Pro Tour for Pedrosa and Campos. For Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, it’s their first outing on the circuit this year. Since January, the brothers have been training at the FPV’s High-Performance Beach Volleyball Center in Cortegaça, under the guidance of national team coach Ricardo Rocha.
What’s at Stake
The Xiamen Challenge is a crucial test for both duos as they look to make their mark on the international stage. With the world’s top teams in action, the competition is expected to be fierce. Pedrosa and Campos will be looking to build on their momentum from Yucatán, while Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa will be eager to make a strong impression in their first major outing of the season.