This is the world’s largest volleyball tournament, with 6,500 teams
Juan José Saldaña
July 7, 2025

The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships 2025 once again broke records and solidified its status as the largest volleyball tournament in the world. Held from June 13 to July 7, it brought together more than 6,500 teams and attracted approximately 325,500 people, including athletes, coaches, and spectators from all U.S. states and several countries. With this level of participation, the championship not only reaffirms its magnitude but also stands out as one of the most relevant events on the international youth volleyball calendar.

The tournament takes place at a single venue: the Orange County Convention Center, a top-tier facility capable of hosting dozens of simultaneous courts. This centralized competition model allows for an intense experience for players and spectators, with thousands of matches spread across nearly a month. This year’s edition also coincided with World Volleyball Day (July 7), a date promoted by the FIVB to celebrate the unifying power of the sport across the globe.

A youth championship setting the global benchmark

Behind the event is the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), one of the largest sports organizations in the United States, whose volleyball division has grown to become the association’s largest. Its president, Jo Mirza, highlighted the joint work with institutions and logistical partners to make an event of this scale possible. “It’s our most important sport and the one that has the biggest impact on communities, athletes, and families,” he said.

In addition to the thousands of matches played, the event generates significant economic and labor mobilization. According to organizers, more than 250 jobs are created during the championships alone, and annual benefits are projected to reach £336 million. Beyond the numbers, the tournament represents a unique opportunity for thousands of young talents aiming to compete at collegiate or professional levels. Year after year, the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships not only grows in size but also in relevance within the international sports ecosystem.