BIRMINGHAM (United States) – Miami (USA) saved their best for last to capture the inaugural FIBA 3×3 FISE Birmingham Challenger 2026, defeating Élancourt (FRA) 21-15 in the Final to claim their first Challenger title of the season. The victory also saw Miami punch their ticket to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026, alongside runner-up Élancourt and third-place Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU).
The result capped a memorable first edition of the FISE Birmingham Challenger, part of the Festival International des Sports Extrêmes (FISE) 2026, with Miami overcoming a deep field and a number of the season’s highest-ranked teams to emerge on top.
The Winner
Miami delivered when it mattered most, navigating an unbeaten run through the Main Draw before taking down Toronto (CAN), Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU) and Élancourt on Day 2.
The Americans opened with a 19-16 victory over Élancourt before following it up with a 20-16 win against Shinjuku SS (JPN) to sweep Pool A. James Parrott then took over in the Quarter-Finals, erupting for 14 points as Miami eliminated Toronto 21-14.
Parrott continued to deliver in the Semi-Finals, scoring seven points as Miami defeated Marijampole MANTINGA 21-15 to reach the Final.
Parrott was the driving force behind Miami’s title run and was rewarded with the MVP award after producing the tournament’s best overall statistical profile.
He finished with 41 total points, nine 2-pointers made, 12 key assists, 10 drives, five dunks and five blocks. Parrott also led the tournament in total player value (60.4) and highlights (32), while recording one triple-five performance.
His 14-point explosion in Miami’s Quarter-Final victory over Toronto proved particularly decisive, before he added another seven points in the Semi-Final to help send Miami through to the titular contest.
The Runner-up
Élancourt produced one of the tournament’s biggest runs, fighting through Pool A before eliminating Princeton (USA) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans to reach the Final.
After falling to Miami in their opening game, Élancourt bounced back with a dramatic 22-21 overtime victory over Shinjuku SS, with Gauthier Denis hitting the game-winning 2-pointer.
They then stunned Princeton 21-13 in the Quarter-Finals before edging Raudondvaris 21-19 in a thrilling Semi-Finals matchup. Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson led the French charge with 29 points across the tournament as Élancourt secured their place at the World Tour Debrecen.
The Final
Miami and Élancourt met again in the championship game, but this time Miami controlled the contest.
Miami raced into a 6-3 lead before Élancourt fought back to make it 12-11 midway through the game. Miami responded with another decisive push, with Henry Caruso knocking down a 2-pointer to stretch the lead to 18-13 with less than three minutes remaining.
Élancourt could not produce another comeback as Miami closed out the 21-15 victory to become the first-ever FISE Birmingham Challenger champions.
The Reward
Miami, Élancourt and Raudondvaris Hoptrans all earned qualification to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026, rewarding their runs in Birmingham with a place on one of the 3×3 basketball’s most iconic stages.
For Miami, the qualification comes with their first Challenger title of the 2026 season, while Élancourt’s second-place finish marks their best result on the Pro Circuit this year. Raudondvaris completed the qualification trio after reaching the Semi-Finals and finishing third.
Final Standings:
1. Miami (USA) – qualified to WT Debrecen
2. Élancourt (FRA) – qualified to WT Debrecen
3. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) – qualified to WT Debrecen
4. Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU)
5. Princeton (USA)
Top Scorers:
1. James Parrott (Miami) – 41 pts
2. Tautvydas Kliučinykas (Marijampole MANTINGA) – 33 pts
3. Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson (Élancourt) – 29 pts
4. Riley Battin (Miami) – 27 pts
5. Bastien Pinault (Élancourt) – 27 pts
What’s Next
The Challenger circuit continues next weekend with the FIBA 3×3 Singapore Challenger 2026, set for August 15-16, as teams continue to battle for their place on the World Tour.
Meanwhile, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour returns to action at WT Lausanne on August 14-15, with the world’s best 3×3 basketball teams back on the WT stage as the 2026 season opens its second half.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 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 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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