The Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial Tournament has always been a significant event on the international volleyball calendar, but this year’s 20th edition was extra special. Not only did it witness outstanding sportsmanship, but the passionate and roaring fans made it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
A Weekend to Remember in Krakow’s TAURON Arena
The buzzing atmosphere of the TAURON Arena in Krakow was palpable during the three-day event. Every match day was marked by the overwhelming presence of over 15,000 fans, their cheers echoing through the vast hall, creating an electrifying environment. But what stood out most was the undeniable love and fervor of the Polish fans.
“I can’t comprehend how we’ve had a full audience for a friendly tournament three times in a row. Polish fans are truly remarkable.” – Klemen Cebulj
Klemen Cebulj, a Slovenian player who usually performs in PlusLiga, was deeply impressed by the Polish spectators. Their unwavering support and spirit certainly left an indelible mark on the athletes and guests from all over Europe.
The Rise of Volleyball in Poland
It’s no surprise that volleyball has been growing exponentially in popularity in Poland. Mirosław Rybaczewski, a world and Olympic champion from Wagner’s golden team, emphasized this point:
“Our volleyball has grown so much that filled arenas during the Memorial no longer surprise anyone. Surely, having some of the strongest teams in Europe visiting Krakow this year also played a role.” – Mirosław Rybaczewski
Moreover, Rybaczewski, who has attended all twenty editions of the tournament, expressed his admiration for the initiative, emphasizing its importance for old friends to reconnect and reminisce about old times.
The Performance: Italy Takes the Lead
The climax of the tournament was undoubtedly the intense clash between Poland and the world champions, Italy. The stakes were high as both teams strived for the first spot in the XX Wagner Memorial.
Italy confidently won two sets. However, Poland, after a few lineup changes, managed to bounce back in the third set. Nevertheless, Italy surged ahead in the subsequent set, winning 25-17. There were clear signs of health concerns in the Polish team, especially when Bartosz Kurek had to leave the court. From that point, Poland played with three primary receivers, but eventually, they had to acknowledge Italy’s superiority.
Aleksander Śliwka from the Polish side acknowledged the Memorial’s importance, stating it served as a yardstick to gauge their current standing and areas of improvement. He admitted that the teams this year were remarkably strong, mentioning the participation of Olympic champions, world champions, and European vice-champions.
Karol Kłos added his perspective, expressing his amazement at the packed hall for three straight days. He voiced the team’s desire to always win, especially in front of such a massive crowd, but accepted that sometimes it’s not possible. His hope was to bring joy to their incredible fans in the coming weeks.
All the matches of the tournament were broadcasted live by Polsat Sport.
Individual Accolades of the XX Wagner Memorial
The tournament witnessed some exceptional individual performances. Here are the players who stood out:
| Award | Player | Country |
| Best Attacker | Rok Mozić | Slovenia |
| Best Blocker | Jan Kozamernik | Slovenia |
| Best Receiver | Alessandro Michieletto | Italy |
| Best Libero | Paweł Zatorski | Poland |
| Best Setter | Simone Giannelli | Italy |
| MVP | Simone Giannelli | Italy |
Match Results and Standings: Hubert Wagner Memorial
The Hubert Wagner Memorial showcased intense matches between some of Europe’s volleyball powerhouses. The results from each of the matches, as well as the final standings, are summarized below.
Match Results
| Date | Time | Team 1 | Set Scores | Team 2 | Final Score (Sets) |
| 20.08 | 18:00 | Poland | 18-25, 23-25, 25-21, 17-25 | Italy | 1-3 |
| 20.08 | 15:00 | France | 16-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 | Slovenia | 3-1 |
| 19.08 | 18:00 | Poland | 27-29, 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 | France | 3-1 |
| 19.08 | 15:00 | Slovenia | 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23 | Italy | 3-2 |
| 18.08 | 21:00 | Italy | 29-27, 25-21, 25-20 | France | 3-0 |
| 18.08 | 18:30 | Poland | 21-25, 18-25, 21-25 | Slovenia | 0-3 |
Final Standings
The final results of the Memorial showcased the sheer talent and level of competition present.
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Set Ratio | Points |
| 1 | Italy | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8:4 | 7 |
| 2 | Slovenia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7:5 | 5 |
| 3 | Poland | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4:7 | 3 |
| 4 | France | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4:7 | 3 |
Closing Remarks
The 20th edition of the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial was a grand success, celebrating the legacy of the late coach Hubert Wagner. The event was not just about sports, but also about unity, passion, and mutual respect. It was also a wonderful opportunity for tourists to explore Krakow and enjoy the festivities in between matches.
The hope now is that the lessons learned from this edition will serve as a valuable foundation for teams as they gear up for upcoming European Championships and Olympic qualifiers.
