The international professional tour was originally known as the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Series, and began in 1989 for men and 1992 for women.

[6] The World Tour was previously accompanied by FIVB Challenger and Satellite events, which served as a developmental circuit for up-and-coming players.

[7] The FIVB handed over the organizing of Challenger and Satellite events to the continental confederations in 2009.

[8] Tournaments in the World Tour were previously categorized as either Grand Slams, Majors or Opens.

The 2018 World Tour had 47 international tournaments with a total prize purse of over US$7 million.