KAOHSIUNG (Chinese Taipei) – Shibuya (JPN) completed a remarkable run from the Qualifying Draw to the top of the podium at the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2026, edging hosts Taipei WanBao (TPE) 21-19 in a thrilling Final to claim their first Challenger title of the season. Kristaps Gluditis delivered the decisive blow with a game-winning two-pointer, while Taipei WanBao and Utrecht (NED) also secured qualification to FIBA 3x3 World Tour Deqing 2026.
The Winner
Shibuya's journey to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. After beating Balige (INA) and Phoenix (USA) in the Qualifying Draw, Shibuya carried their momentum into the Main Draw with a statement 21-15 win over hosts Taipei WanBao. They then survived a three-way tie in Pool D to advance alongside the hosts before taking down Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) 21-13 in the Quarter-Finals.
Their biggest test came against top seed Antwerp (BEL) in the Semi-Finals. Shibuya prevailed 21-19 behind four two-pointers from Gluditis, setting up a Final showdown with Taipei. Gluditis was named tournament MVP after finishing with 34 points, 46.2 total player value, 19 highlights, 13 two-pointers and 13 key assists.
The Runner-up
Taipei WanBao gave their home fans plenty to celebrate as they battled all the way to the Final. After bouncing back from their opening loss to Shibuya by defeating Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 22-11, the hosts survived the Quarter-Finals against Princeton (USA), with Mike Efevberha pouring in 14 points, including six two-pointers.
Efevberha continued his outstanding run with 10 points in the Semi-Final victory over Utrecht, carrying Taipei into the Final. They ultimately fell just short against Shibuya but still earned a ticket to Deqing. Efevberha led all scorers in Kaohsiung with 41 points.
The Final
Shibuya and Taipei WanBao produced a Final worthy of the occasion. The Japanese side built an early advantage and led 15-10 with under four minutes remaining. Taipei refused to go away, however, as Efevberha knocked down a two-pointer to bring the hosts level at 19-19. With the title hanging in the balance, Gluditis stepped up. The Shibuya star buried the game-winning two-pointer to complete the 21-19 victory and send his team to the top of the podium.
The Reward
The Kaohsiung title came with a valuable prize: qualification to FIBA 3x3 World Tour Deqing 2026. Shibuya, Taipei WanBao and Utrecht all secured their places in Deqing. Antwerp finished third but had already pre-qualified for the World Tour stop, leaving Utrecht to claim the last available ticket.
Final Standings
1. Shibuya (JPN) - qualified to WT Deqing 2. Taipei WanBao (TPE) - qualified to WT Deqing 3. Antwerp (BEL) - already pre-qualified to WT Deqing 4. Utrecht (NED) - qualified to WT Deqing 5. Princeton (USA)
Top Scorers
1. Mike Efevberha (Taipei WanBao) - 41 pts 2. Ryo Ozawa (Shibuya) - 34 pts 3. Kristaps Gluditis (Shibuya) - 34 pts 4. Dennis Donkor (Antwerp) - 33 pts 5. Petar Ivanovic (Taipei WanBao) - 31 pts
What's Next
The focus now shifts away from the Challenger circuit, with the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026 taking place in Antwerp, Belgium this week before the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2026 tips off in Wuhan, China next week.
The Challenger action returns on September 18-19 with the Hongcheon Challenger, while the Phoenix Challenger follows on September 19-20. The road then leads to Deqing, China, where the next FIBA 3x3 World Tour stop takes place on September 26-27.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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