SYROS Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival for the 8th year running, with the 2026 edition wrapping up after three days packed with competitive action, June 26-28. The historic Miaouli Square was once again transformed into an open-air, FIBA-certified 3×3 court, bringing together top athletes, professionals and amateurs, as well as thousands of basketball fans from Greece and abroad. Two-time European champion Giorgos Printezis once again took on the role of host, welcoming participants and visitors to the country’s biggest 3×3 event.
For another year, the festival served as a dynamic hub of sport, entertainment and inspiration, offering visitors unforgettable moments and helping to promote the value of sport and participation. Basketball returned to the neighborhoods, to open-air courts and to the hoops of childhood, where the love of the game is born. Side activities and surprises framed the games, enriching the experience for young and old alike and reminding everyone of the magic of playing outdoors, with passion, spontaneity and a smile.
The event shattered every record
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
The iconic Miaouli Square was once again transformed into the heart of Greek 3×3 basketball, hosting the biggest basketball event of the year. With a continuous flow of games across four open-air courts, the Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival set a new participation record, with 730 male and female athletes and 193 teams taking part, numbers that surpass any previous edition of a similar event in Greece. Over the course of three days, 270 games were played across different categories, from youth categories (such as the U11 Vikelas) to adult and Veterans 35+ categories, offering non-stop action for all ages. Every day, more than 2,500 spectators filled the square, while professional and amateur athletes, aged 8 to 48, gave their best, filling Syros with basketball energy. Beyond Greece, participants came from five other countries, the United States, England, Lebanon, Albania, and Cyprus, confirming the festival’s international character.
At the same time, hundreds of children were introduced to the sport in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that promotes amateur sport. This year’s event once again featured the U11 Vikelas category, paying tribute to the Syros-born writer Dimitrios Vikelas, who played a decisive role in the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, bringing young children closer to the values of sport and education through inspiring role models.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
The event was honored by the presence of Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy Vasilis Kikilias, and Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Ioannis Vroutsis.
This year’s event carried special symbolic weight, as it was linked to the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Municipality of Syros-Hermoupolis. Hermoupolis, the ‘Grande Dame of the Cyclades’ and the first port of the newly founded Greek state in the 19th century, celebrated two centuries of history, culture and prosperity, and Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival proudly formed part of this anniversary.
At the heart of the celebration was Miaouli Square, one of the finest neoclassical ensembles in Greece, set against the imposing Hermoupolis Town Hall by architect Ernst Ziller. On this marble backdrop, exuding the grandeur and history of the place, FIBA-standard courts were set up, turning one of the city’s iconic locations into a global basketball destination.
The response to the event’s parallel social and educational activities was also significant, with a total of more than 100 people of all ages taking part. On June 25, the event kicked off with the Jump Ball of Love, a special initiative dedicated to equality, inclusion and the power of sport to unite, through hands-on activities that highlighted basketball as a tool for cooperation and acceptance.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
This was followed by the Basketball Clinic with EuroLeague legend and European champion with Real Madrid Joe Arlauckas and the first Greek woman player to compete in the WNBA, Anastasia Kostaki, where young athletes from the local clubs Aris Syrou and AO Hermoupolis had the chance to train, receive valuable advice and draw inspiration from two figures who have left their own mark on European basketball.
The day’s activities concluded with the presentation of Walking Basketball 60+. This innovative program was developed by COMM’ON in collaboration with the Hellenic Basketball Coaches Association (SEPK), piloted in the Municipality of Keratsini-Drapetsona, and presented to the public in partnership with Stoiximan’s IROES program.
Participants had the opportunity to experience an alternative form of exercise that promotes active aging, safe physical activity and social interaction. More than 20 people took to the court and, as true “60+ IROES,” showed in practice that sport knows no age limits, but is instead a means of wellbeing and participation for everyone.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
Basketball unites, Syros unites
At this year’s Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival, top teams turned up the heat, with rosters featuring some of the biggest names in European and Greek basketball. Among them were: Giorgos Printezis, Dimitris Diamantidis, Theodoros Papaloukas, Ioannis Bourousis, Fragkiskos Alvertis, Kostas Tsartsaris, Ioannis Papapetrou, Nemanja Nedović, Moses Wright, Joe Arlauckas, Ben Bentil, Vlado Jankovic, Vangelis Mantzaris, Nikos Gkikas, Brent Petway, Dimitris Mavroeidis, Breein Tyree, Vassilis Kavvadas, Giorgos Bogris and Ioannis Agravanis.
Women’s participation was strong once again this year with the following athletes taking part: Anastasia Kostaki, Artemis Spanou, Eleanna Christinaki, Elena Bosgana, Ivana Raca, Ioanna Krimili, Ivana Jakubcova, Georgia Veloudou and Chrysa Kilazidou.
Beloved faces in the capital of Cyclades
This year’s Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival in Syros once again welcomed well-known and beloved figures from the world of sport and entertainment, who gave the event a special touch, bringing the crowd energy, positive vibes and genuine love for sport. The VIP 4on4 games were presented by the popular journalist and TV host Maria Bekatorou together with Mike Foundedakis.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
Likewise, the VIP League 3×3 was presented by the charismatic presenter and radio producer Fanis Labropoulos.
The VIP 4on4 games held on Saturday and the VIP 3×3 League on Sunday were live on COSMOTE TV, with the broadcast also airing in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Saturday’s VIP 4on4 broadcast featured the following teams: Stoiximan Dragons, Seneca Fighters, Trident Vibers, Blue Star Sharks, Misko Mavericks, and JBL Jaguars.
Sunday’s VIP 3×3 League broadcast featured: Stoiximan Knights, Trident Vibers, Seneca Ninjas, Adidas Aces, Zagori Sparks, and Zeekr Wizards.
Big wins in the VIP games
In the VIP 4on4 of the Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2026, the champion team was Trident Vibers, made up of Bourousis, Mantzaris, Raca, Kostaki, K. Papaloukas, Chalkia and Papakanellos.
In the VIP 3×3 League, the trophy was lifted by Stoiximan Knights, made up of Arlauckas, Papapetrou, Kavvadas, Tyree, Bosgana and Kilazidou, who prevailed in a thrilling final, 14-13.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
Exciting contests and unique prizes
The event also featured spectacular contests that showcased the talent, precision and creativity of the participants. On Saturday, the Zagori Shoot All Around was won by Anastasia Kostaki with 9 successful shots, while in the adidas 3-Point Contest, Ioanna Krimili stood out with 6 successful shots. In the Snappi Hangman contest, victory went to Babis Kostoulas, in the final against Giannis Agravanis. In the Zeekr Knock Out, Dimitris Mavroeidis prevailed, while in the Kois Long Shoot, the winner was Brent Petway, following an impressive show with the microphone. Finally, in the Stoiximan Shooting Stars, Vangelis Mantzaris stood out with 18 points.
On Sunday, the winner of the COSMOTE TV Slalom & Shoot was Breein Tyree. In the Blue Star Free Throw Contest, the winner was Kostas Tsartsaris with 8 successful free throws in the final, against Joe Arlauckas and Fragkiskos Alvertis, who tied with 5 free throws each in the first round. In the Stoiximan Shooting Stars, Nikos Gkikas stood out with 10 points, while in the SENECA 3 Point Contest, Ben Bentil prevailed with 6 successful shots. In the TRIDENT Skill Challenge, Breein Tyree once again came out on top, with 10 points in 27 seconds. Finally, in the JBL Shoot All Around, the winner was Vassilis Kavvadas with 6 points. Winners received generous prizes from the contests’ sponsor companies.
The biggest funzone in the events history
Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2026 experience wasn’t limited to the games on the court. For the first time, the event presented the richest and most interactive Fun Zone it has ever hosted, offering daily entertainment activities, games, contests, prizes and unique experiences for young and old at the Stoiximan, Seneca, Trident, adidas, JBL, Zeekr, Misko, La Roche Posay and Snappi booths in Miaouli Square.
A special highlight of this year’s Fun Zone was the specially designed booth created in collaboration with adidas, where visitors had the chance, for the first time, to purchase the new official Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival merchandise. Through an exclusive collection of event-branded products, fans were able to get their hands on collectible, limited-edition items designed specifically for this year’s event.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
Spectacular drone show at the grand closing
This year’s Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival closed in the most spectacular way: a mesmerizing drone show lit up the sky above Miaouli Square and the Hermoupolis Town Hall, giving the crowd an unforgettable sight. Dozens of illuminated drones formed symbols of the event and the island in the night sky, in a display that drew enthusiastic applause and sealed the great 3×3 celebration in the most dazzling way.
Stoiximan’s Social Contribution
Stoiximan, a long-standing supporter of Greek sport, continues to invest in initiatives with a meaningful social impact, harnessing the power of sport as a means of giving back and driving positive change in local communities.
As part of this commitment, this year’s initiative focuses on supporting the elderly and the local community of Syros. Specifically, Stoiximan funded the full renovation and modernization of two single rooms at the ‘Agios Panteleimonas’ care home, run by the Hermoupolis Ladies’ Philanthropic Society.
The aim of the project is to upgrade the spaces both aesthetically and functionally, creating a modern, safe, high-quality living environment. With this action, Stoiximan once again strengthens the island’s infrastructure, offering elderly residents the everyday care and dignity they deserve.
Syros hosted the FIBA 3×3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival June 26-28. Photo: Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival
A festival that left a social footprint in Syros
Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2026 was not just a top-tier sporting event, it once again highlighted its important social role for the island of Syros. The event gave a real boost to sports tourism, helping fill local accommodations and giving visitors the chance to discover the beauty and hospitality of Syros through the lens of a modern sporting institution. For the 8th year running, Giorgos Printezis’ vision proved that sport can act as a driver of social contribution, returning once again to the squares and courts of the neighborhood.
The event was held under the auspices and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and the National Committee for Athletic Education and Values ‘Dimitrios Vikelas’, the Cyclades Basketball Federation and the Cyclades Amateur Basketball Referees Association, as well as with the kind support of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
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