David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig Win Historic Beach Volleyball World Championship Double for Sweden

David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig secured a historic victory by winning the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championship, culminating an all-Swedish final against Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson. The final match took place with intense energy as the two Swedish pairs, who train together nearly daily, battled for supremacy. Åhman and Hellvig won the final in straight sets, 25-23 and 21-19, marking their first World Championship gold and completing their collection of major international titles, including European and Olympic golds.

The championship match was highly competitive, featuring frequent momentum shifts and intense rallies. Notably, Hölting Nilsson’s block tied the first set at 20-20, energizing the packed arena. Despite disruptions from heat and persistent flies, Åhman and Hellvig demonstrated resilience, pulling ahead in the second set from 17-14 to close out the match. Both Swedish teams managed tactics independently, as coaches Anders Kristiansson and Rasmus Jonsson deliberately stepped aside to preserve the group dynamic, with Jonsson explaining, "It would have been really strange for group dynamics if we coaches had chosen teams."

Åhman reflected on their victory, admitting disbelief due to prior injuries but expressing fulfillment at achieving a long-held dream. Hölting Nilsson and Andersson earned their first-ever senior international medal with silver, underscoring their rapid progress and strong performance throughout the tournament, where they lost only four sets over eight matches. The bronze medal went to the French duo Rotar and Gauthier-Rat, who defeated Germany’s Ehlers and Wickler, securing France’s inaugural medal at the World Championship.

This event emphasizes the strength and depth of Swedish beach volleyball on the global stage, with an unprecedented final between two Swedish teams demonstrating the country’s elite status in the sport. The final was described as a "perfect exhibition of beach volleyball" by SVT expert commentator Mattias Magnusson, highlighting the technical skill and competitive spirit displayed by both duos. The achievement marks a significant milestone in Åhman and Hellvig’s careers and highlights the emergence of promising talent in Hölting Nilsson and Andersson, signaling a bright future for Swedish beach volleyball.