Welcome to the Northern Ireland Open, the first stop of our brand-new 2026 Elite Series and our debut event in this exciting new location. Set against the stunning backdrop of Portrush Beach, the tournament will take place on 16th and 17th May 2026 and promises to be an unforgettable start to the season.
This event marks our first time bringing an Open tournament to Northern Ireland, and it’s already shaping up to be a standout fixture on the UK beach volleyball calendar. Players will battle it out across the weekend for top honours and a place in Elite Series history as we launch this new chapter of competition. If you love high-level beach volleyball in a spectacular coastal setting, this is the perfect place to begin the journey.
The Elite Series
The brand-new Fireball Elite Series builds on the back of several years running some of the UK’s top events. We are hosting four UKBT 4* Open events this year and we guarantee our players a fantastic experience, both in terms of a high-level playing experience and in all the details around the events.
Our focus goes beyond competition. We’re committed to nurturing the community of athletes who join us at each stop, creating opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy the social side of the sport, while ensuring an environment where you can battle fiercely for every point.
Each event will feature:
- Amazing trophies and hall of fame for each event
- Double elimination format + guarantee of 3 games
- A free tournament on Sunday for those who are eliminated on Saturday
- Players party or meal on the Saturday
- Commentary across the weekend
- Referees on the Sunday
- Centre court setup with music
This season also marks the launch of our official Elite Series Ranking. Every athlete who competes in our Elite events across the Summer earns Fireball Ranking Points, all contributing toward the final rankings. Our fourth and final stop, the South Wales Open, awards double Fireball points, making it a pivotal moment in the race for the overall title. At the end of the series, the player with the highest Fireball points per gender will take home £200, with £100 awarded to second place and £50 to the player finishing third.
Each of the four locations has a character of its own, offering a unique atmosphere and distinct weekend experience.
The Northern Ireland Open
The opening event takes place in on 16th and 17th May in Northern Ireland, with matches hosted in Portrush and an iconic Giants Causeway Trophy up for grabs. The weekend includes a group dinner on Saturday night, great prizes, entry in a UKBT 3★ tournament on the Sunday.
We can provide suggested flight options with organised airport transfers.
Format
This UK Beach Tour Open event follows the gruelling Double Elimination format, with 24 spots available per gender. Quarterfinals and onwards will take place on the Sunday.
Included in your entry is guaranteed play on Sunday in a UKBT 3* Tournament.
Registration & Important Dates
This tournament offers 24 entry spots per gender, with registration closing on Monday, 4th May 2026 at 12:00. Entries are determined by your UKBT ranking points.
If you are concerned that your points may not be sufficient for qualification, you may submit a wildcard application. The wildcard form is available on the UKBT website and must be emailed to hello@fireballbeachvolleyball.com by the 3rd of May 2026 for consideration.
You can check the live entry list for this event in here. Please allow up to 48 hours for updates.
A final, confirmed entry list based on UKBT points will be emailed to all registrants on Wednesday, 6th May 2026.
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy can be found here. Our events will go on in most weathers – so please be prepared to come along! Pulling out due to rain or cold on the day will not be treated as an acceptable excuse, and you will not receive money back.
If the event is cancelled for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
If your circumstances change and you cannot attend, please let us know with 48 hours notice to receive a full refund. Between 48 hours and the event start time, you will receive a half refund; after the event start time you will not receive a refund.
Spond: The Fireball Events Hub
All pre-event communication, schedule and seedings will go out through our Fireball Events Spond app. You can also use Spond to help find someone to play with and ask any questions.
This is a free app-we are asking all players to join our Spond here.
