ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - We asked Viktor Rebay and Armand Lenoir, our two official photographers at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025, to each pick their five best pictures from the event and to explain why. Here is what they had to say: VIKTOR REBAY
I was waiting for a long time to have the chance to shoot a 3x3 venue with lightnings. The storm made a lot of extra work for the organization, but Ulaanbaatar and the World Cup finally gave me the opportunity to take my frame. I had only a minute or less before the hailstorm hit the area, and I did not know whether I made it or not when I started to run back to a safe place.
Players' exit with vibrant colors, light effects and smoke always give a nice photo opportunity. The entrance of the tunnel can be also interesting, but more difficult to shoot without disturbing the players because of the limited space and low light conditions. In this photo three Ukrainian players are waiting behind the scenes, before being called on court.
Mongolian women's team showed extreme energy during the whole tournament, and they competed like true warriors. Nothing could stop them. Fatigue or pain did not exist during Mongolian games at Sukhbaatar Square. This photo was taken during the last game in the group phase, and showing the moment when Khulan Onolbaatar's dislocated finger was put back. She was on court again at the next game interruption. Finally Mongolia won the game with Khulan's step-back double, in overtime.
The player who can win high stake games with confidence. Worthy de Jong made it many times, including the Olympic final in Paris, and he did it again against Lithuania in the group phase. At 19-19 he blocked a 2 point attempt, and he finished the game immediately with a double from the same spot.
The 3x3 World Cup in Mongolia was the first major 3x3 tournament ever, where official champions' photos have been taken. One of the champions was Noortje Driessen, who was also selected for the MVP of the tournament. It was not easy to create these pictures on the court, while lot of athletes, organizers, volunteers were celebrating around, but finally we managed to put this amazing Mongolian throne to a clear spot, and take the shoots. Hopefully more 3x3 events will follow this initiative. ARMAND LENOIR
This shot captures a suspended moment, just before the plunge into the arena. The athlete, eyes closed, appears to draw from a deep well of inner calm. Light cuts across the scene like a boundary between tension and release. Their face reflects both intense focus and a search for serenity. It is the intimacy of a mental battle, frozen in a breath before the eruption.
The Mongolian people, increasingly present at every game. The players, proud to represent their country; the crowd, proud to be represented by them. The different layers of this image draw us into the atmosphere, a full immersion in joy, unity, and shared emotion that connects every figure captured here.
In the top right, the flag flutters; the crowd showers the players with praise; one gives thanks, another sheds tears of emotion, while another smiles. To me, this image is a complete reflection of what this week of competition has been a powerful, collective moment.
Like wings before taking flight, a fleeting moment of pure chance, where the light aligned perfectly with the player, just before stepping onto the court.
Red light illuminates a calm, almost ghostlike silhouette. Germany has just defeated the USA but there’s no outburst, just a quiet gesture. The moment is humble, restrained, suspended in an inner tension.
The eyes are already elsewhere, focused on the next challenge, on what lies ahead. A composed victory, full of poise, marked by respect and sharp clarity.
One final basket for the Serbian team and Majstorovic at this 3x3 World Cup. A shot that secured them third place in the tournament. An aesthetic choice to highlight only the player’s silhouettes along with his basketball.