Red Bull Half Court is heading to the Philippines for its 2026 World Finals, taking the world’s fastest 3on3 tournament to one of the most basketball-loving cities on the planet. On December 5, national champions from across the globe will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions, in a celebration of basketball, art and street culture.
In Manila, basketball is more than a sport: it
is part of everyday life. The 2026 World Finals will tap into that energy
across two distinct sides of the city: the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros
and the modern heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
As part of this year’s World Finals, Red Bull Half Court is inviting local designers, street art enthusiasts, and basketball fans to design the basketball court of their dreams and see it brought to life through Red Bull Half Court Design My Court. Submission of entries is from September 28 – October 21.
Here’s all you need
to know:
For the first time, Red Bull Half Court brings
its World Finals to the Philippines. Across neighborhoods and local courts,
basketball is part of everyday life in the Philippines, making Manila a natural
home for the tournament.
Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director, said: “Manila is built
for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived.
Bringing the World Finals here is about connecting the global 3on3 community
with a place that truly understands what playground basketball is all about.”
The World Finals will unfold across two very
different sides of Manila.
The group phase will be staged at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, one of Manila’s most recognizable historical landmarks. Set within
the city’s iconic walled district, teams will battle for a place in the
following day’s Finals.
For Finals day, the tournament moves to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where the remaining teams will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half
Court champions in one of Manila’s most dynamic urban districts.
Familiar faces from the global basketball
scene will also be in Manila. Streetball icon Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and
renowned shooting coach Chris
“Lethal Shooter” Matthews will join the event alongside
Polish Red Bull athlete and world-class dunker Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski, and
Filipino dunking star David “Air
David” Carlos, a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner
and one of the Philippines’ leading dunkers.
Grayson “The
Professor” Boucher said: “The Philippines is one of my
favorite countries to visit because the fans love basketball/streetball
culture. I can’t wait to come over for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals to
do some park takeovers and see the best 3v3 streetball teams from around the
globe. I know the Manila crowd is going to be a vibe and the World Finals out
there is gonna be a movie.”
World-Renowned Shooting Coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, global ambassador for the event, said: “I have been to Manila
multiple times and am always impressed by the level of passion for basketball
that the athletes have. In particular, there’s a huge appreciation for the art
of shooting in Manila. Coming back for Red Bull Half Court is going to be
special, you’ve got national champions from around the world coming to compete
and represent their countries. I know we’re going to see some great athletes
competing at the highest level.”
The sixth Red Bull Half Court season has seen
players compete across Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines,
South Africa, Sweden, and Ukraine, with national champions from 13 countries
set to compete on the global stage in Manila.
Several teams have already secured their spot
at the World Finals. India’s men’s champions, Team 911, booked their ticket
following victory in Chandigarh, while Team Sinatra will represent North
Macedonia after taking the national title in Skopje. On home soil, JSKILLS
claimed the Philippines men’s title, while Pilipinas Aguilas secured the
women’s crown. Egypt will be represented by Team Hustlers and Bad Luck, with
more national champions set to join the line-up as qualifiers continue.
Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version
of 3on3 basketball to players worldwide. Games are capped at 10 minutes, with
the first team to 21 points taking the win. During pool play, the team
accumulating the most scoring points receives the “own the court bonus” to aid
in advancing to the next stage, ensuring a fast-paced version of 3on3
basketball. A further twist comes from two
special three-point scoring circles behind the arc, adding an extra risk-reward
element to the game.
Since launching in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has taken its World Finals to iconic locations in Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City and Dubai. In 2026, the tournament’s next chapter will be written in Manila.
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#RedBullHalfCourt @RedBullPH and @RedBullHalfCourt
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