The Grand Slam of Beach Volleyball takes place in Rome from 18-23 June when 96 champion pairings from 29 countries descend on the capital's sand-filled Foro Italico. 

Players compete over a 30,000-sqm area filled with 2,000 tons of sand, for a total jackpot of $440,000.

Last year's mens champions were Jacob Gibb and Sean Rosenthal from the US, and female champions were Simone Kuhn and Nadine Zumkehr. 

This year however Gibb is paired with Casey Patterson, while Rosenthal plays alongside Philip Dalhausser. Zumkhehr is paired with Joana Heidrich following the retirement of Kuhn.

Rome is the fourth appointment of the 2013 world tour and follows similar sporting events in Shangahi, Corrientes in Argentina, and The Hague.

Entry is free, for more information see website.