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The 2025 IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, marked a historic milestone for wheelchair basketball, the debut of an official world-level 3x3 event for both men and women. Over three days of competition, the tournament featured exciting matchups, strong performances, and moments that marked a significant step forward for the sport.
Double Gold for Canada
Canada made history in Sun City, sweeping the titles in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The Canadian women were first to top the podium with a thrilling 17–12 win over Spain in the gold medal match, becoming the first-ever IWBF 3x3 Women’s World Champions.
The momentum carried through to the men’s final, where Canada clinched a gritty 14–9 victory, once again over Spain, to secure their place as the inaugural men’s world champions and complete a golden double.
Bronze Medal Battles Deliver
Poland bounced back from their semi-final defeat to Spain in commanding fashion, securing the men’s bronze medal with a 21–8 win over Austria.
On the women’s side, Australia claimed their nation’s first-ever 3x3 world medal in a tightly contested 12–10 win against Great Britain.
A Milestone for the Sport
Beyond the podium finishes, the 2025 IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships represented a major advancement for the development of 3x3 wheelchair basketball. As the first global tournament of its kind, it demonstrated the unique energy and accessibility of 3x3, opening doors for countries that have traditionally had fewer opportunities to compete at the world level.
Nations such as Switzerland, Portugal, Kenya, Malaysia, UAE, Slovenia, and Croatia all made their mark in Sun City, reflecting the growing diversity and inclusivity of the game.
IWBF President Ulf Mehrens reflected on the significance of the event:
“This event marks a transformative moment for 3x3 wheelchair basketball, a bold step forward in our mission to grow the game and create new pathways for nations across the globe. By launching this new format on the world stage, we are not only expanding opportunities to compete, but also connecting with new audiences and communities through the power of sport. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this historic championship possible, especially Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, whose dedication and hospitality set the stage for an unforgettable and inspiring first edition.”
Held at the iconic Sun City Resort, the Championships combined world-class sport with cultural exchange, setting a high standard for future editions. The overwhelmingly positive response from athletes, officials, fans, and federations alike affirmed that the 3x3 format has a vibrant future within the IWBF landscape.
As the dust settles on this historic debut, the journey towards the next IWBF 3x3 World Championships is already taking shape, with more nations, more opportunities, and more electrifying moments still to come.
