Six World-Class Athletes Elected to IFA Athletes’ Commission at The World Games

The IFA Athletes’ Commission has been successfully elected at The World Games, bringing together six outstanding representatives from three continents to shape the future of fistball.

Successful Election of the IFA Athletes’ Commission at The World Games

The election of the IFA Athletes’ Commission during The World Games has been successfully completed. All nominated candidates have been elected and will serve as members of the Athletes’ Commission for a term of four years, until the next World Games in 2029.

Elected Members
Men

  • Josh Cameron (NZL) – Committed to growing fistball internationally, particularly in New Zealand, where his efforts have already expanded the sport. His vision and dedication bring fresh perspectives to the Athletes’ Commission.

  • Gabriel Heck (BRA) – With many years of active involvement in fistball, Gabriel aims to use his experience to help the sport grow and make it even more enjoyable and rewarding for players worldwide.

  • Eric Kindler (USA) – A long-serving Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and active international player, Eric has been a strong voice for athletes in the IFA Board of Directors, advocating for fair play, athlete welfare, and sport development.

Women

  • Tanja Bognar (SUI) – A long-time member of the world’s fistball elite, with international playing experience in both Europe and South America, Tanja brings a deep understanding of the athlete community.

  • Cecilia Jaques (BRA) – Drawing on her playing experience and involvement in PAFA, Cecilia is dedicated to representing athletes’ voices and contributing to the worldwide growth of fistball.

  • Antonia Woitsch (AUT) – Current Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and member of the IFA Board of Directors, Antonia’s open-minded approach and strong motivation to improve fistball at all levels make her a valuable representative.

Both current Chairs and IFA Board members, Antonia Woitsch (AUT) and Eric Kindler (USA), have been re-elected to the Athletes’ Commission and will continue their successful work representing athletes’ interests at the highest level.

“I am proud to see that our Athletes’ Commission is now composed of world-class athletes from different continents. They are not only outstanding on the field but also bring passion and a sense of responsibility for the further development of our sport”, said IFA President Jörn Verleger.

The Athletes’ Commission will now elect from among its members a male and a female Chair. Both will become members of the IFA Board of Directors and will represent the athletes’ voices in the federation’s highest decision-making body.

The World Games 2025 – Recap Final Day 4 – 13 Aug

The World Games 2025 – Fistball
Chengdu, China | Day 4 – 13 August 2025

Brazil Rises to the Top of the Fistball World, Sweeping two Gold at The World Games 2025

Chengdu, China – The Fistball competition at The World Games 2025 reached a thrilling climax today as Brazil emerged victorious in both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments, firmly establishing themselves as the dominant new force in the sport on the world stage.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball – Victory Ceremony

Women’s Gold Medal Match:

In a historic moment for Brazilian fistball, the Women’s team overcame tremendous odds to claim their first-ever World Games gold medal. After falling behind two sets against a strong Swiss team, Brazil rallied with resilience and passion, saving two matchpoints in a gripping 3:2 comeback victory.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 22 – Gold Medal Match – Brazil vs Switzerland

The match was a testament to their determination, teamwork, and unyielding spirit — qualities that have marked Brazil’s rise in international fistball over recent years.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 22 – Gold Medal Match – Brazil vs Switzerland

“We have dreamed of this moment for so long,” said Brazil’s women’s captain Cecilia Jaques. “This win proves that with hard work and belief, we can achieve anything. We fought for every point, and to lift the gold on home turf means everything to us.”

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball – Victory Ceremony

Men’s Gold Medal Match:

On the men’s side, Brazil continued to showcase their world-class skill and tactical superiority, dominating Germany 3:0 in the final. This win marked Brazil’s first men’s gold medal at The World Games since 2009, highlighting a remarkable resurgence of the team on the global stage. From explosive strikes to jaw-dropping saves, Brazil’s men left no doubt about their championship credentials.

Final Fistball Results – The World Games 2025

Brazil’s dual triumph reflects years of dedicated investment in the sport, growing grassroots programs, and the passion of players who have elevated fistball’s profile both at home and internationally.

The podium was rounded out by Austria, who took Men’s bronze with a 3:1 win over Switzerland, while Germany claimed Women’s bronze after a clean sweep of Austria.

Other notable performances included Chile’s women securing 5th place with a commanding 3:0 victory over New Zealand, and Italy’s men clinching 5th in a thrilling five-set battle against Chile. Argentina’s men and women both finished strongly with wins in their respective 7th place matches.

Final Result Women’s:
1. Brazil, 2. Switzerland, 3. Germany, 4. Austria, 5. Chile, 6. New Zealand, 7. Argentina, 8. USA

Final Result Men’s:
1. Brazil, 2. Germany, 3. Austria, 4. Switzerland, 5. Italy, 6. Chile, 7. Argentina, 8. New Zealand

Contact on Site – at The World Games in Chengdu:
Valentin Weber – IFA Head of Media
v.weber@fistball.sport

IFA Photo Service:
http://ifa.sport/media

Creative Commons License apply for all photos.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

 

 

The World Games 2025 – Recap Day 3 – 12 Aug

The World Games 2025 – Fistball
Chengdu, China | Day 3 – 12 August 2025

Thrilling Semifinals Set the Stage for Fistball Finals at The World Games Chengdu

The Fistball competition at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu reached a dramatic highlight on Day 3, as top national teams battled through semifinal and classification rounds across both men’s and women’s tournaments. With medals now within reach, the day was marked by enormous heat, relentless intensity, tactical brilliance, and world-class performances.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 20 – Semifinal – Switzerland vs Germany

 Women’s Tournament:

Women’s Semifinals: Brazil and Switzerland Book Their Spots in the Final

Brazil demonstrated exceptional control and attacking consistency in their semifinal victory over Austria. Both teams exchanged powerful rallies and sharp defensive plays, but Brazil’s experience and efficiency under pressure carried them to a 3-1 win and a place in the gold medal match.

In the second semifinal, Switzerland overcame Germany in a thrilling five-set contest. In one of the most competitive matches of the tournament, Switzerland maintained composure through several momentum swings to edge past their opponents and earn a chance to compete for gold. The reign World Games Champion Germany surprisingly miss out of the grand final.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 19 – Semifinal – Brazil vs Chile

Women’s Quarterfinal Recap

Earlier in the day, Austria secured their semifinal berth by withstanding a determined Chilean side. The match was closely contested, with Austria’s consistent execution making the difference in the decisive moments.

Germany also advanced from the quarterfinals with a commanding 3–0 victory over New Zealand. The German side displayed precise coordination and control throughout, giving their opponents little opportunity to gain a foothold.

Women’s Classification Matches

In the consolation rounds, Chile defeated the United States in a 3–1 encounter to advance to the 5th-place match. Meanwhile, New Zealand prevailed over Argentina in another spirited match, setting up a rematch against Chile for fifth place.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Men Game 19 – Semifinal – Brazil vs Switzerland

Men’s Tournament:

Men’s Semifinals: Brazil and Germany Set for Championship Clash

In the men’s bracket, Brazil produced a clinical performance to eliminate Switzerland in straight sets. While Switzerland challenged the south american champions in the early stages, Brazil’s tactical depth and physical dominance proved decisive as they pulled away to secure victory.

Germany advanced to the final following an emotional 3–1 win over Austria. The match was marked by high-intensity exchanges and strategic substitutions from the German side, who managed to outmaneuver a resilient Austrian team and seal their place in the gold medal match.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Men Game 20 – Semifinal – Germany vs Switzerland

Men’s Quarterfinal Recap

Switzerland reached the semifinals with a 3–0 victory over Chile. The match featured a particularly intense final set, which Switzerland edged 15–14 to close out the sweep. Austria also progressed with a strong performance against Italy, winning in straight sets and showcasing dominance at the net.

Men’s Classification Matches

Chile secured their place in the 5th-place match by overcoming New Zealand 3–1 in a dynamic contest, while Italy earned their spot with a confident 3–0 victory over Argentina.

Looking Ahead to Day 4 – August 13: Medal Matches

With the final day of Fistball competition set to determine the medal standings, teams will return to the court for one last push toward the podium. The level of play, the intensity of the rivalries, and the passion on display have captivated fans throughout the World Games in Chengdu. Wednesday promises to be a historic finale to an unforgettable tournament.

Gold Medal Matches:
15:30 Women’s Final: Brazil vs. Switzerland
17:00 Men’s Final: Brazil vs. Germany

Bronze Medal Matches:
11:30 Women: Germany vs. Austria
13:00 Men: Austria vs. Switzerland

Contact on Site – at The World Games in Chengdu:
Valentin Weber – IFA Head of Media
v.weber@fistball.sport

IFA Photo Service:

http://ifa.sport/media

Creative Commons License apply for all photos.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Candidates for the election of the IFA Athletes’ Commission during The World Games

During The World Games, new athlete representatives will be elected to the IFA Athletes’ Commission. The elected representatives will serve for a term of four years or until the next World Games in 2029.

All athletes participating in The World Games are invited to vote online for their representatives. The link to the online voting will be sent to all in the World Games participating athletes directly. Male athletes elect male athlete representatives, female athletes elect their female athlete representatives. Each athlete can cast up to two votes.

Nominated Candidates (alphabetical order)

Men

  • Josh Cameron, NZL
    Josh is committed to growing fistball internationally, with a particular focus on developing the sport in New Zealand. His efforts have already contributed to the expansion of teams in his home country, and his vision and dedication can help bring fresh perspectives to the Athletes’ Commission.
  • Gabriel Heck, BRA
    Gabriel has been highly involved in fistball for many years and aims to use his experience to help the sport grow and to make it even more enjoyable and worthwhile for players around the world. His commitment and knowledge make him a strong candidate to represent the athletes’ interests.
  • Eric Kindler, USA
    Eric brings years of experience as an active international fistball player and a strong connection to the athlete community and leads the Athletes’ Commission for many years already. He rises his voice in the IFA Board of Directors for the best for our sport and all athletes. His dedication to promoting fair play, athlete welfare, and the development of the sport makes him a valuable candidate for the Athletes’ Commission.

Women

  • Tanja Bognar, SUI
    Tanja has been part of the world’s fistball elite for many years and is highly familiar with the challenges and demands of our sport. Her international playing experience in both Europe and South America gives her a broad understanding of the athlete community.
  • Cecilia Jaques, BRA
    She wants to contribute to the development of fistball worldwide. Using her experience on the field and in PAFA, she wishes to use her voice to represent athletes and to strengthen our sport.
  • Antonia Woitsch, AUT
    Antonia has been a member of the Athletes’ Commission for several years, currently serving as its Chair and as a member of the IFA Board of Directors. Her open-minded approach and strong motivation to improve our sport on all levels are ideal qualities for this important role.

IFA President Jörn Verleger said: “I am proud to see that we have been able to attract world-class athletes from different continents as candidates for our Athletes’ Commission. They are not only outstanding on the field but also bring passion and a sense of responsibility for the further development of our sport.”

The election will take place via an online voting tool on August 12. All athletes eligible to vote will receive an email with the voting link. The elected Athletes’ Commission shall elect from among its members a male and female chairperson, who shall also be a member of the IFA Board of Directors.

The World Games 2025 – Recap Day 2 – 11 Aug

The World Games 2025 – Fistball
Chengdu, China | Day 2 – 11 August 2025

Fistball Heats Up in Chengdu as Rain Clears on Day 2 of the World Games 2025

Chengdu, China — After a full day of rain delays, the Fistball competition roared back to life at the World Games 2025 with thrilling matchups and fierce competition across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. Brazil is topping the Men’s and Women’s competitions at the end of the Preliminary Round.

Women’s Tournament:

Silver Group: Chile and New Zealand Shine

In slippery, challenging conditions, Chile secured a vital win over Argentina through calm defense and timely serving, claiming the top position in Group Silver. New Zealand also impressed, sweeping the United States 3:0 for their second win of the tournament to enter the quarterfinals.

Final Group Silver Standings:
1. Chile, 2. New Zealand, 3. Argentina, 4. USA

Gold Group: Brazil on to of the Group

Brazil delivered one of the standout performances of the day, defeating reigning World Games champions Germany 3:1 in a match filled with spectacular rallies and powerful play. Switzerland also claimed a 3:1 win over Austria, showing consistency and depth despite Austria’s late-game resurgence.

Final Group Gold Standings:
1. Brazil, 2. Switzerland, 3. Germany, 4. Austria

Men’s Tournament:

Silver Group: Chile Charges to the Top

Chile kicked off their day with a dramatic victory over New Zealand in a tightly contested match that saw the South Americans edge out the Kiwis in a nail-biting finish. Italy also impressed, defeating Argentina with strategic lineup changes that added a fresh edge to their attack.

Later in the day, Chile continued their dominance, storming back from a slow start to beat Argentina 3:1 and secure the top spot in Group Silver. Italy, meanwhile, overcame a determined New Zealand side in a hard-fought battle, booking their ticket to the quarterfinals.

Final Group Silver Standings:
1. Chile, 2. Italy, 3. Argentina, 4. New Zealand

Gold Group: Brazil Undefeated, Germany Clinches Second

Germany delivered a commanding performance against Switzerland, sweeping their match 3:0 with Johannes Jungclaussen leading a strong offensive line. Brazil followed with an impressive 3:0 display against Austria, taking a tense third set 15:14 and demonstrating composure despite tricky court conditions.

In their second match of the day, Brazil reaffirmed their dominance with a clean 3:0 win over Switzerland, finishing the group stage undefeated. Germany edged out Austria in a high-energy clash to claim the second semifinal spot. Austria and Switzerland have to fight their way up through the quarterfinals.

Final Group Gold Standings:
1. Brazil, 2. Germany, 3. Austria, 4. Switzerland

Looking Ahead to Day 3 – August 12: Quarterfinal and Semifinal Clashes

The knockout rounds are set to begin with exciting quarterfinal matchups:

Men’s Quarterfinals: Austria vs. Italy and Switzerland vs. Chile
(Brazil and Germany advance directly to the semifinals)

Women’s Quarterfinals: Austria vs. Chile and Germany vs. New Zealand
(Brazil and Switzerland advance directly to the semifinals)

The quarterfinal winners take on the top 2 teams of the Gold Group in the semifinals later that day. Stay tuned as the road to Fistball gold continues tomorrow in Chengdu.

Contact on Site – at The World Games in Chengdu:
Valentin Weber – IFA Head of Media
v.weber@fistball.sport

IFA Photo Service:
http://ifa.sport/media

Creative Commons License apply for all photos.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

The World Games 2025 – Recap Day 1 – 9 Aug

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Preliminary Round Women Game 2, Argentina vs USA

The World Games 2025 – Fistball
Chengdu, China | Recap Day 1 – 9 August 2025

Fistball Competition Opens with High Drama on Day 1

Chengdu, China – The fistball tournament at The World Games 2025 started today at Tianfu Park in Chengdu, marking the sport’s official debut on natural grass in mainland China. With eight men’s and eight women’s teams competing across Gold and Silver groups, the opening day delivered a full schedule of high-level competition and closely contested matches.

Women’s Tournament:

Gold Group: Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Austria
Silver Group: Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, USA

Silver Group Delivers Early Highlights

The Women’s Silver Group provided some of the most gripping contests of the day. Argentina opened their campaign with a hard-fought victory over the United States, securing the 3-0 win after a tense and high-quality second set. New Zealand followed with a narrow 3-2 win over Chile, leaning on disciplined defense and composure in the final stages despite wet ground conditions.

In the evening session, Argentina and New Zealand faced off in another tight encounter. Both teams showed resilience and tactical awareness, but Argentina again emerged victorious 3-2 in the deciding set, finishing the day with two wins from two matches.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 3 Brazil vs Switzerland

Women’s Gold Group: Established Powers Take the Field

In the Gold Group, Brazil began their tournament with a strategic lineup rotation that proved effective in a five-set win over Switzerland. Despite the loss, the Swiss team received strong support from traveling fans. Meanwhile, Germany opened with a commanding winning performance against Austria, using versatile offensive patterns and disciplined defense to secure a straight-sets victory.

In the evening session, Brazil faced Austria in a clash of early frontrunners. After controlling the first two sets, Brazil recovered from an Austrian resurgence in the third to close out the match in four sets 3-1. Later in the day, Switzerland and Germany met in a highly anticipated matchup. Switzerland responded to their earlier defeat with a 3:2 win in overtime, overcoming a strong German start to pull off the upset.

The World Games 2025 Chengu, China – Fistball Preliminary Round Women Game 7 Brazil vs Austria

Men’s Tournament:

Gold Group: Germany, Austria, Brazil, Switzerland
Silver Group: Chile, Argentina, Italy, New Zealand

Silver Group Begins with Tight Contests

In the Men’s Silver Group, Chile outlasted Italy in a tense five-set battle on Court 1. The match featured high-intensity rallies and decisive attacking play from both sides, with Chile holding firm in the final set. Argentina overcame a sluggish start to defeat New Zealand in a five-set nailbiter against New Zealand.

Men’s Gold Group: Brazil and Austria Make Strong Statements

Brazil opened their campaign with a 3:1 win over reigning world champions Germany, showcasing balanced play and cohesive execution across all positions. Austria followed with a 3:0 sweep of Switzerland, demonstrating squad depth by rotating all 10 players and maintaining control throughout.

Looking ahead and local commitment

With several top contenders already showing their form and others seeking to recover from early losses, the second day of fistball action is set to be pivotal in determining knockout stage positioning. Group play concludes with the last matches of preliminary Round on Sunday, August 10.

The opening day marked not only by high-level international performance but also by strong engagement from local spectators. Tianfu Park’s venue layout—set within a public green space—allowed for significant exposure to new audiences in China. The International Fistball Association (IFA) noted the symbolic importance of launching the competition in Chengdu, with Chinese sports educators and officials receiving training in advance to support local development of the sport.

Contact on Site – at The World Games in Chengdu:

Valentin Weber – IFA Head of Media
v.weber@fistball.sport

IFA Photo Service:
http://ifa.sport/media

Creative Commons License apply for all photos.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

The World Games 2025 – Fistball Preview

Chengdu, China | 9–13 August 2025

Historic Milestone in Fistball
Gender Equality and Global Reach with 16 Team at The World Games

The 2025 edition of The World Games marks a major milestone in the sport of fistball. For the first time in the event’s history, both the Men’s and Women’s competitions will feature eight teams each, achieving full gender equality. Teams from four continents—Europe, South America, Oceania, and North America—will participate, making it the most globally diverse and expansive fistball competition in World Games history.

The host city Chengdu, China, will welcome the world’s best fistball nations from 9th to 13th August, with the medal matches closing out the competition on the final day. All eyes will be on the Gold Group, where the traditional powerhouses of the sport reside—no nation outside this elite group has ever claimed a World Games medal.

The World Games 2025 Fistball Tournament is not just about competition—it’s about growth, equality, and global celebration. With history on the line and a global audience watching, Chengdu is set to deliver the most thrilling edition of fistball the world has seen.

Women’s Tournament:

Gold Group: Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Austria
Silver Group: Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, USA

Can Germany defend their 2022 gold, or will Brazil confirm their status as world leaders?

The women’s competition is entering the second edition at The World Games, after debuting in 2022. Germany won that inaugural title in a thrilling final against Switzerland. However, momentum has shifted. Brazil enters Chengdu as reigning World Champions, having claimed the crown in November 2024 by defeating Germany by 4-0. Switzerland and Austria bring depth and experience, and the group stage promises fierce battles. In the Silver group, debutants Argentina and Chile aim to gain valuable experience on the global stage. New Zealand enters the competition with a promising 7th position at the World Championships, while Team USA is seeking their first victory in World Games history.

Men’s Tournament:

Gold Group: Germany, Austria, Brazil, Switzerland
Silver Group: Chile, Argentina, Italy, New Zealand

Can Germany handle the pressure of defending their title against a strong field of challengers?

The Men’s lineup features familiar faces—and one new team. New Zealand makes its first-ever appearance at the World Games, joining a competitive Silver group. Germany, the defending champions from Birmingham 2022, bring a younger roster to Chengdu. Their generational shift will be tested immediately against perennial rivals Austria, Brazil, and Switzerland—each of whom has legitimate gold medal aspirations. These four have consistently stood atop the podium in past competitions, with all medals to date being shared among them. Chile, Argentina, and Italy will need exceptional performances to break into this elite circle. A semifinal spot for any Silver group team would be a major upset—and a historic breakthrough.

What to watch for?

Emerging Nations: With new teams like New Zealand and Argentina entering the stage, the global development of fistball is on full display. How will these nations fare against established World Games veterans?

Gold Group Showdowns: Every match in the Gold Groups (both Men’s and Women’s) promises world-class action. The group stage results could shape the entire tournament trajectory.

Medal Race Predictions: Expect tight battles between Germany, Brazil, Austria, and Switzerland in both categories. The medal games could mirror recent World Championship finals or throw up surprises.

Contact on site at The World Games in Chengdu:

Valentin Weber – IFA Head of Media
v.weber@fistball.sport

IFA Photo Service:
http://ifa.sport/media

Creative Commons License apply for all photos.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

World Tour Finals 2025 in Vöcklabruck: TSV Dennach and Union Tigers Vöcklabruck defend titles

Pics: Lars Neumann

The women of TSV Dennach and the men of Union Tigers Vöcklabruck once again claimed the title at the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck. Both teams remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament. More than 1,000 spectators witnessed the finals day at the Volksbankstadion in Vöcklabruck.

The 2024 titleholders once again stood at the top of the podium at this year’s IFA Fistball World Tour Finals: In Vöcklabruck, the women of TSV Dennach (Germany) and the men of host club Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (Austria) celebrated the World Tour Finals title – just like the year before. Both teams impressed with strong performances throughout the competition, remained unbeaten in all their matches, and secured the prestigious title against domestic rivals in the final.

Men

For the first time in the history of the IFA World Tour Finals, two Austrian teams faced each other in the men’s final. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck, entering as defending champions, were challenged by DSG UKJ Froschberg, who had reached the final after three consecutive President’s Cup wins and a remarkable tournament performance. However, in the final, Froschberg couldn’t quite match their previous form. In tight and thrilling sets, the Tigers maintained their composure at the key moments and sealed their title defense with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:8, 12:10) in front of their home crowd. Just like in 2024, SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil) secured the bronze medal, defeating Swiss side Faustball Wigoltingen in the third-place match with 3:0 (11:6, 11:9, 11:9), thus reaching the podium at every edition of the World Tour Finals so far. FBC LINZ AG Urfahr, the reigning European Cup champions, took the President’s Cup title. They beat TV Vaihingen/Enz (Germany) 3:1 (11:7, 12:14, 11:7, 11:7) and finished in a strong fifth place. Clube Mêrces (Brazil) defeated South Jersey Fistball Club (USA) 3:0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:8) to secure seventh place.

Women

The club world championship title remains firmly in the hands of TSV Dennach. The German titleholders had already demonstrated their dominance during the tournament, reaching the final without dropping a single set in either the group stage or the semifinal. That didn’t change in the rematch of last year’s final against German rivals TV Jahn Schneverdingen. Dennach showed up as a strong, cohesive unit, displayed rock-solid defense and consistent attacking play. With a 3:0 victory (11:7, 11:8, 11:7), TSV Dennach claimed their third World Tour Finals title overall. TV Jahn Schneverdingen had to settle for silver for the third consecutive time. As in 2024, bronze went to SOGIPA Cargo Way (Brazil). The team from Porto Alegre faced a close battle with Faustball Kreuzlingen (Switzerland), ultimately winning 3:1 (11:9, 9:11, 11:9, 11:7) to secure their place on the podium. SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter crowned themselves President’s Cup champions after coming from behind to defeat TSV Calw 3:1 (10:12, 11:6, 11:7, 13:11). Seventh place went to FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (Switzerland), who ended the tournament with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:7, 11:7) over Clube Duque de Caxias Curitiba (Brazil).

Tigers Vöcklabruck Shine Also as Hosts

Union Tigers Vöcklabruck not only impressed on the field but also delivered a top-notch event as hosts. Organizing the club world championship for the first time, the Upper Austrian club created a great atmosphere – especially on the weekend – with more than 1,000 spectators attending the finals day. “All the hard work of the past months truly paid off,” said local organizing committee head Stefan Huemer. “The event went exceptionally well, and then winning the title on top of that means the world to us. We thank all the teams for the high-level matches they presented to our fans and the many volunteers who made this tournament possible!”

World Tour Finals 2025 in Vöcklabruck: All-German Women’s Final, All-Austrian Men’s Final

Pic: Lars Neumann

The semifinalists of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck have been determined. On their way there, the teams once again delivered thrilling duels in the preliminary rounds. Both the defending champions in the men’s and women’s competitions remain in the race for another title.

The final matchups at the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck are set: The women’s final will be a repeat of last year’s championship clash between the two German teams TSV Dennach and TV Jahn Schneverdingen. In the men’s competition, it will be an all-Austrian showdown between defending champions Union Tigers Vöcklabruck and DSG UKJ Froschberg. In the bronze medal matches, SOGIPA Cargo Way (Brazil) will face Faustball Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) in the women’s event, while SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil) will meet Faustball Wigoltingen (Switzerland) in the men’s competition.

Men

The men’s semifinals were packed with excitement and delivered some unforgettable moments for the crowd in the Volksbankstadion Vöcklabruck. The match between SG Novo Hamburgo and Union Tigers Vöcklabruck went the full distance. The Tigers made a perfect start with a 2:0 lead (11:7, 11:9), but the Brazilians came back strong—just like they had in the group stage—and tied the match with 11:7 and 11:8 set wins. In the deciding set, however, the defending champions held their ground (11:6), securing their place in the “Finale dahoam.” Their opponent will also be from Austria: DSG UKJ Froschberg continued their impressive run with a 3:1 (11:6, 12:10, 6:11, 11:9) win over Faustball Wigoltingen. The final between the two Austrian clubs will take place on Sunday at 4:30 PM. Novo Hamburgo and Wigoltingen will battle for bronze at 1:30 PM.

In the President’s Cup final, two group stage opponents will meet again: TV Vaihingen/Enz and FBC LINZ AG Urfahr. Vaihingen defeated Clube Mercês (13:11, 11:8, 3:11, 11:4), while Urfahr overcame the South Jersey Fistball Club (11:7, 11:5, 11:6). Clube Mercês and South Jersey will play for 7th place on Sunday.

Women

The 2024 World Tour Finals final will be repeated in 2025. Defending champions TSV Dennach and last year’s finalists TV Jahn Schneverdingen have again secured their spots in the women’s final. Dennach continued their winning streak with a commanding 3:0 (11:9, 11:6, 11:7) victory over SOGIPA Cargo Way. Schneverdingen had earlier claimed their ticket to the final with a 3:1 win (11:6, 4:11, 11:9, 11:8) over Faustball Kreuzlingen in a hard-fought and evenly matched contest. The final between the two German teams will take place at 3:00 PM, while SOGIPA and Kreuzlingen will play for bronze.

The President’s Cup final will feature SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter and TSV Calw. Diepoldsau defeated Duque de Caxias Curitiba with a clear 3:0 (11:6, 11:6, 11:6), while Calw won against FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (11:6, 11:4, 13:11). The matches for 5th and 7th place will be played on Sunday at 9:00 AM.

Tickets Available at the Venue

Tickets for the final day are available directly at the box office. Around 1,000 covered seats are available. Those who cannot attend in person can follow all matches live online: All games of the World Tour Finals will be streamed for free at www.fistball.tv.

Semifinal Line-up set at IFA World Tour Finals 2025 in Vöcklabruck

The teams for the semifinals of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck are set. The group stage once again delivered thrilling duels on the way to the knockout rounds. Both defending champions — men and women — remain in the race for another title.

In the women’s competition, Faustball Kreuzlingen secured the final spot in the Top 4 and joins group winners TSV Dennach, SOGIPA/Cargo Way, and TV Jahn Schneverdingen in the semifinals. In the men’s competition, Union Tigers Vöcklabruck and DSG UKJ Froschberg won their groups and are joined by Faustball Wigoltingen and SG Novo Hamburgo. The Brazilians staged a remarkable comeback against FBC LINZ AG Urfahr — who, despite being reigning European Cup champions, are now out of the title race.

Men

The decisive match for the final men’s semifinal spot went all the way to the fifth set: both FBC LINZ AG Urfahr and SG Novo Hamburgo needed a win to stay in the title hunt. Linz initially led 2:0 (11:8, 12:10), but Novo Hamburgo turned things around and claimed the next three sets (11:9, 11:6, 11:8) to complete the comeback. Earlier, the Brazilians had also beaten TV Vaihingen/Enz 3:0 (11:8, 11:9, 11:7). Group victory, however, went to DSG UKJ Froschberg. After their strong opening win against Novo Hamburgo, Froschberg followed up with a second win in the Linz derby against Urfahr (11:6, 15:14, 9:11, 11:8), reaching the World Tour Final semifinals for the first time — after previously winning three President’s Cup titles. Despite losing 1:3 (8:11, 10:12, 11:9, 7:11) to Vaihingen/Enz, they remained at the top of the group.

Defending champions Union Tigers Vöcklabruck made short work of the group stage. After an opening 3:0 win over Faustball Wigoltingen, they followed up with further victories against South Jersey Fistball Club (11:5, 11:3, 11:6) and Clube Mercês (11:6, 11:7, 11:8), sealing first place in the group. Wigoltingen also progressed to the semifinals after wins over Mercês (11:2, 11:8, 11:9) and South Jersey (11:3, 11:4, 11:7).

The semifinals will see a rematch of last year’s clash in Mannheim: hosts Union Tigers Vöcklabruck face SG Novo Hamburgo at 17:00, followed by DSG UKJ Froschberg vs. Faustball Wigoltingen at 18:30. In the President’s Cup semifinals, Clube Mercês meets TV Vaihingen/Enz (17:00), while South Jersey Fistball Club takes on FBC LINZ AG Urfahr (18:30).

Women

Three semifinal spots were already confirmed before the second day of group play — the fourth was secured by Faustball Kreuzlingen. The Swiss side defeated TSV Calw in straight sets (11:9, 11:8, 11:6), bouncing back from their 0:3 loss to TSV Dennach the day before. The defending champions also won 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 11:2) against Clube Duque de Caxias, claiming the top spot in their group.

TV Jahn Schneverdingen also secured group victory with a 3:2 win (11:13, 11:9, 7:11, 11:6, 11:6) over SOGIPA/Cargo Way in a dramatic match, overcoming two set deficits. Third place went to SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter, who defeated Swiss rivals FG Elgg-Ettenhausen 3:0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:3).

In the semifinals, TV Jahn Schneverdingen will face Faustball Kreuzlingen at 14:00, while SOGIPA/Cargo Way and TSV Dennach meet at 15:30 in another exciting matchup. The President’s Cup semifinals will feature SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter vs. Clube Duque de Caxias (10:00) and FG Elgg-Ettenhausen vs. TV Calw (15:30).

Tickets Available at the Venue

Tickets for the weekend and remaining tournament days are available at the box office. Around 1,000 covered seats are provided for spectators. Those unable to attend in person can follow all matches live online: All World Tour Finals games will be streamed free of charge at www.fistball.tv.

More information: https://wtf.faustball-tigers.at/