Top-5 Major Volleyball Competitions in the World

It would be interesting to learn about volleyball tournaments that bring together the best men’s and women’s teams from different countries. If you are interested in this popular team sport, check out the five major volleyball competitions in the world along with their history and records.

Volleyball is one of the most popular team sports in the world. According to the statistics, it has around one billion followers who watch volleyball competitions on a permanent basis. In addition, volleyball is the 6th most-watched sport worldwide. What are the major volley competitions that make people glue to small screens? Below you will find the five major volleyball competitions in the world.

Major Volleyball Competitions in the World

How did we choose the five main volleyball competitions? First of all, we looked at their history and prestige level in the world of sports. Secondly, the number of viewers and media attention were important. Finally, we considered the popularity of these competitions in online sportsbooks in Italy. So, what are they?

• Olympic Games
• Volleyball World Cup
• FIVB World Championship
• Volleyball Nations League
• World Grand Champions Cup

Olympic Games

Volleyball was first introduced as a part of the Summer Olympics in 1964. Since that time two teams from each country (men and women) qualify through the World Cup to compete in respective categories to win medals for their countries. It is one of the reasons why the Olympic Games are considered one of the major volleyball competitions in the world.

As of 2022, only three countries managed to win multiple gold medals in volleyball at the Summer Olympics. They are the US (4), Brazil (5), and the Soviet Union (7). The latter also holds a record as the most successful men’s and women’s team at the Olympics with twelve medals in total. 

Volleyball World Cup

The FIVB Volleyball World Cup has its own competitions for men’s and women’s teams. Both serve to determine top-2 teams for the following year’s Summer Olympics. The Men’s World Cup was founded in 1965 as a gap-filler between the Olympiad and the World Championship. Ladies got their own World Cup eight years later.

Following the medals table, the Soviet Union is in the lead by the number of wins (7). The former USSR is closely followed by Brazil with six medals, so the record is highly likely to be beaten. By the way, the 2022 Volleyball World Cup is coming this August, so you can bet on favorites at Bet365 Sportsbook.

FIVB World Championship

The FIVB World Championship is the oldest international volleyball competition. It was first held in 1949 including only men’s teams. The Women’s World Championship entered the stage in 1952, three years later. Interestingly, the first editions of the competition were restricted to European countries.

Commonly, twenty-four teams participate in each World Championship. Among them, the Soviet Union is in the lead again with a record-high number of gold, silver, and bronze medals (11). Its closest rival Brazil comes second with just six medals in total.

Volleyball Nations League

The list of major volleyball competitions in the world couldn’t skip the Nations League. Organized by FIVB just like other tournaments, it was initially known as the World League. However, the Nations League replaced the former tournament in 2017. A corresponding event for ladies emerged the same year. 

What countries have won the most medals? As the FIVB Nations League is a relatively new tournament, we will include winners of the World League too. Brazil (20), Italy (15), and Russia (14) were the three most successful countries in the World League. Since its replacement by the Nations League, Russia is in the lead with two medals, while Brazil follows it with one gold medal.

World Grand Champions Cup

The World Grand Champions Cup is an international tournament that takes place every four years. It was first held in 1993 and it usually follows each year’s Summer Olympics. Therefore, the next WGCC in volleyball is scheduled for 2025. You can bet on it at online gambling sites in Italy.

The World Grand Champions Cup always takes place in Japan and includes both men’s and women’s teams. Like other competitions, it has the FIVB as its governing body. What about the medal summary? Currently, Brazil is on the top with seven medals (5 gold and 2 silver medals). Italy and Cuba come next with four medals each.

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