VEGA BAJA, Puerto Rico, November 8, 2026. – The American duo of Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger claimed the title at the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier and secured a direct berth for the United States to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after defeating Mexico in a thrilling final on Sunday at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.
Crabb and Budinger staged a spectacular comeback against Mexico’s Carlos Andrés Ayala and Inés Vargas Lares, earning a 2-1 (17-21, 21-16, 19-17) victory in a match that kept the excitement alive until the very last point.
Mexico took the early lead by winning the opening set 21-17, but the Americans responded with a strong performance in the second, taking it 21-16 to force a deciding set.
The third set turned into an intense battle, with both duos fighting point by point for the only Olympic berth available in the men’s division. Crabb and Budinger ultimately sealed the victory 19-17 with an ace, sparking celebrations as the United States secured its place at Los Angeles 2028.
With the victory, the United States claimed the gold medal and Olympic qualification, while Mexico earned silver following an impressive performance throughout the tournament.
In the bronze medal match, Canada’s Samuel Schachter and Jonathan Pickett delivered a commanding performance to defeat Puerto Rico’s Diego Rosich and William Rivera 2-0 (21-9, 21-15).
The Canadian duo controlled the match from the outset to secure third place, while Rosich and Rivera finished fourth in front of their home crowd.
In the semifinals, Crabb and Budinger continued their winning run by defeating Canada’s Schachter and Pickett in straight sets, 21-19, 21-18, securing their place in the decisive match for the Olympic berth.
The other semifinal produced one of the most closely contested matches of the day, with Carlos Andrés/Lares defeating Rosich/Rivera 2-1 (21-18, 14-21, 15-13).
The Mexican duo took the lead by winning the opening set 21-18, but Rosich and Rivera responded with a convincing 21-14 victory in the second. In a tightly contested deciding set, the Mexicans prevailed 15-13 to advance to the final and keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Sunday’s action began with the quarterfinals, where Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico secured their places in the semifinals.
Schachter and Pickett (CAN) defeated Costa Rica’s Julián Araya and Yulius Brown 2-0 (21-14, 21-14), while Crabb and Budinger (USA) dominated Guatemala’s Edgar Maldonado and José Izaguirre in straight sets, 21-12, 21-9.
Meanwhile, Carlos Andrés and Inés (MEX) defeated El Salvador’s Rafael and Gabriel Vargas, known as Rafa/Gabo, 2-0 (21-13, 21-9), continuing their journey toward the final.
The last semifinal berth went to home favorites Rosich and Rivera (PUR), who defeated Bryce Mayer and Tyler Penberthy of the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-0 (21-16, 21-19), backed by the support of the local crowd.
The NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier took place from November 6 to 8 at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, bringing together 13 men’s teams competing for a single direct berth to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.