With an impending hurricane looming over the weekend, the 2023 Manhattan Beach Open hit different. While some were shocked that a tropical storm was headed to SoCal for the first time since 1939 (and, of course, during MBO weekend), the bigger shock was 32-seeded Chloe Loreen/Natalie Robinson defeating #1 seed and favorite to win, Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles. Betsi and Julia were unbothered; with the help of their world-class coach, April Ross, the duo put their nose to the grindstone and finished the weekend with their names engraved on the MB Pier for eternity.
The steady downpour of Tropical Storm Hilary made for an unrivaled Finals environment. Besti, an intense competitor and world-class pro, and a mom who has been in the MBO Finals every year since she returned postpartum (three in a row), finally had her moment. Her winner’s interview was a beautiful celebration of the accomplishments of her teammate Julia, coach, and the village of people supporting her – chiefly her daughter Cora and husband Chase. That moment is what it’s all about. (Photo Credit: Lisa Dietrich)
Sunday’s rain also made for an epic Men’s Final. Taylor Crabb has been considered a playing legend for a few years now, and securing his plaque on the MB Pier solidified his long-lasting name. Not to mention, he did it against his big bro Trevor, who was looking for rarified history with a four-peat MBO title. Taylor Crabb and Taylor Sander fought to the end to the sound of crashing waves, pattering rain, and the oohs-and-aahs of the thousands of fans who braved Hilary for a chance to witness greatness. (Photo Credit: Lisa Dietrich)
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Established in 1960, there is one AVP event synonymous with the word ‘iconic” — the Manhattan Beach Open. The reigning epicenter of professional beach volleyball, the Granddaddy of them all, returns to its spot on the throne with the biggest draw of the season. With last year’s reigning Champions now on separate teams, we’re guaranteed to crown two new duos in 2023. Who will cement their place in history on the fabled Manhattan Beach Pier this year? Get your tickets, or tune-in, to find out!
For more on the teams playing and what to expect from the biggest beach volleyball tournament on the AVP read Kim Schuermann’s Manhattan Beach Open Preview, and see Where to Watch on this page for detailed schedules by day.
2023 AVP Manhattan Beach Open
Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach, CA 90026
Beach Nation Volleyball, Wilson, and the AVP are teaming up at the 2023 Manhattan Beach Open to collect non-perishable food and donations for the Westside Food Bank and the Maui Food Bank. 50% of financial donations will go to Westside Food Bank, with the other 50% to the Maui Food Bank to help with those affected by the current disaster. For details and how you can help, visit the fundraising site here.