Some of European water polo’s biggest clubs will gather in Batumi, Georgia, this week for the inaugural Black Sea International Cup, with eight teams competing for a share of $150,000 in prize money.
The four-day tournament, running from October 15–18, features Pro Recco, Ferencvaros, Novi Beograd and Marseille among a strong international field, alongside clubs from Germany, Georgia and Japan.
Organised with the involvement of Hungarian water polo legend Denes Varga, the competition offers a $75,000 prize for the winners, $50,000 for the runners-up and $25,000 for third place.
The substantial financial incentives, combined with travel and accommodation costs covered for European participants, make the tournament an attractive addition to the international club calendar.
Eight Teams, Two Groups
The competition will feature two groups of four, with each team playing three preliminary matches before Sunday’s classification games.
Group A includes Pro Recco, Waspo Hannover, Japanese side Bourbon Waterpolo Club Kashiwazaki and Georgian hosts A-Polo Sport Management.
Recco enter as one of the tournament favourites, while the hosts will look to make an impression against established European opposition. Kashiwazaki add an intriguing international dimension, bringing a strong Japanese contingent to Georgia.
Group B features Ferencvaros, Novi Beograd, Marseille and Dinamo Tbilisi.
It promises to be an especially competitive group, with three established Champions League clubs battling for a place in Sunday’s final.
Ferencvaros and Novi Beograd meet on the opening day in what could prove one of the tournament’s defining encounters. Marseille will also be targeting the top spot, while Dinamo Tbilisi will hope to capitalise on playing in familiar surroundings.
A Potential Recco–Ferencvaros Final
With Recco and Ferencvaros drawn into separate groups, the possibility of a heavyweight final provides an additional storyline.
The group winners will advance directly to Sunday’s championship match, while the second-placed teams will contest the bronze medal. The remaining clubs will play classification matches to determine the final standings.
Beyond the financial rewards, the competition offers an opportunity for clubs to test themselves against high-quality international opposition during the early stages of the European season.
The tournament begins on Thursday, October 15, with Pro Recco facing Kashiwazaki in the opening match. Sunday’s final is scheduled for 15:00 CEST (17:00 local time) on October 18.
Full fixtures and tournament information are available at bsicup.com.
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