BuzelisCup’26 once again turned Vilnius into a gathering place for the international youth basketball community, bringing together young athletes, coaches and families from around the world for three days of competition and celebration.

Held from June 5 to 7, the event marked the third consecutive year that the Lithuanian capital hosted the tournament. What began in 2024 with only eight teams has rapidly evolved into one of the region’s most notable youth basketball events, attracting 52 teams from more than 12 countries across Europe and beyond.

Tournament Reaches New Heights

Named after Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, the tournament has steadily expanded in both size and international reach. The event has grown beyond its role as a competitive basketball tournament and now serves as a platform for cultural exchange, education and community building.

Participants competed in group-stage matches, playoff contests and championship games across several venues in Vilnius. The busy schedule provided young players with an opportunity to test their skills against international opposition while gaining valuable experience in a high-level environment.

Buzelis emphasized the significance of bringing young athletes together through basketball and highlighted the unique atmosphere that has developed around the tournament.

“It’s incredible to see BuzelisCup continue to grow and welcome teams from across Europe and beyond to Vilnius. Lithuania has a deep passion for basketball, and Vilnius provides an amazing stage for young players to compete, learn, and create unforgettable memories,” Buzelis said.

He added that the tournament’s value extends beyond the games themselves, noting that players, coaches and families are able to build connections through their shared passion for basketball.

Stars Inspire Young Players

One of the major highlights of the event was the BuzelisCup’26 Conference held on June 5. The gathering gave participants a chance to hear directly from some of the most recognizable figures in basketball and sports development.

Among those who attended were Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas. They were joined by Head of Basketball at Reebok Jide Osifeso, coach David Fauthoux, Betterguards CEO Tony Verutti and several other sports professionals.

The conference provided valuable insights into professional basketball, athlete development and leadership within the sports industry. Young players were able to engage with accomplished figures whose experiences offered guidance and inspiration for their own sporting journeys.

Following the conference, the festivities continued with a basketball celebration and symbolic parade around Active Vilnius Arena. Hundreds of participants carried basketballs and national flags, creating one of the most memorable scenes of the weekend while highlighting the international character of the tournament.

The celebration featured music, entertainment and various community activities designed to bring together athletes, families and supporters in a festive atmosphere.

Vilnius Convention Bureau Head Vita Žilinskaitė said the tournament has become much more than a sporting competition and now serves as an important platform for personal growth and international friendship.

“BuzelisCup’26 has grown into much more than a tournament. It has become a place where young athletes can compete, learn and build friendships with peers from different countries and cultures,” Žilinskaitė said.

The successful staging of BuzelisCup’26 further strengthens Vilnius’ reputation as a destination for international sporting events. The city is set to remain active on the global sports calendar with upcoming events including FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League matches, the Vilnius Swedbank Marathon and the World Team Disc Golf Championships.