The FinTech Basketball League (FTBL) wrapped up its fifth consecutive season in high energy, capping off months of competitive play with the inaugural Web3x3 Basketball Tournament—a dynamic fusion of sports, technology, and community building. Held on June 19 in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, the event brought together 48 players across 12 mixed-gender teams for a fast-paced 3v3 showdown that highlighted both athletic talent and Web3 innovation.
From 9 PM to 11 PM, the courts buzzed with intensity as professionals from leading FinTech and tech companies battled for supremacy. The winners each took home $1,000 in Alibaba Cloud Credits, generously provided by Alibaba Cloud, the official prize sponsor of the tournament. This milestone event not only celebrated FTBL’s growth over five seasons but also marked a bold step into the future of fan engagement through blockchain-powered solutions.
A Growing League with a Clear Mission
Since its inception as a non-profit initiative under Finoverse, FTBL has grown into the premier corporate basketball league for professionals in the FinTech and Web3 sectors. With over 500 active players and 20 participating teams, the league continues to break barriers by fostering inclusivity, diversity, and cross-industry networking—all centered around a shared passion for basketball.
What sets FTBL apart is its commitment to being a mixed-ability, mixed-gender league that welcomes players from all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just stepping onto the court for the first time, the environment remains supportive, competitive, and fun.
Participants represent a who’s who of the digital finance world, including top firms such as OKX, BCG, Mox, Alibaba, ZA Group, Deloitte, Société Générale, 9GAG, Holdex, and Natixis. This blend of talent reflects the league’s unique position at the intersection of finance, technology, and lifestyle.
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Web3 Meets the Hardwood: The NFT-Powered Experience
True to its roots in financial technology, FTBL leveraged cutting-edge Web3 tools to enhance the tournament experience. In partnership with Moongate, the league's ticketing and registration partner, player registration was fully integrated with an NFT-based system. Each team received a unique NFT ticket that served as both entry verification and a digital membership pass.
But the utility didn’t stop there.
Holders of the Web3x3 NFT gained access to exclusive benefits, including:
- Limited-edition Web3x3 tournament jerseys
- Discounted entry to future FTBL competitions
- Priority access to Finoverse events
- Invitations to the FTBL Season 5 afterparty
This seamless integration of blockchain technology into event management showcases how Web3 can add real value beyond speculation—offering verifiable ownership, enhanced user experiences, and long-term community loyalty.
It’s not just about playing ball; it’s about building a decentralized ecosystem where participation translates into tangible rewards.
Community First: Connecting Professionals Beyond the Court
At its core, FTBL is more than a basketball league—it’s a networking engine for the FinTech world. The fast-paced nature of 3v3 basketball creates natural opportunities for collaboration, conversation, and camaraderie among professionals who might otherwise only interact in boardrooms or virtual meetings.
The Web3x3 Tournament reinforced this mission by bringing together individuals from startups and enterprise giants alike in a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere. These kinds of informal interactions often spark new business ideas, partnerships, or career opportunities—proving that sometimes, the most valuable connections happen off the clock.
As one participant put it: “You learn more about someone in 20 minutes on the court than in two hours in a meeting.”
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Celebrating Success: JH Partners Crowned Champions
After an evening of intense matchups, JH Partners emerged victorious, claiming the title of first-ever Web3x3 champions. Their win was a testament to teamwork, strategy, and endurance—qualities equally vital in both sports and the fast-moving world of financial innovation.
While trophies and prizes are always welcome, the true reward lies in being part of a growing movement that blends physical activity with digital transformation. The celebration continued as players looked ahead to the FTBL Season 5 afterparty, set for mid-July—an exclusive gathering that promises music, networking, and reflection on another landmark season.
What’s Next for FTBL?
With Season 5 officially concluded, anticipation is already building for what’s to come. The success of the Web3x3 format opens doors for expansion—potentially into other cities across Asia or even global virtual tournaments powered by metaverse arenas.
Future plans may include:
- Regional qualifying rounds
- Integration with digital identity systems
- Token-gated fan experiences
- Player performance tracking via blockchain
As FTBL continues to evolve, its foundational values remain unchanged: inclusivity, innovation, and community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the FinTech Basketball League (FTBL)?
A: FTBL is a non-profit corporate basketball league exclusively for professionals in the FinTech and Web3 industries. It promotes networking, wellness, and inclusivity through mixed-gender, mixed-skill basketball competitions.
Q: How many players participated in the Web3x3 Tournament?
A: A total of 48 players—across 12 mixed teams—took part in the inaugural Web3x3 3v3 basketball tournament in Hong Kong.
Q: What role did NFTs play in the event?
A: NFTs were used for secure registration and ticketing via Moongate. They also granted holders access to exclusive merchandise, discounts, and event perks like afterparty entry.
Q: Who won the Web3x3 Tournament?
A: JH Partners were crowned champions after winning the final match of the tournament on June 19.
Q: Are newcomers welcome to join FTBL?
A: Absolutely. FTBL welcomes players of all skill levels and backgrounds within the FinTech ecosystem. No prior experience is required—just enthusiasm and a love for the game.
Q: Will there be more Web3-integrated tournaments in the future?
A: Yes. Given the success of the NFT ticketing system and community response, FTBL plans to expand Web3 features in upcoming seasons.
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As FTBL looks to the future, one thing is clear: the convergence of finance, technology, and sport is no longer theoretical—it’s happening on real courts, with real impact. With strong momentum heading into Season 6, the league is poised to become a model for how Web3 communities can build meaningful offline connections.