Beach volleyball fans could get a sneak preview of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games gold medal matches this weekend, when the top players from the USA and Brazil face off on Copacabana beach. The ‘Best in the World Challenge’ will take place on the same patch of sand that will host the sport next year, and while it is an exhibition match, neither side is likely to take it easy.

“The rivalry between the two countries is very fierce,” said Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Phil Dalhausser, of the USA, on the eve of the match in Rio. “We always meet in the semi-finals and finals of the main international competitions, year after year. It’s very good to be able to play here a short while before the Olympics. Rio will probably be my last Games, given that I’ll be 40 in 2020.”

Between them, the USA and Brazil have won 20 of the 30 Olympic medals up for grabs since beach volleyball entered the Games at Atlanta 1996, with every final featuring at least one duo from these two countries. Brazilians have claimed 11 medals, while the Americans have taken nine. At London 2012, the USA won the women’s gold and silver medals, while Brazil took silver in the men’s tournament and bronze in the women’s.

“It’s always a special atmosphere when Brazil and the United States face each another,” said Brazil’s Larissa Franca, who retired after winning bronze at London 2012 but returned to the courts last year. “Holding this duel in Copacabana, the venue for the Olympic Games, which is the objective of all the athletes who are participating, makes this even more special.”

The tournament will bring together the eight leading duos from both countries for matches between Thursday (26 February) and Sunday (28 February) and entry is free. There will be 12 athletes who have taken part in Olympic Games, including four gold medallists: Americans Kerri Walsh Jennings (who won gold at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and Dalhausser, and Brazilians Ricardo Santos and Emanuel Rego (champions at Athens 2004). Americans Jennifer Kessy and April Ross, who took silver in London, and Brazilians Franca and Juliana Felisberta, who won bronze at the same edition, complete the list of Olympic medallists.

Between them, Emanuel Rego and Jake Gibb have played at seven Olympic Games and won three medals (Rio 2016/Alex Ferro)

“I really like playing in Rio, and Copacabana is an iconic place for our sport,” said Rego, who has taken part in all five Olympic Games in which beach volleyball has featured. “We say it’s the Maracanã of beach volleyball. It hosted the sport’s first competitions in Brazil and it holds a lot of memories and positive vibes, especially for us, as we won the 2007 Pan American Games here. I want to represent my country at the Games one more time.”

Walsh, the most successful beach volleyball player in Olympic history alongside her former teammate Misty May, is preparing to fight for a fourth gold in 2016. “I feel at home in Rio,” said the 36-year-old. “The last time I came was 10 years ago, and whenever I arrive here I take a deep breath of excitement. It’s amazing to see Copacabana Beach covered by beach volleyball nets and everybody people playing. My biggest dream is to compete in the Olympic Games for a fifth time and win another gold medal. Playing against the Brazilians is always very good, because they demand a lot from us and make us grow. They’re truly inspirational.”