Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament

The Charlie Saikley 6-Man Tournament is the most fun thing that happens on this beach all year. Founded in 1974 by Charlie Saikley — widely known as the “Godfather of Beach Volleyball” — the tournament has grown into a two-day spectacle that draws 50,000 spectators to the south side of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Nothing else on the summer calendar looks or feels like it.

The format differs from the two-person beach volleyball you see at professional events. Teams of six compete on a full-width court, and while the play is genuinely skilled, the visual experience is completely dominated by the costume tradition. Every team chooses a theme and commits to it entirely — matching outfits, props, team names, the works. You’ll see teams in matching superhero gear, retro Lakers uniforms, disco outfits, inflatable costumes, and combinations that defy description. Some teams have worn the same costumes for a decade. The competition is real; the carnival energy is realer.

Divisions include Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s 40+, Men’s 50+, and Women’s Masters 35+. The Junior 6-Man (Aug 3) gives younger athletes their own version of the tradition. Past tournaments have attracted professional volleyball players and NBA athletes competing for fun alongside the regulars.

Free to watch from the sand. Arrive early for a good viewing spot near the courts — by mid-morning on Saturday the crowd is deep. No tickets, no barriers. Just the beach, the costumes, and 50,000 people having the time of their lives.
**More info:** [surffestival.org/6-man](https://www.surffestival.org/6-man) | [cbva.com](https://www.cbva.com)