Home World Buzz

The 6 Secrets Of The Manhattan Beach 6-Man: Why This ‘Party Tournament’ Is Beach Volleyball’s Wildest Event

• minute read
Contents
The "6th Man Manhattan Beach" is not a person, but the most legendary, high-stakes, and notoriously wild beach party disguised as an elite sporting event: the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament. This annual spectacle, which takes place on the sand near the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, is a cornerstone of Southern California’s summer culture, blending world-class professional volleyball with an unforgettable, costumed beach bash. As of late 2025, the tournament continues its over 50-year-old tradition, but not without recent, notable friction with the local city council and community over its massive crowds and escalating event fees, making the future of this beloved institution a hot topic of discussion among players and fans. The tournament is officially scheduled to return on the first weekend of August, typically running for two days, and remains the premier 6-man beach volleyball competition in the region. It is the centerpiece event of the larger International Surf Festival. What sets the 6-Man apart is its unique atmosphere, where teams ditch traditional uniforms for elaborate, hilarious, and often controversial costumes, earning it the moniker of "The Biggest Party in Volleyball."

The Godfather and the Legacy: Who Was Charlie Saikley?

The legendary event is named in honor of its creator, Charlie Saikley, a figure universally known as the "Godfather of Beach Volleyball." Saikley’s vision and dedication were instrumental in shaping the sport's culture in the South Bay.

Charlie Saikley: Biography and Tournament Origins

  • Full Name: Charles 'Charlie' Saikley
  • Nickname: The Godfather of Beach Volleyball
  • Role: Tournament Director and Promoter
  • Key Contribution: Saikley founded the 6-Man tournament over 50 years ago, turning a small local contest into a massive cultural phenomenon.
  • Other Events: He also ran the prestigious Manhattan Open (a two-man tournament) since 1965, elevating it into a highly regarded professional contest.
  • Legacy: Saikley’s goal was to combine high-level competition with a fun, celebratory atmosphere, a balance the 6-Man still strives to maintain today.
  • Tournament Name Change: Following his passing, the event was officially renamed the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament to honor his immense contributions to the sport and the community.

The 6-Man format itself is a deviation from the professional standard of two-person beach volleyball (like the AVP Tour). The six-player teams allow for a more social, inclusive, and often chaotic style of play, which perfectly suits the tournament's party reputation. It’s where professional athletes often play alongside friends and local legends.

The Six Secrets That Make the 6-Man Legendary

The Manhattan Beach 6-Man is far more than just a tournament; it’s a cultural spectacle that draws massive crowds—sometimes reportedly over 50,000 spectators—to the sands south of the pier. Its enduring popularity is built on a few unique factors that keep it fresh and controversial every year.

1. The Wild, Elaborate Team Costumes

Forget standard athletic wear. The 6-Man is famous for its requirement (or at least, strong encouragement) of wild, themed team costumes. This is arguably the biggest draw for spectators and a key element of the party atmosphere.

Teams spend months planning and creating elaborate outfits that range from pop culture references to political satire, and everything in between. Past themes have included:

  • Famous Movie Characters (e.g., *Top Gun*, *Super Mario Bros.*)
  • Historical Figures (e.g., Roman Gladiators, Cavemen)
  • Over-the-Top Parodies (e.g., 'Team Tacky Tourists', 'Team Hot Dog on a Stick')
  • Professional beach volleyball players like Karch Kiraly and Sinjin Smith have all participated, often in full costume, proving that even the elite embrace the fun.

The costumes are a visual feast, transforming the serious sport of volleyball into a vibrant, carnival-like event, making it one of the most colorful events of the summer.

2. The 'Biggest Party in Volleyball' Atmosphere

The 6-Man is widely dubbed "The Biggest Party in Volleyball" for a reason. The entire beach transforms into a massive social gathering. While the tournament's core is the competition, the surrounding energy is pure celebration, fueled by music, camaraderie, and a festive spirit that attracts a distinctly youthful and energetic crowd.

This atmosphere has historically put the event at odds with the city. In 2010, the city—led by the Police Chief—implemented a significant crackdown on the event, leading to its temporary cancellation and a subsequent restructuring to better manage the crowds and alcohol-related issues. The tension between the event's wild nature and city regulation is a constant, recurring theme.

3. The Recent Controversy Over Event Fees and Restrictions

In recent years, the cost of hosting the massive event has become a major point of contention. The City of Manhattan Beach has been criticized for tightening restrictions and significantly increasing event fees, which some players and organizers fear could lead to the "death" of the tournament.

The city's stance is often related to covering the high operating costs associated with managing the immense crowds, security, and cleanup. However, many in the beach volleyball community argue that the rising fees undermine the spirit of the tournament, which has always been a grassroots, community-focused event. This ongoing debate about the financial viability and control of the 6-Man is a key current development for 2025 and beyond.

4. The Presence of Elite Professional Talent

Despite the costumes and party vibe, the level of play remains exceptionally high. The 6-Man is a magnet for top-tier professional beach volleyball players from the AVP and FIVB circuits. They often play under relaxed rules and alongside non-pros, but the competition for the title is fierce.

Winning the 6-Man is a point of pride. Teams like Team Lyon Stahl have recently dominated the men's division, securing a historic third consecutive victory in recent tournaments, showcasing the serious athletic talent beneath the colorful exterior.

5. Part of the International Surf Festival

The 6-Man is not a standalone event; it is the most popular component of the annual International Surf Festival. This festival celebrates the South Bay's ocean and beach culture, and includes other classic events such as the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, the Lifeguard Medley Relay, and various surfing and running competitions.

This integration adds to the event's topical authority and historical significance, linking it directly to the deep-rooted beach culture of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and the entire South Bay region.

6. The 'Paid to Play' Debate

Another recent and intriguing controversy involves the integrity of the competition itself. Discussions have surfaced, particularly on social media and in local news, questioning whether the top men's teams are paying professional players to compete.

This "paid to play" debate highlights the tension between the tournament's amateur, fun-first roots and the desire of sponsors (like Lyon Stahl) to win. While not officially verified, the speculation underscores how serious the competition has become, contrasting sharply with the tournament's famous, lighthearted reputation.

The Future of the Manhattan Beach 6-Man

The Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament remains a vital, must-attend event on the Southern California calendar. The 2025 tournament is eagerly anticipated, scheduled for the first weekend in August near the Manhattan Beach Pier.

However, the underlying tensions with the city over crowd control, event costs, and the general party atmosphere mean the tournament's future is always under scrutiny. The community, players, and organizers are constantly working to find a balance—preserving the event's legendary, wild spirit while ensuring it remains safe, financially viable, and sustainable for the long term. For fans, this annual spectacle ensures that the spirit of the 'Godfather of Beach Volleyball' lives on, making it a must-see for anyone interested in high-level sports and epic beach culture.

The 6 Secrets of the Manhattan Beach 6-Man: Why This ‘Party Tournament’ Is Beach Volleyball’s Wildest Event
6th man manhattan beach
6th man manhattan beach

Detail Author:

  • Name : Mr. Ryleigh Reichert
  • Username : amanda.hettinger
  • Email : altenwerth.boyd@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1999-04-30
  • Address : 12936 Elnora Springs East Ollie, ND 53049-1065
  • Phone : +1 (520) 761-2435
  • Company : Green-Lakin
  • Job : Nonfarm Animal Caretaker
  • Bio : Provident esse quo consequatur consequatur blanditiis. Optio labore voluptatum tenetur voluptatum nisi eos et et. Deserunt tenetur nobis labore optio distinctio voluptatem.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/nhessel
  • username : nhessel
  • bio : Est pariatur et iure id inventore et. Dignissimos magnam natus dolorem qui.
  • followers : 1476
  • following : 2029

tiktok:

Random Posts