Growing up in his hometown Kristiansund, Even Stray Aas thought that he would become a professional footballer until a trip to Hamburg for the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships changed everything. It was his first time watching a major international beach volleyball competition and the 2019 edition left a lasting impression.
Aas entered Hamburg as an aspiring footballer but left convinced that his sporting future lay in volleyball and not football; a decision he certainly doesn’t regret if his progress over the last seven years is anything to go by. Now 20, Aas hasn’t strayed away from the volleyball path, quietly establishing himself as one of the most promising beach volleyball talents in the world.
Although he is yet to feature in the competition that made him fall in love with the sport, Aas has already played in the Under 21 World Championship where he reached the quarterfinals in last year’s edition held in Puebla, Mexico. Additionally, the 196cm Aas has left a mark in the Beach Pro Tour having medaled four times over the last three seasons.
“Looking back at the 2025 season, I think the biggest lesson I learned competing at the highest level was how insanely sharp you must be in every part of the game. You can’t miss a single opportunity you get. Since we have now won some World Tour medals and established a solid level, we can take the next steps,” Aas told FIVB.com.
Norway’s Even Stray Aas (right) at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico.
Two podium finishes in the 2025 season, gold at the Budapest Futures and silver in the Madrid Futures, have served as morale boosters for Aas as he gears up for the new season.
“Last season I was unsure about how my level is compared to the best of the best. When I see that the level is there, this just boosts the confidence to keep going and develop my game. The main big difference is my physique now compared to last season,” explained Aas.
“Physical preparation is key to everything. After a really tough season mentally and emotionally, this only benefits in the long run. Without physicality, you can’t compete at the highest level. And also, the last thing I want to happen is to get an injury,” he added matter-of-factly.
Norway’s Even Stray Aas in action at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico.
Aas will team up with Nils Ringøen for the 2026 season which starts with the Challenge event scheduled for 4 to 8 March in Bhubaneswar, India. The Main Draw of the Bhubaneswar Challenge has attracted 24 pairs with Ringøen & Aas seeded 13th.
Playing at such a level presents endless opportunities for the youthful pair to learn from the best, adapt to the demands of high-level competitions and gauge themselves against formidable opponents.
“I love the sport even more because I used to watch these crazy players when I was younger, and now I play against them. The one thing that comes to my mind, is how extremely stable the top teams are,” began Aas.
“I study a lot of the teams that play a lot on the second ball or jump sets. I love this kind of playing style. What I study is how they prepare for reception and how they prepare for an approach or jump set,” he pointed out.
Norway’s Even Stray Aas (right) in action at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico.
“I take notes from my games and watch a lot of other games. I‘ve changed my game in a way that I now see the strong and weak sides of my game. I took this with me into the off season and have been working hard on it. I’m focusing a lot on when to do what. I want to be unpredictable and make sure I have the right solution at the right time,” revealed Aas.
Whether the 2026 season will prove to be his breakthrough remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, Aas is one for the future—a Norwegian gem trusting the process.
“I really want to achieve my dreams and when I see players at my age doing well, it is hard to stay patient and wait for my breakthrough. This is maybe the hardest part for me, but I have the best coaches around me that help me a lot. What’s important for me is to give 110% at every practice or weight session,” underlined the 2024 U22 European Championship silver medalist.
For his fans: “When fans watch me in 2026, I hope they will notice that I love them, always want to say hi, take a selfie or sign an autograph. Despite a win or loss, I always want to be there with a smile and stay positive!”
Watch Aas & Ringøen compete on the Beach Pro Tour Challenge event in Bhubaneswar, India from March 4 to 8, 2026.
