Ventspils Frisbee Club Crowned Baltic Champions in Thrilling Finish
OGRE, Latvia – The Ventspils Frisbee Club secured the Baltic indoor frisbee championship title this past weekend, overcoming a determined Salaspils “Wild Things” squad in a nail-biting final. The tournament, held in Ogre, Latvia on March 21st and 22nd, brought together the region’s top teams, alongside competitors from Ukraine, for two days of high-level ultimate frisbee action.
Ventspils began their campaign with a dominant performance in the group stage, winning all three of their matches. They defeated Tartu Turbulence of Estonia 13-9, Ukraine’s NXT 12-8, and Lithuania’s KossMix 13-8. This perfect record secured them the top seed in their group and a place in the semi-finals.
The semi-final saw a rematch against KossMix of Lithuania. Despite a competitive start, Ventspils maintained control and emerged victorious with a 12-9 win, solidifying their position as tournament favorites. The stage was set for a showdown against Salaspils “Wild Things,” a historically strong Latvian club.
The final proved to be a true thriller, with both teams trading points throughout. Ventspils initially gained a slight advantage with disciplined defense, but Salaspils battled back, scoring three consecutive points to tie the game at 13-13. In a dramatic finish, a crucial assist from captain Ģirts Zaķis to Modestas Gauba in the endzone secured the championship point for Ventspils, resulting in a 14-13 victory.
Beyond the gold medals, the Ventspils Frisbee Club also received the tournament’s “spirit of the game” award, recognizing their sportsmanship and respect for their opponents. This award highlights the club’s commitment to fair play and positive competition.
Ventspils Roster
The championship-winning Ventspils team consisted of:
- Modestas Gauba (Lithuania)
- Edgars Būdiņš
- Alvis Viļumsons
- Vitālijs Kuļešovs
- Marks Krebs
- Ēriks Podgurskis
- Andrejs Jēgers
- Mārcis Skudra
- Andrejs Krauze
- Kristaps Bergmanis
- Ģirts Zaķis (Captain)
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Ventspils Frisbee Club, demonstrating their growing strength within the Baltic ultimate frisbee scene. The team’s success is a testament to their dedication, skill, and teamwork.
For those looking to witness more exciting frisbee action, the “Latvijas Kauss telpās 2026” (Latvian Cup Indoors 2026) will be held on April 11th in Ventspils, at the “Pārventa” sports hall. Admission is free, offering a great opportunity to experience the sport firsthand.
The win for Ventspils is particularly noteworthy given the increasing competitiveness of ultimate frisbee in the Baltic region. Teams from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia consistently challenge each other, and the addition of a Ukrainian team to this year’s tournament added another layer of international competition. Ultimate frisbee, a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc, is gaining popularity worldwide, known for its emphasis on self-officiating and sportsmanship.
The dramatic final between Ventspils and Salaspils underscores the growing skill level and tactical sophistication of teams in the region. The ability of Salaspils to mount a late-game comeback, tying the score at 13-13, demonstrated their resilience and determination. However, Ventspils’ composure and execution in the crucial final point ultimately proved decisive.
Looking ahead, the Latvian Cup in Ventspils promises to be another exciting event, showcasing the best talent in the country. The free admission makes it accessible to a wide audience, potentially attracting modern players and fans to the sport. The continued growth of ultimate frisbee in Latvia and the wider Baltic region is a positive sign for the future of the sport.
The Ventspils Frisbee Club’s championship victory is a story of teamwork, skill, and determination. Their performance in Ogre has cemented their status as a leading force in Baltic ultimate frisbee, and fans will be eager to see what they accomplish next.
