Our Crown Heritage

 

Numerous top-tier beach volleyball players have been associated with King of the Beach events and sponsorships, which have historically attracted many of the sport's biggest names.

Notable athletes include:

Men

Karch Kiraly: Considered by many to be the greatest volleyball player of all time, Kiraly is the only person to have won Olympic gold medals in both indoor and beach volleyball. He won the first three King of the Beach Invitationals (1991-1993) and was a long-time sponsored athlete.

Sinjin Smith: A co-founder of the brand and a legend in the sport, Smith and his partner Randy Stoklos formed one of the most successful teams in history, winning 114 beach titles together.

Randy Stoklos: The long-time partner of Sinjin Smith, Stoklos was the first beach volleyball player ever to surpass $1 million in career earnings.

Kent Steffes: Steffes partnered with Karch Kiraly to form a dominant pairing on the AVP tour, winning the first Olympic gold medal in men's beach volleyball in 1996.

Jose Loiola: A prominent international player from Brazil who won the King of the Beach Invitational title in 1997 and 2000.

Mike Dodd and Tim Hovland: Both were among the most recognizable "Kings of the Beach" for their significant achievements in the sport.

Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers: This pairing was another highly successful team, with Dalhausser winning the Manhattan Beach Open five times and Rogers also having significant success.

Women

While the primary "King of the Beach" title was for men, associated events and the sister brand "Queen of the Beach" have featured top female athletes:

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings: This duo is the most successful women's beach volleyball pairing in AVP history and was associated with the brand and events.

Holly McPeak: A top player in the late 90s, she was crowned the Queen of the Beach in 1999.

April Ross: An Olympic medalist who has also achieved notable success in events associated with the brand.

These athletes have been central to the history and identity of beach volleyball and the King of the Beach brand.