Abu Dhabi Sparks a Thunderous 3x3 Global Showdown: Algeria Joins 14-Team Battle

Event Overview

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with FIBA, is set to stage the Abu Dhabi 3x3 World Tour, a premier street basketball event, on October 25-26, 2025, just inside the south entrance of Marina Mall.

The eagerly anticipated competition will feature top international 3x3 players from around the world, with 14 teams competing, including Amsterdam, Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Basket Bonn from Germany, Sief Bahrain, Al Ain from the UAE, and the Algeria national team.

Teams, Venues, and the Stakes

We are thrilled to welcome the 3x3 World Tour back to Abu Dhabi after the tremendous success of last year's edition. We are confident the event will enhance Abu Dhabi's reputation as a global sports destination by delivering a memorable and exciting experience for players and fans alike, said Aref Hamad Al-Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Ignacio Soriano, head of the 3x3 events for FIBA, voiced great excitement about returning to Abu Dhabi, noting that a decade of hosting the World Tour here reflects the sport's remarkable growth in the country and the opportunities it creates for local players and fans.

The total prize purse for the tour exceeds $200,000, distributed among the winners from first place to seventh, with special prizes for the best early winner and the top shooter of the 3x3 throws, the champion earning about $40,000, runner-up $30,000, and third place $22,000.

Alongside the competition, a vibrant program of entertainment will accompany the event, including live music, community contests, and the famous Slam Dunk showcase, delivering a complete experience that blends sport and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Amsterdam emerged as the tournament champion in Abu Dhabi last year, defeating Miami in the final (21-14), earning the Dutch squad the top prize of $40,000, as 14 teams from 12 countries competed on a specially designed court along Abu Dhabi's Corniche.

The tournament reinforces Abu Dhabi's standing as a host city for major international sports events, underscored by safety measures and world-class infrastructure that enable a secure, high-quality experience for athletes and fans alike.

3x3: Origins, Format, and Community

3x3 basketball is an exciting, urban, creative version of the traditional game, featuring three players per side on a half-court with a single hoop. It is the world’s premier team sport to be widely played in urban settings, developed as an inventive evolution of the full-court game.

Its roots trace back to urban areas in the United States in the late 1980s, when a condensed version of basketball was often played in backyards and parks, eventually evolving into a cultural phenomenon.

Matches can be won in two ways: by scoring the most points within ten minutes, or by reaching 21 points. A shot beyond the arc is worth two points, while a shot inside the arc is worth one point.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council also runs the annual community 3x3 tournament as part of the event’s accompanying activities. The Abu Dhabi Community 3x3 gathers 48 teams, competing in a group phase before knockout rounds, and advancing to the finals.

Last year, the Abu Dhabi stop drew fans from across the region, with 14 teams from 12 countries competing on a purpose-built court along the Corniche. Amsterdam claimed the title after a dramatic final, signaling the city’s basketball prowess and setting high expectations for this edition.

For players, 3x3 is both a sprint and a showcase: fast breaks, bounce passes, and acrobatic finishes that fit into a compact arena. Fans can expect a festival vibe: street food, DJ-curated sets, and the slam-dunk showdown lighting up the arena between baskets.

Abu Dhabi's hospitality shines through every touchpoint, from airport transfers to hospitality suites, ensuring teams feel welcomed and fans feel part of the action.

Punchline 1: In 3x3, the court is half as big but the drama is double—it's basketball on a caffeine buzz.

Punchline 2: If you blink you might miss a dunk, so bring a seat and a snack—it's a fast break, not a fast snack.