From casual outdoor game to the first World Championship
Spikeball Inc has teamed up with the International Roundnet Federation and Roundnet Belgium to host the first ever ‘Spikeball Roundnet World Championship’
- The Championship will take place in Belgium on September 8-11, 2022
- 33 countries will participate, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, USA and many European nations
On September 8th, 33 countries’ national squads will arrive at Park Molenheide, Belgium, for the first ever Spikeball Roundnet World Championship. In total there will be over 200 teams competing, cheered on by spectators and fans from all over the world. Each national squad is made up of five men’s teams, three women’s team and one mixed-gender team. One team is comprised of two players. The first ever world championship marks a significant moment in history for the sport of roundnet. Spikeball Inc. is the official equipment provider and title sponsor of the event.
What is roundnet? Where did it come from?
Roundnet is played two versus two and is very similar to beach volleyball: each team has up to three touches to return the ball back on the net. There are no sides or boundaries, and the game is played 360 degrees around the net. Watch this video to see it in action.
A common misconception is that ‘Spikeball’ is the name of the sport. The sport is in fact called ‘roundnet’ - Spikeball is the leading equipment provider for the sport and for the Spikeball Roundnet World Championship 2022.
The sport has been growing steadily for the past 15 years. In 2008, Spikeball Inc began creating high quality roundnet equipment and investing into the sport. As time went on, both Spikeball Inc and roundnet enthusiasts began setting up local tournaments on beaches and in parks. Fast forward a decade and there are hundreds of tournaments being hosted across the globe on a weekly basis, and a first ever world championship. Spikeball Inc runs the prestigious annual ‘Spikeball Tour Series’, which hosts events across the USA, Canada and Europe.
In 2020 the International Roundnet Federation was created to put the sport on the path to Olympic inclusion. This global governing body is a non-profit organization currently made up of 35 national roundnet federations. The inaugural world championship is a key milestone for the IRF and a much anticipated occasion for the entire roundnet community.
Schedule
Thursday September 8th: Coed (mixed-gender) Championship
- Each country selects one coed team to compete
- This is a key event within roundnet that sets it apart from many other sports
Friday September 9th: Individual Championship
- Teams from each country play against each other to crown the top individual mens and womens teams in the world
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of September: Squad Championship
- National teams gain points and progress through the tournament as one squad
There is no doubt the atmosphere on all four days will be electric. In addition, Spikeball Inc will be live-streaming many of the knock-out stage matches across their Youtube and Twitch channels, so fans can follow along from home. Check out their latest stream from the Columbus Major for a taste.
Will we see you there too?
