We sat down with Ákos Péczely, the driving force behind Balaton Beach Rugby, to talk about the growth of the tournament and the future of the sport. From local initiative to an international meeting point for teams and fans, Balaton continues to rise as one of the most exciting stops on the European beach rugby scene.

How do you see the next edition of the Beach Rugby in Balaton?
The Balaton Beach Rugby (BBR) is a steadily growing tournament, attracting an increasing number of international teams each year—many of whom return—while interest from Hungarian teams is also continuously rising.

What are your expectations, and how far would you like to take your tournament?
It all started as a simple dream: to organize a small beach rugby event for my friends. I’ve stayed true to this vision ever since. Of course, the circle of “friends” has grown significantly over the years, and so has the popularity of the tournament.

What do you think makes beach rugby in general so vibrant and exciting?
In my view, beach rugby is one of the most exciting and dynamic forms of the sport, offering a high level of action in a short amount of time, while still preserving the core values and spirit of rugby.

What would be needed for this discipline to make the final leap?
The discipline is constantly evolving, and I believe that within the next decade, beach rugby could even become an Olympic sport. Teams are preparing at an increasingly high level, and this professional approach will undoubtedly take the game to new heights.