The world’s top beach volleyball players are set to visit Cancun, Mexico to compete at three back-to-back 4-star events on April 16 to 20, 22 to 26 and April 28 to May 2.

This new multi-tournament hub will feature total prize money of $900,000 (£645,000/€751,000) shared equally between the three events.

The FIVB is investing significantly in the Cancun Hub tournaments, and working in collaboration with the Mexican Volleyball Federation, the Quintana Roo local Government and the event promoter Movelab.

The FIVB beach volleyball calendar for 2021 is due to feature eight 4-star events, nine 1 and 2-star events, the World Tour Finals and the U19 World Championships.

The 2021 season is already underway with the Katara Cup 2021 in Doha.

Six of the eight 4-star events scheduled will offer Olympic ranking points - the ongoing 4-star event in Doha, three back-to-back events in Cancun, Mexico from April 16 to May 2, one event in Sochi, Russia from May 26 to 30 and one in Ostrava, Czech Republic from June 2 to 6.

The Olympic ranking is due to be officially published on June 14 to determine the 15 highest-ranked teams per gender.

These teams will earn a quota place for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, respecting the maximum of two quota places per National Olympic Committee.

Beach volleyball players will also have one last chance to practise their craft against the world’s best in a non-Olympic qualification 4-star event in Gstaad, Switzerland, scheduled for July 6 to 11.

While the Olympic ranking list will be released on June 14, the last remaining quota places per gender and continent will be up for grabs from June 21 to 27 during the five Continental Cup Finals organised by the Continental Confederations.

The CEV’s Finals are due to take place at The Hague in The Netherlands from June 23 to 26.

Meanwhile, the FIVB is working closely with the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation and the city of Itapema to find a suitable date, possibly in June or July, to stage another 4-star World Tour event.

Following Tokyo 2020, where beach volleyball is set to captivate audiences worldwide, top teams are due to meet once again in Italy for the World Tour Finals from September 8 to 12.

In addition, the U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships have been scheduled for September 14 to 19 in Roi Et, Thailand.

The hosts of the U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships will be decided at a later stage.

FIVB President Dr Ary S Graça said: "We are delighted to announce the beach volleyball calendar for 2021 with several prestigious stops on the road.

"The FIVB has invested a total of $3 million (£2.1 million/€2.5 million) into this year’s events to support the host countries and promoters during these challenging times, set up the first-ever Cancun Hub, and ultimately to ensure our beach volleyball players have a good number of events to play at prior to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020."