With action set to happen in the capital of streetball.
On December 5, national champions from across the globe will compete in Manila as they fight for the chance of being hailed the champions of the Red Bull Half Court—which is the world’s fastest 3 on 3 tournament.
The celebration of basketball, art and street culture will happen across two distinct sides of the Philippine capital: the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila and the modern heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.
Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director, noted how basketball is more than a sport in a Manila, as it is part of everyday life in one of, if not the, most basketball-loving cities on the planet.
“Manila is built for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived. Bringing the World Finals here is about connecting the global 3on3 community with a place that truly understands what playground basketball is all about,” he said.
The group phase will be staged at the Fort Santiago in Intramuros, where teams will battle inside the walled district for a place in the following day’s Finals.
And on the said day, the action moves to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where the remaining teams will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions.
Familiar faces from the global basketball scene will also be in Manila, led by streetball icon Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and renowned shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews.
Theybwill join the event alongside Polish Red Bull athlete and world-class dunker Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski, and Filipino dunking star David “Air David” Carlos, a FIBA 3×3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner and one of the Philippines’ leading dunkers.
Grayson Boucher said, “The Philippines is one of my favorite countries to visit because the fans love basketball/streetball culture.”
“I can’t wait to come over for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals to do some park takeovers and see the best 3v3 streetball teams from around the globe. I know the Manila crowd is going to be a vibe and the World Finals out there is gonna be a movie,” “The Professor” added.
Meanwhile, the world-renowned Shooting Coach Chris Matthews, global ambassador for the event, said: “I have been to Manila multiple times and am always impressed by the level of passion for basketball that the athletes have. In particular, there’s a huge appreciation for the art of shooting in Manila.”
“Coming back for Red Bull Half Court is going to be special, you’ve got national champions from around the world coming to compete and represent their countries. I know we’re going to see some great athletes competing at the highest level,” the “Lethal Shooter” furthered.
The sixth Red Bull Half Court season has seen players compete across Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, and Ukraine, with national champions from 13 countries set to compete on the global stage in Manila.
Several teams have already secured their spot at the World Finals. India’s men’s champions, Team 911, booked their ticket following victory in Chandigarh, while Team Sinatra will represent North Macedonia after taking the national title in Skopje. Egypt will be represented by Team Hustlers and Bad Luck.
On home soil, JSKILLS claimed the Philippines men’s title, while Pilipinas Aguilas secured the women’s crown, while more national champions set to join the line-up as qualifiers continue.
Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3 on 3 basketball to players worldwide, with each game is capped at 10 minutes, with the first team to 21 points taking the win.
During pool play, the team accumulating the most scoring points receives the “own the court bonus” to aid in advancing to the next stage, ensuring a fast-paced version of 3on3
basketball.
A further twist comes from two special three-point scoring circles behind the arc, adding an extra risk-reward element to the game.
Since it’s launch in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has taken its World Finals to iconic locations in Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City, and Dubai.
Meanwhile, as part of this year’s World Finals, Red Bull Half Court is inviting local designers, street art enthusiasts, and basketball fans to design the basketball court of their dreams and see it brought to life through Red Bull Half Court Design My Court.
Submission of entries will run from September 28 to October 21, 2026.
