The BCR Sport Arena Streetball urban sports festival, now in its third edition in the new format, brought the 2026 season to a close with Gabriel Torje, Gabriel Tamaș and Cristi Pulhac producing spectacular plays on the basketball court. Former Olympic gymnastics champion Monica Roșu also stepped onto the court for the celebrity game.
The event, supported by Sector 1 City Hall, took place over the weekend in front of the historic headquarters of the local administration, where more than ten sports, entertainment and relaxation areas were set up for people of all ages.
The celebrity game was opened by the General Mayor of Bucharest, Ciprian Ciucu. Team Legends, featuring Gabriel Tamaș, Gabriel Torje, Cristi Pulhac, Monica Roșu and Seda Erdogan — coach of the Rapid Bucharest 3×3 women’s team, runner-up in this season’s international women’s circuit — had a tough challenge against Team Sector 1. The opposing side included basketball player Bianca Nagy, Rareș Florea – Country Manager Domeniile Averești, Andra Novițchi – world martial arts champion, Florin Jianu – President of the National Council of SMEs, and George Tuță, Mayor of Sector 1.
The game remained close until the very last play, with the decisive basket scored by Gabi Torje.
“I only revealed my skills at the end, so they wouldn’t have time to come back,” Torje joked. “We’re here to have fun; we can’t compare ourselves to professional basketball players. I’m happy to see so many children doing sports here. It’s important, because lately technology has been keeping them indoors more and more. Congratulations for this event,” he added.
Before the game, Tamaș, Torje and Pulhac played mini-football with some of the youngest fans attending the event.
“I am glad that we can host the final here, in front of Sector 1 City Hall. This is a historic monument, but the real heritage is the energy generated by the people. It is a joy to have children and young people doing sports here, in our own courtyard. This is what I believe urban sport should look like every weekend, not just this one,” said George Tuță, Mayor of Sector 1.
Champion jerseys and a surprise winner in the slam-dunk contest
The final of the official BCR Sport Arena Streetball 3×3 basketball competition brought together the best players and teams qualified after a season that included five stops: three in Bucharest, one in Sibiu and one in Ploiești.
The Men’s Open final was won by Team Chișinău, from the Republic of Moldova, who defeated Science Bucharest 18–11 in the title game. At the end, all winners received the traditional champion jerseys, while each category also awarded an MVP title to the most valuable player.
At the Open categories, the MVP titles were claimed by [name/name – to be completed]. Each received a 3×3 edition Tissot watch, offered by Albini Prassa, importer and distributor of the Swiss brand.
The slam-dunk contest was won by 16-year-old Daniel Makasa, who received a 4K Smart TV offered by Horizon Europe.
The youngest basketball players also had the chance to take part in their own slam-dunk contest, organized at the BCR mini-basketball area, where the hoops were adapted for their age group.
Kendama show with XRemus
One of the most popular and appreciated kendama players, XRemus, was present at the festival on Saturday afternoon. His show at the Regina Maria stand gathered a large crowd of fans, many of whom showcased their skills in an impromptu competition with prizes offered by XRemus himself.
He spent several hours with his fans, sharing tips and tricks for some of the most interesting moves, signing autographs and giving away prizes.
Regina Maria employees also took an active part in the event, competing in a dedicated internal 3×3 basketball tournament featuring three teams.
Sports and entertainment for the community
3×3 basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, mini-basketball, mini-football, football-tennis, darts, arcade games, kendama, pickleball, roundnet, gaming, dance, childhood games and other urban sports and activities were available around the Sector 1 City Hall building.
The local community enjoyed an active weekend in a space where sport became the main reason to play, connect and socialize.
The spectacle was completed by performances from artists of the Bucharest Metropolitan Circus. Emilia, with her juggling act, and brothers Mike and Matei Ionescu, with their hand-to-hand balancing routine, left the audience amazed. The Dracula’s Girls cheerleaders were also present, both on court during game breaks and in the dance area, where their tutorials were enjoyed by children and parents alike.
Pickleball competition held for the first time
Urban sports fans also had the chance to witness a national premiere: a demonstration competition organized by ProPickleball Romania, which officially launched the new Face-Off Pickleball format.
The concept is inspired by American Major League Pickleball-style leagues, but adapted to the dynamics and specific development path of pickleball in Romania and Europe.
After a spectacular match-up, Team Leescu defeated Team Caracaleanu 3–1, giving the audience a first look at the new format.
The BCR Sport Arena Streetball Final – urban sports festival was organized with the support of Sector 1 City Hall and backed by: BCR, Mastercard, BCR Leasing, Regina Maria, Nike, the Romanian Basketball Federation, Tissot, Horizon, Popeyes, vitamin aqua, Kandia, BCR Life Insurance and Ideal Board Games. The official radio station of the competition was Kiss FM.
