Venezuela Crowned Undefeated Champion

of the Men’s Pan American Cup

LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 31, 2025.– Venezuela was crowned undefeated champion of the 18th Senior Men’s Pan American Volleyball Cup after defeating Mexico 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19) in the gold medal match that closed the event at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

This title marks Venezuela’s first-ever gold medal in the history of the Pan American Cup, adding to the bronze medal they earned in 2015.

Host nation Mexico claimed the silver medal, the second in its history, bringing their overall tally to four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze.

Venezuela finished undefeated with six victories, 15 sets won and only three lost. Mexico closed the tournament with a record of four wins and two losses, placing second.

Venezuela prevailed in attack (50-42) and blocking (10-8), while Mexico outperformed in service points (5-2). In errors, the Venezuelan side committed one fewer than the hosts (32-33).

Team captain Willner Rivas stood out as the top scorer of the match with 20 points. He was supported offensively by Emerson Rodríguez with 16, Jean Herrera with 12, and Eduardo Vásquez with 10. For Mexico, Axel Téllez led with 12 points, including a match-high 4 aces, followed by Yasutaka Sanay with 11 and Mauro Fuentes with 10.

Venezuela’s head coach, Argentine Rubén Wolochin, praised his team’s effort after the historic victory: “We are very happy. I think we played very well and it is the result of four months of training and hard work. I congratulate the boys, they deserve it. We are the only undefeated team in the tournament. Before coming we had the feeling that things could go this way, but we had to prove it on the court, and after five years without competing it is a huge accomplishment. I am very proud of them.”