ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) – The FIBA 3x3 World Tour's return to Mongolia had everything we love about this game. That's electrifying crowds, dramatic finishes and a little bit of history.
From Liman's growing dominance to the resurgence of Stefan Milivojevic and the continued rise of Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), here is what we learned from an unforgettable weekend at the Sukhbaatar Square.
Team to beat
A few weeks ago, there was a debate over who had emerged as the early pace-setter of the 2026 season. That conversation might be over now.
Liman (SRB) became the first team to win two FIBA 3x3 World Tour stops this year after adding the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Ulaanbaatar 2026 title to their triumph at the Utsunomiya Opener.
The Serbians didn't have it easy, though. They lost to Toulouse (FRA) on Day 1 and had to settle for second place in Pool B. Of course, the strongest teams find ways to respond, and Liman did exactly that.
They knocked off Shanghai (CHN) in the Quarter-Finals, ended DeQing's unbeaten run in the Semi-Finals and then survived a classic Final against the hosts to once again stand atop the podium. Liman also won WT Ulaanbaatar 2025, so this victory made it back-to-back titles in Mongolia's capital for ther Serbian side. As such, the chasing pack has officially been put on notice.
Marvelous Milivojevic
Sometimes a player simply needs one weekend to remind everyone how special he is. Stefan Milivojevic was sensational in Ulaanbaatar and deservedly took home MVP honors.
He finished second overall in points and player value while leading the tournament in highlights and drives. More importantly, he repeatedly delivered in the biggest moments, including the two game-winning putbacks in overtime of the Final.
The title also carried extra significance. This was Milivojevic's first FIBA 3x3 World Tour triumph since 2023, when he won with Partizan. After a long wait, one of the game's most dynamic playmakers is finally back on top. And judging by his form in Mongolia, he may just be getting started.
Legitimate contenders
The home team didn't get the fairytale ending, but they won something just as valuable -- belief. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy produced one of the runs of the season by reaching the Final in front of their adoring supporters.
They stunned top seed Ub (SRB) in the Quarter-Finals courtesy of an incredible alley-oop winner from Nauris Miezis to Delgernyam Davaasambuu, then overwhelmed Toulouse to book a place in the Final. Only an overtime defeat to Liman and a few breaks in the game prevented them from winning their first FIBA 3x3 World Tour stop of the year.
With Miezis orchestrating the offense and a talented supporting cast around him, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy have proven they can compete with anyone this season.
Chinese teams continue rising
Shanghai and DeQing both left Mongolia with plenty of reasons for optimism. DeQing topped Pool A, including an impressive victory over top seed Ub, before falling to Liman in the Semi-Finals.
Shanghai, meanwhile, swept Pool D behind the leadership of FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 MVP Karlis Lasmanis and once again demonstrated that they have the talent to challenge for titles.
Neither team managed to reach the Final, but both are getting closer. The rest of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour should take notice.
A special place
Few places embrace 3x3 basketball quite like Mongolia. The week-long festival featuring the FIBA 3x3 Sukhbaatar Challenger, Women's Series Ulaanbaatar and World Tour Ulaanbaatar once again showcased Mongolia's passion for the game.
The crowds packed Sukhbaatar Square throughout the week and reached another level whenever Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy took the court.
Winning a FIBA 3x3 World Tour stop on home soil remains elusive for the hosts. However, they did remind everyone why Mongolia has become one of the beating hearts of the global 3x3 basketball movement.
FIBA