By Marianne Poh
1 October 2024
The much-anticipated Beach Nationals 2024 unfolded on September 28 and 29 at the stunning New Mempari Beach, Sentosa. As the second Beach Nationals to be held in Singapore, this year's event built on the growing popularity of Beach Ultimate in the local scene, with a 4v4 format that heightened the intensity and spectacle.
The tournament offered unique dynamics, with the soft sands and unpredictable winds adding challenges not typically found on grass fields. This year's excitement was amplified by the participation of several powerhouse teams and first-timers, creating an atmosphere of heightened anticipation.
This year's Beach Nationals featured a competitive lineup, including familiar faces like Shiok, Fu Fighters, Chuckies, Appendix, and Thirsty Camels – all of which are teams who had participated in the previous edition. In a thrilling addition to the lineup, Freakshow, Zero Displacement (ZD), Rascals, Alliance, and Samsui made their debut appearances at the event. Their participation injected new energy into the tournament, with each team eager to showcase their skills in the sand-based format.
As the defending runners-up from last year's Beach Nationals, Shiok was widely considered the team to beat. However, all eyes were also on Freakshow and ZD, who had been making significant strides on the grass circuit. Their entry into the beach competition promised to introduce fresh challenges for the seasoned teams. The blend of established competitors and emerging talent set the stage for an exciting and dynamic weekend of Beach Ultimate.
Day 1
Day 1 of Beach Nationals 2024 kicked off as teams took to the sandy fields under the bright, cloudless sky. The group stage matches were spread across four fields, and from the very first pull, it was clear that every team was prepared to give their all to secure a coveted spot at the top of their groups. With the heat of the sun bearing down and the sand adding an extra layer of challenge, the competition quickly grew fierce, pushing players to dig deep both physically and mentally.
One of the standout storylines of the morning revolved around the matchups between Freakshow and Zero Displacement (ZD), two teams making waves in their tournament debuts. Both teams were hungry to prove themselves in their first Beach Nationals appearance, and their determination was palpable.
On Field 2, Freakshore (Freakshow) faced off against Displacement (ZD) in a commanding 13-5 victory, their fast-paced offence and aggressive defence allowed them to secure a strong 3-0 start in the tournament. Freakshore’s victory gave them a boost of morale as they headed into their next game with momentum on their side.
Meanwhile, on Field 4, Zero (ZD) faced off against Beachshow (Freakshow) in another thrilling matchup. Zero came out with blazing intensity, jumping to an impressive 6-0 start, their disciplined defence and sharp offensive plays allowed them to control the game early on. Despite Beachshow’s efforts to mount a comeback, Zero maintained their lead and secured a solid 12-6 victory. The dominating start gave players in Zero a surge of confidence, knowing they had set a strong tone for the rest of the tournament.
At the conclusion of the group stage games, the top teams from each group were established: Group A was led by Shiok (Shiok), living up to their reputation as one of the tournament's most dominant teams. Freakshore (Freakshow) dominated Group B, with their earlier performances making them a formidable contender. Fu Ah (Fu Fighters) claimed the top spot in Group C, and Blue Lagoon (Chuckies) emerged as the leaders of Group D.
As the day progressed, the excitement continued with crossover games, where the teams began their journey towards the top, ready for more high-stakes action on Day 2. The crossover games proved to be just as intense as the group stages, with each team battling not just their opponents but the shifting sands and unforgiving sun.
Day 2
Day 2 of Beach Nationals 2024 resumed with the crossover games, as teams fought for their place in the quarterfinals. The stakes were higher, and the intensity of the competition reached new heights. Teams were separated into two pools in the quarterfinals, with the strongest competitors eyeing a path to the semifinals and, ultimately, the championship title.
Lagi Shiok (Shiok) was able to dominate in their crossover matches, every player playing with precision and confidence. Their experience allowed them to breeze through the games, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown against Blue Lagoon. In the nail-biting match, both teams traded points, with neither willing to give up ground easily. Lagi Shiok managed to edge out Blue Lagoon with a narrow 9-8 victory, securing their place in the finals. The tense match left players and spectators on edge, with Lagi Shiok proving once again why they were the team to beat.
In another semifinal, Zero (ZD) also put on an impressive display against Freakshore (Freakshow) with a 9-5 win. With both Lagi Shiok and Zero advancing, all eyes were on what promised to be an epic showdown between two of the tournament's most formidable teams.
After two days of fierce competition, Lagi Shiok (Shiok) emerged as the champions, claiming the title with a hard-fought 9-7 victory in the final. Zero (ZD), in their impressive tournament debut, secured the runner-up spot, showcasing their adaptability and grit throughout the weekend. Blue Lagoon (Chuckies) rounded out the top three, earning third place with a series of resilient and determined performances.
Looking ahead…
The impact of Beach Nationals 2024 goes far beyond the podium finishers. Every team that participated played an essential role in shaping the spirit and success of the tournament. Whether seasoned or first-time entrants, each squad had brought its own energy, talent, and sportsmanship, enriching the competition of beach Ultimate. This year’s event has undoubtedly left a lasting impression, ensuring the continued growth of beach Ultimate in Singapore.
The Ultimate Players Association (Singapore) is the body responsible for the governance of flying disc sports in Singapore. These sports include Ultimate, Beach Ultimate and Disc Golf.
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