Ioannis Hatzitheodorou: 34 Editions, One Legacy That Lives On in Vouliagmeni

From the early 1990s and the international triumphs of Partizan Belgrade and Savona to a new generation of Greek water polo players. As the 34th Ioannis Hatzitheodorou Tournament begins on 23 October 2026, YARE explores the history, champions and enduring legacy of one of Greece's longest-running youth water polo events.

More than a tournament

Friday, 23 October 2026. At the Laimos swimming pool in Vouliagmeni, another generation of young water polo players prepares to become part of a story spanning more than three decades.

The 34th Ioannis Hatzitheodorou Youth Water Polo Tournament begins today and continues until Sunday, 25 October.

For the athletes, it is an opportunity to compete, develop and gain experience. For Vouliagmeni Nautical Club, it is the continuation of a tradition deeply connected to the club's history.

The tournament was established in memory of Ioannis Hatzitheodorou, a young athlete of the club who passed away prematurely.

Over the years, that tribute became an established event in Greek youth water polo.

A legacy rooted in remembrance

The history of the competition stretches back to the early 1990s, as indicated by its successive editions.

The 25th tournament took place in 2016 and the 29th in 2021, following the suspension of the 2020 event due to the pandemic.

Throughout those years, new generations of athletes, coaches and clubs have participated.

One tradition has remained particularly meaningful: the continued connection between the tournament and the family of the athlete it honours.

His sister, Eleni Hatzitheodorou, has participated in commemorative presentations during previous editions, including 2016, 2022 and 2025.

It is a connection that gives the tournament an identity beyond competition.

When international teams came to Laimos

The Ioannis Hatzitheodorou Tournament has also developed an important international history.

Partizan Belgrade became one of its most recognisable visiting clubs, winning consecutive titles in 2014 and 2015.

In 2014, Partizan defeated Vouliagmeni 13–10 in the final. The following year, the Serbian side retained the trophy with a 12–11 penalty-shootout victory over the hosts.

In 2016, Italian club Savona captured the 25th edition, defeating Vouliagmeni 8–7 in the final.

That tournament also featured Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, which finished fourth among ten participating teams.

Ethnikos Piraeus claimed the title in 2017, ahead of Partizan and Vouliagmeni.

In 2022, Partizan returned to the final but lost 15–11 to PAOK. Italian club ASD Verona was also among the participants.

These tournaments provided opportunities for young Greek athletes to compete against different European water polo styles in their home country.

The historical champions

Available contemporary reports and club archives establish the following winners from 2011 onward.

This is a documented historical selection rather than a complete list of champions from the tournament's inaugural edition.

The changing generations of champions

The tournament's recent history reflects the diversity of its winners.

Panionios claimed the title in 2011, followed by Palaio Faliro in 2013.

Partizan's consecutive victories in 2014 and 2015 highlighted the tournament's international character, followed by Savona's Italian success in 2016.

Ethnikos Piraeus won in 2017, Panathinaikos in 2018 and PAOK in 2019.

After the pandemic interruption, NO Chania returned the competition to action by winning the 2021 edition.

PAOK followed in 2022, while hosts Vouliagmeni won the 2023 title in a dramatic penalty shootout against Partizan.

Chania captured the 2024 trophy before Panathinaikos became champions in 2025.

The list illustrates how the tournament has brought together clubs from different regions and countries over successive generations.

Individual recognition beyond the scoreboard

The tournament's history also includes individual awards.

In 2016, Vouliagmeni's Michalis Tsatalios was named MVP, with teammate Manos Andreadis receiving the best goalkeeper award.

In 2022, PAOK's Angelos Leonidakis claimed the MVP distinction, while Dimitris Berdes of Palaio Faliro was recognised as best goalkeeper.

In 2025, despite Panathinaikos winning the tournament, NO Chania's Panagiotis Korakas was selected as MVP and Panionios goalkeeper Giorgos Moustakis received the goalkeeping distinction.

These awards demonstrate that individual recognition can extend beyond the tournament's winning team.

The 34th edition begins today

The 2026 tournament runs from Friday, 23 October, to Sunday, 25 October, at Vouliagmeni Nautical Club.

Eight U16 teams are participating:

Vouliagmeni NC, NO Chania, ANO Glyfada, PAOK, Panionios, NO Patras, NO Chios and Panathinaikos.

The opening day's programme includes NO Chania against Panathinaikos at 17:30, bringing together two clubs that met in the finals of both the 2021 and 2024 editions.

The event once again provides a competitive environment for young athletes and an opportunity for coaches to assess their teams ahead of future competitions.

The tournament has also supported the development of officials, including opportunities for younger referees and table officials to gain practical experience.

The next chapter belongs to the next generation

Thirty-four editions represent far more than thirty-four sporting competitions.

They represent decades of young athletes travelling to Vouliagmeni, experiencing important matches and contributing to a tradition that began before many of them were born.

Some will leave as champions. Others will remember an outstanding performance, a missed opportunity or the experience of representing their club.

But they will all have participated in a tournament whose significance extends beyond the result.

The Ioannis Hatzitheodorou Tournament has become a living part of Greek youth water polo history.

As the 34th edition begins, its next champions are still unknown.

The history has already been written. The next chapter belongs to the young players entering the water today.

YARE WATER POLO

WHERE WATER POLO LIVES. EVERY DAY.