10/06/2026
With more than 800 athletes, over 110 matches and teams arriving from across Europe, Porto Beach Rugby 2026 is set to be one of the highlights of the international beach rugby calendar.
Taking place on June 20-21 at the International Beach Stadium in Porto, the event continues its impressive growth, combining elite competition, youth development and the unique atmosphere that only beach rugby can offer.
We spoke with Nuno Gramaxo, organizer of Porto Beach Rugby, about the tournament's ambitions, its growing role within the European circuit, and his vision for the future of beach rugby.
How do you see this edition of Porto Beach Rugby?
This edition of Porto Beach Rugby represents a very important step in establishing the event at a national and international level. In addition to being part of the 2nd stage of the National Beach Rugby Circuit, it will also be the 1st joint stage of the European Beach Rugby Circuit, which reinforces the importance of the competition and its ability to attract teams from various countries. On June 20th and 21st, the International Beach Stadium will host more than 110 games and 800 athletes. The 20th will be dedicated to senior men's and women's competitions, with the participation of 12 men's teams and 6 women's teams in the European tournament, while the 21st will be dedicated to youth categories, from the Mini-Champions to the Youth European Cup for Under-14 and Under-16. It is an event that brings together high-level competition, training, camaraderie and promotion of the sport in a unique seaside environment.
What are your expectations and how far would you like to take the tournament?
Expectations are very positive. We want to provide an excellent experience for athletes, coaches, partners, and the public, consolidating Porto Beach Rugby as one of the main events of the sport in Europe. Our ambition is to continue growing in organizational quality, international renown, and the ability to attract leading teams. We would like to see Porto Beach Rugby become a mandatory stop on the European circuit, simultaneously contributing to the promotion of the city of Porto as a top tourist and sporting destination.
What do you think makes beach rugby in general so vibrant and exciting?
Beach rugby manages to bring together the best of rugby in a faster, more dynamic format that is closer to the public. The games are intense, with a lot of action, many tries, and constant changes of pace, which makes each match extremely exciting.
At the same time, the beach environment creates a very special, relaxed, and festive atmosphere, bringing athletes and spectators closer together. This combination of high-level competition and a spirit of celebration is one of the sport's great strengths.
What would be necessary for this sport to take the definitive leap?
Beach rugby has enormous growth potential. To make the definitive leap, it will be important to increase media visibility, strengthen national and international circuits, attract more sponsors, and create more competitive opportunities for athletes of all ages.
The focus on training is equally fundamental. Events like Porto Beach Rugby, which bring together senior international competitions and hundreds of young athletes in a single weekend, demonstrate the path the sport should follow. With continuity, investment, and proper promotion, I believe that beach rugby can gain an increasingly relevant space in the European sports scene.