COPENHAGEN (Denmark) - The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2025 was perhaps the craziest event in tournament history, as the continent's best teams fought for the crown on September 5-7. Let's look back on the 10th edition of the continental championship, which had Denmark's pristine capital of Copenhagen rocking.
Lethal Lithuania create history
Lithuania (men's) had sported such a proud history at the event having medalled five times in the previous nine editions and they had made the final four five times in a row. But the hoops power had never been crowned Europe's best until now after they swept all before them in Copenhagen.
Their title-winning run did not start well after an opening loss to defending champ Austria before clicking into gear in the quarters with a tight victory over power France. Lithuania then overcame surprise package Italy in the semis before overcoming Baltic neighbor Latvia in a tense final.
Ignas Vaitkus overshadowed his superstar teammates to win a deserved MVP after coming up clutch at the business end and enjoying a stellar all-round tournament. After so many years of narrowly coming up short, Lithuania finally were at the top of the podium and lauded as Europe's very best for the first time in their proud history.
Netherlands' amazing 2025 continues
As they entered the last stretch of a remarkable season, the Netherlands (women) eyed a back-to-back finish at the Europe Cup and Shanghai Final.
And they've completed their first task after reclaiming the Europe Cup title that they first won in 2023. After a tough 15-11 opening victory over Lithuania, the Dutchwomen were never seriously threatened in a truly dominant campaign that was highlighted by a 21-10 thrashing of former champs France in the semis.
MVP Noortje Driessen was unstoppable against Azerbaijan in the final, compiling a game-high 11 points to stamp herself as the best player in the women's game. It completed a stunning tournament for the now two-time tournament MVP, with Driessen finishing No.1 in points (49) and player value (67.7) in one of the most dominant individual performances seen at the Europe Cup.
Netherlands joined France (2022) as the only women's team to complete the World Cup-Europe Cup double. If they go all the way in Shanghai then the Women in Orange would have completed the greatest season we've ever seen.
Legendary Miezis and Ygueravide claim medals
While this tournament had plenty of surprises and new medalists, two of the all-time greats in 3x3 wound back the clock to lead their powerhouse countries onto the podiums. By the end of the three-day event, superstars Nauris Miezis and Sandra Ygueravide had medals around their necks to add to their legacies.
It had been eight years since Latvia emerged on the 3x3 map with victory at the Europe Cup 2017, kick-starting a memorable journey highlighted by winning the first men's Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
Miezis was a key part of those triumphs and again proved to be the heart of Latvia's deep run as the Baltic power reached the podium for the fifth time. The man known as 'Robin' put the cape on to finish as the second leading scorer and win a spot on the Team of the Tournament.
There was also no slowing 40-year-old Ygueravide, who continues to school younger opponents. She inspired a determined Spain all the way to the semis where they were halted by an impressive Azerbaijan led by Arica Carter, who along with Ygueravide won a spot on the Team of the Tournament.
Spain were unable to successfully defend their title, but Ygueravide gave it her all to ensure they did not go home empty-handed. They remain one of the teams to beat at the Shanghai Final as Spain look to end another stellar season in fine fashion.
Italy rock the continent
Hands up if you saw this coming? Put those hands down because no one saw ninth seed Italy go on a giant-killing run to win their first Europe Cup medal in either gender. Their men's team had not qualified for the tournament since 2016, but made up for lost time with an OT pool victory over Switzerland enough to get into Day Two.
Italy weren't content with just making up the numbers as they shocked powerhouse Netherlands in the quarters on the back of a heater from Raphael Gaspardo.
They were finally halted by Lithuania, but their fairy-tale run continued after edging young guns Germany to win bronze and complete one of the most unbelievable underdog campaigns on the half-court.
Gaspardo was unconscious all tournament, finishing No.1 in points and ensuring Italy enjoyed their greatest moment in men's 3x3.
Stunned Serbia slump to early exit
In what was a major stunner, No.1 seed and red-hot favorite Serbia were knocked out in the quarters by Latvia - their worst result since losing at the same stage in 2014. It was a major shock considering Serbia doubled as Ub, who have been literally unbeatable in recent times on the pro circuit.
But they were completely cold against Latvia in the quarters, shooting just 1 of 17 from deep, and Serbia could not stop old rival Nauris Miezis who controlled the half-court to his magical beat.
Serbia's grip on the tournament has now loosened after a period of remarkable dominance where they won five straight titles before losing a thriller to host Austria in last year's final. It's been an unusually tough period for Serbia over the past couple of years, falling short at the big events bar winning the Champions Cup.
But you just know it will fuel their stars to take revenge on the World Tour.
Welcome, Copenhagen
Copenhagen is arguably one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It should be more widely known now as its stunning scenery complemented by passionate fans made Denmark's capital an amazing 3x3 destination.
And Copenhagen delivered an incredible first ever Europe Cup as host, with the beautiful Ofelia Plads on the harbourfront instantly becoming a postcard 3x3 image.
We can't wait to return to this new 3x3 destination!
FIBA