Crowds flocked to Copacabana Beach on Saturday (6th August) for the start of the Olympic beach volleyball competition.

Thousands of fans flocked to Copacabana beach on Saturday (6th August) to experience beach volleyball in its spiritual home.

The iconic beach is heavily linked to the sport - which many consider a lifestyle in Brazil.

Unlike at other Games the Beach Volleyball is one of the headline events in Rio.

Dutch fan Luuk Elkhuizen was among the excited spectators.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Luuk Elkhuizen, Dutchman:
"I think the last couple of years it (beach volleyball) has become more popular also outside Brazil, and yes, it's great to watch beach volleyball at this place where the origin is so, and it’s really good."

As well as spectators Copacabana beach will be one of the busiest areas of Rio as tourists look to soak up the sunshine.