Megan Rice, left, and Carli Lloyd, right, of Provenio Capital, block the shot of Savvy Simo, center, during action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Provenio Capital went on to win. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Provenio Capital team members celebrate their win in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Abby Van Winkle attempts to block the shot of Geena Urango during action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Provenio Capital went on to win. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Volleyball fans watch the action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Abby Van Winkle attempts to block the shot of Megan Rice, right, during action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Provenio Capital went on to win. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Volleyball fans watch the action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Provenio Capital team members celebrate their win in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Provenio Capital team members celebrate their win in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Megan Rice, left, and Carli Lloyd, right, of Provenio Capital, block the shot of Savvy Simo, center, during action in the 2nd annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational held at the Newport Beach Pie in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Provenio Capital went on to win. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Fans showed up to the Newport Beach Pier to watch some of the world’s best volleyball players battle it out Saturday, Oct. 19, for the second annual Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational.
Competitors were vying for $250,000 in prize money, the largest prize ever offered for a one-day beach volleyball tournament in the United States, organizers said.
The growing event drew crowds who came out to enjoy the fast-paced action, with the ocean and pier as the backdrop. An afterparty at Stag Bar allowed fans to get up close with the athletes.
There were both men and women divisions, and among the eight teams 20 Olympians, AVP superstars and Hall of Famers, including local athletes who have won many championships through the years.
The event was created by Kevin Martin, co-owner of Eagle Four Partners, volleyball AVP Hall of Famer Steve Obradovich and local restaurateur Mario Marovic, who say they hope to grow Newport Beach’s volleyball culture in coming years.
Proceeds from the event will go to the nonprofit Orange County Youth Sports Foundation.
