CHENGDU (China) - Chengdu is widely known as the home of the panda, but the beautiful Chinese city also boasts acclaim as an iconic site on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
The upcoming Chengdu Masters marks the 10-year anniversary of 3x3 descending there, so let's walk down memory lane and look at the best moments in tournament history.
3x3 arrives at the Chengdu Challenger 2016
On June 18-19, 2016, 3x3 arrived in an exciting new locale that would quickly become a fan favorite destination. Its viability as host was tested at the Chengdu Challenger, which saw some of the very best teams competing in the history-making event.
Gdansk (POL) overcame Ognezaschita St Pet (RUS) in the final to walk off with the very first title in Chengdu.
Piran create history at the World Tour 2017
After the success of the Challenger, it became evident that Chengdu would make the next step and host a coveted stop on the World Tour. Chengdu became just one of eight stops on the 2017 World Tour and the event made an immediate splash.
Piran (SLO), an OG Slovenian team, broke a three-year World Tour drought after a thrilling 19-18 victory in the final over Zemun Master (SRB). MVP Simon Finzgar aka 'The Sphinx' proved clutch in a classic game that set the tone for the tournament.
David Carlos defeats Lipek in epic dunk contest
The Chengdu Masters in 2017 was also known for the world being introduced to David Carlos. Before he became widely known as 'Air David', the Filipino high-flyer entered this event as a World Tour rookie.
He had the tough task against Polish champ Rafal 'Lipek' Lipinski in a battle for aerial supremacy. They went toe-to-toe, but it was the diminutive Carlos who left jaws dropped as he put on a masterclass, including a reverse slam over a volunteer that was being piggybacked.
FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2017
There was such demand for 3x3 in Chengdu that it was time for a marquee international event to be held there. The best young talent descended on Chengdu for the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, where Belgium (men) and USA (women) claimed gold.
It was a stellar first international event that had the magnificent New Century Global Center, the world's largest building by floor area, as the backdrop.
Liman beats rival Riga for the 2018 title
Liman and Riga - two of the GOATs - had an epic rivalry that will never be forgotten and they met once more in the decider at the Chengdu Masters 2018.
Some of the greatest ever players shared the half-court for the decider. Stefan Stojacic aka 'Mr Robot'. Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis aka Batman and Robin. The names go on and on. It was 'Mr Robot' who shone brightest with a game-high 8 points en route to an MVP as Liman recorded a convincing 21-12 victory.
Novi Sad's heroics in 2019
Before Ub made a compelling case, Novi Sad were the OGs. The first GOAT World Tour team. They were at their best at the Chengdu 2019 after clinching the title by beating Riga comfortably in the final.
There is a link between Ub and Novi Sad in the form of legendary Dejan Majstorovic, who played for both teams. He was never hotter than at this event, arguably his peak, where the 'Maestro' claimed the MVP after a game-high 8 points to sink rival Riga.
First-ever Women's Series event in 2019
The first-ever FIBA 3x3 competition dedicated to women started at Chengdu 2019 in a history-making event. Australia became the first champions of the Women's Series after beating Japan 21-15 in the final.
The unforgettable event also featured powers USA, Netherlands, France and China in what was a stepping stone for the women's game that has since gone from strength to strength.
World Tour's return 2023; Liman's Chinese star steals the show
After 3x3 was absent in China for a few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a triumphant return in 2023 and the Chengdu Masters was back with a bang.
Liman's love affair with Chengdu continued after they beat Vienna in an epic final that was iced by superstar Stefan Kojic hitting the Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater. But it was dynamic Chinese star Ning Zhang, who stole the show with a rim-rattling performance that had his compatriots jumping from their seats.
Smoove vs Staples dunk battle for the ages
There is something about Chengdu dunk contests. it brings the best out of those dunking daredevils and this one in 2023 between two slammer jammers was epic. Legendary Dmitry 'Smoove' Krivenko and Chris Staples put on a show for the ages in a dunk off that will never be forgotten.
It was 'Smoove' who prevailed after earning perfect 10s with dunks that were oh so pretty.
Ub claim 2024 title
Chengdu 2024 will be remembered for 'Mr Robot' winding back the clock as Stojacic racked up another MVP to lead his new team Ub to the title with victory over a three-man Lausanne in the final.
Majstorovic also demonstrated why Chengdu is a personal favorite hunting ground after adding another Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater to his collection with an epic two-pointer to call game against Princeton in the semis.
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