The Big West has announced that tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Big West Men’s Water Polo Championship to be held at the Anteater Aquatics Complex on the campus of UC Irvine. 

 

Six teams will meet Nov. 21-23 for the conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Water Polo Championship. For ticket information and to purchase, go to BigWest.org/Tickets. 

 

“Big West men’s water polo is among the best in the nation, and our championship showcases that elite level of play,” Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. “Last year, a No. 5 seed battled its way to the title — proof that anything can happen when the stakes are this high. UC Irvine’s Anteater Aquatics Complex provides the perfect stage for this intense competition, creating a fan experience that is second to none. With an NCAA Tournament berth on the line, every match carries championship implications. Secure your seats now and be part of one of the most exciting and unpredictable championships in collegiate water polo.” 

 

Long Beach State emerged as champions of the 2024 Big West Men’s Water Polo Championship, with the fifth-seeded Beach earning a hard-fought 10-8 win over No. 2 seed UC San Diego at Schaal Aquatics Center on the campus of UC Davis. LBSU earned the league’s automatic qualifier after capturing its third conference title (1970, 1979) and first since men’s water polo was revived as a Big West conference-sponsored sport in 2023. In the National Collegiate Championship, the Beach dropped its battle against No. 3 Fordham, 16-11, led by Second Team All-American Gabi Acosta who also took home 2024 Big West Freshman and Player of the Year. 

 

This season, The Big West has had five of its six institutions ranked in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Poll, over five consecutive weeks, the most of any Division I conference in the nation. The Big West boasts a trio of teams in the Top 10 of the latest rankings with UC San Diego at No. 6, UC Davis at No. 9, and Long Beach State right behind in a tie for the No. 10 spot. UC Santa Barbara sits at No. 12 while UC Irvine rounds out the list of conference representatives at No. 19. Cal State Fullerton is also receiving votes for the first time this season. Heading into conference play, which begins today, The Big West racked up seven “Big Wins” against higher ranked national foes.   

 

Championship action begins on Friday, Nov. 21 when the No. 4 seed takes on the No. 5 seed at Noon followed by the matchup between the No. 3 and No. 6 seeds at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Big West Students/Youth. 

 

Play continues Saturday, Nov. 22 at Noon when the No. 1 seed meets the winner of the No. 4/No. 5 matchup at. Semifinal action closes when the No. 2 seed faces the winner of the No.3/No. 6 match at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Big West Students/Youth. 

 

The 2025 Big West Men’s Water Polo Championship will be decided on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Noon. Tickets for the final are $20 for Adults and $10 for Big West Students/Youth.