ETS Bern
Personally, again there - I cannot take any credit for the organisation - beyond my dreams as we started the club
Last year, U21 with MRC, cooperation
Major, the biggest tournament - sth that Spikeball and EURA have been neglecting
on time
Big orga team (PIC)
yFood, krombacher spezi, RG
Number of teams
Dominance of ES/Tiramisu, Racooligans
WIlly Wonka - Rasmus/Emil - Klap/Matt Cole
Suprises - Stefan/Ines
NEW PRO Players
https://fwango.io/etsvienna2024
Roundnet Royalty Gathers in Munich: Record-Breaking Masters Makes Statement!
Forget about the colosseum, Munich Masters just became the hottest arena in Europe for Roundnet! Surpassing even the prestigious ETS Bern, this German tournament smashed attendance records with a staggering 264 teams. Buckle up as we dive into the stories that unfolded at the Munich Masters, fueled by yFood and Krombacher Spezi!
In the heart of Europe, where the thrill of roundnet collides with the spirit of competition, Munich Masters emerged as the ultimate showdown. With a razor-thin margin, they outpaced ETS Bern by just one team—264 to 263—across two intense days. But what’s the secret behind these staggering numbers? Let’s dive into the map, where Germany’s central location and robust player base reveal a story that’s been overlooked for far too long.
In the past two weeks, roundnet fans around Europe could witness two biggest Roundnet European tournaments of the year - ETS Bern and Munich Masters.
So, what were the stories of Munich Masters, brought to you by yFood and Krombacher Spezi?
https://www.yfood.eu/
https://www.spezi-krombacher.de/
https://www.instagram.com/munich.roundnet/
https://munichroundnet.de/
https://viennaroundnet.at/https://www.roundnet.eu/
Master attendance
Munich Masters “beat” ETS Bern by only one participating team in total: 264 to 263 across two days.
For an untrained eye it may come as a surprise - such big numbers. However, if you look at the map of Europe, Both cities are located in the middle of the continent and are easy to reach via land as well as air. Moreover, Germany has the biggest portion of players Europewide. Such important fact has been partially neglected by EURA or Spikeball in the past or even presently (this year´s ETS Helsinki - 60 registered teams so far, London, Barcelona, Cluj - Romania, Limerick - Ireland. Riga - Latvia).
In a nail-biting showdown, Munich Masters edged out ETS Bern by a single team—264 to 263—across two intense days. Now you know why I put “so far” in the preview about ETS Bern.
But why the big numbers? Look at the map of Europe: both cities sit centrally, making them easily accessible by land and air. Plus, Germany boasts the largest player base across Europe, a fact that has often been overlooked by EURA and Spikeball in the past. Just think about tournaments in the past in places such as Ireland, the UK, Romania, Latvia, or even this year's ETS in Helsinki, Finland.
Depth of women´s field
To further highlight the depth of European roundnet, 46 and 51 respectively teams competed in women´s division, which ensured a staggering 100 and 104 mixed/coed teams. The slight difference was that in Germany, mixed and women´s category was splitted into 5 divisions compared to only 2 at ETS Bern.
In the open category, ETS Bern takes the Win with 117 teams across 3 divisions to Munich´s 109 teams, again in 5 divisions.
Do you think more divisions are way to go? Let us now HERE
The Munich Masters showcased the depth of European women's roundnet. A staggering 46 and 51 teams competed in the women's division, respectively, fueling a massive 100 and 104 mixed/co-ed teams. This difference reflects the additional women's and mixed divisions offered at Munich compared to Bern's two. In the open category, Bern took the win with 117 teams across three divisions, compared to Munich's 109 teams spread across five.
This raises the question: are more divisions the way to go for future tournaments? Let us know your thoughts HERE!
Punctual finish
European Roundnet fans and players had to get used to the fact that tournaments go late in the evening, sometimes as long as 9:30pm… The reasons for this could vary but that is beyond the scope of this article.
Organisation team of Munich Roundnet Community (MRC) showed that it can indeed be done. Both days, all players vacated the playing fields before 6 pm. Sure, there were compromises (finals being played BO3 till 15 or tournament start at 7:30 am even before the fields opened), but overall, it got the job done. How? Mainly because of incredible team work from the “unsung” heroes, volunteers and everyone who gave a helping hand.
Moreover, MRC is an experienced tournament organizer, who have been running tournaments since 2020, at least twice a year. For example, in 2023 MRC ran a U21 Championship in 2023 at the same venue, as I teamed up with Carolin Marquart to run this incredibly important event for the future of the sport. A year later, with lessons learnt (6 pm means 6 pm in Germany😁) Carolin spearheaded the organisation of gigantic MUC Masters with Fiona Rocholl and the entire team. Since I witnessed it personally, I could report that it was run incredibly well.
Finishing on Time: A Refreshing Change
European roundnet fans are accustomed to late finishes, sometimes stretching past 9:30 pm. The reasons vary, but that's a discussion for another time.
The Munich Roundnet Community (MRC) organization team proved that timely finishes are possible. Both days, all players were off the court by 6 pm! Sure, there were adjustments like best-of-three finals to 15 points and an earlier 7:30 am start (even before the courts officially opened). But it worked!
The secret sauce? Incredible teamwork from the "unsung heroes" - the volunteers and everyone who pitched in.
The MRC is a seasoned tournament organizer, running events since 2020 (at least twice a year). For example, in 2023, they hosted a U21 Championship at the same venue. Building on their experience, they implemented the lessons learned (apparently, 6 pm means 6 pm in Germany!) This year, under the leadership of Carolin Marquart, Fiona Rocholl, and the entire team, the Munich Masters was a resounding success, as I can personally attest!
Results - ETS Bern
Open Pro - Eisenträger/Siemer 🇩🇪 played and won. Women Pro - Nova (Kunzelmann🇨🇭/Paysan 🇫🇷) played and won. Mixed Pro - Triple X (Siemer 🇩🇪/Kunzelmann🇨🇭) played and won.
Results - MUC Masters
Open Pro - Eisenträger/Siemer 🇩🇪 played and won. Women Pro - Tiramisu (Leybourne/Kadlec 🇦🇹) played and won. Mixed Pro - Racooligans (Claus/Knauf 🇩🇪) played and won.
However, it shall be said that Tiramisu has fallen four times already in the finals this year, 3x to Nova (3. Mallorca Open, ETS Barcelona, ETS Bern) and once to Chitty Bang (ETS Bologna), which got the Austrian duo a very important push.
Especially Austrian women had a big showing past weekend, with podium places in Advanced, Contender and even a double pack at Pro - Tiramisu winning and Curly Fries (Teskey/Kornek) placing third.
Moreover, Kornek suprised everyone on Sunday, when she made her way into the finals with S. Handschmann, also a Vienna Roundnet player.
But the real surprise? Kornek’s Sunday ascent, partnering with S. Handschmann—a twist that left everyone wide-eyed, battling their way to the finals! Vienna Roundnet players know how to make waves!
Before you go - ETS Helsinki July 13-14
Let me invite you to an exotic country (roundnet wise😉) - Finland. Sure, it is not that close for most of you but I am sure the Roundnet Finland crew has done an incredible job to welcome you with open arms - besides, it is about more than roundnet - beautiful landscapes, thousands of lakes, sauna and vodka. What is there not to love? Sign up here!
Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! Finland, the exotic roundnet destination, awaits. Sure, it might not be a stone’s throw away for most of you, but trust me—the Roundnet Finland crew has rolled out the red carpet. And it’s not just about roundnet; Finland boasts breathtaking landscapes, thousands of serene lakes, saunas, and a dash of vodka. What’s not to love?
👉 Sign up here: ETS Helsinki 2024 or via Fwango
https://www.roundnet.fi/ets-helsinki-2024/
Lastly - ETS Championship 2024 in Vienna! August 10-11!
ETS Championship 2024: Vienna Calling!
We are less than 6 weeks away from the European Roundnet Tour Series Championship in Vienna, Austria - August 10-11 2024! Over 150 teams have already signed up, be quick since prices raise on the 11th of July!
Could ETS Championship 2024 be bigger and better than the two mentioned tournaments above? Whereas it is not a competition, it would be awesome if you stop by, played (12 different divisions in total including intermediate/beginner) and witness the best Roundnet Europe has to offer!
Mark your calendars! Less than 6 weeks remain until the European Roundnet Tour Series Championship in Vienna, Austria. Over 150 teams have already secured their spots, but don’t dilly-dally—prices go up on July 11th!
While it’s not a competition 😉, imagine being there—playing, cheering, and soaking up the electric atmosphere. With 12 different divisions (including intermediate and beginner), you’ll witness the pinnacle of Roundnet in Europe.
Learn more and secure your spot: ETS Vienna 2024
Whether you’re chasing spikes in Helsinki or savoring the vibes in Vienna, these tournaments promise unforgettable moments. See you on the court! Attacke!