The twentieth edition of the Basque Pelota World Championships opened today across Argentina and Uruguay, bringing together top athletes from 15 participating nations to compete across nine distinct disciplines. The tournament marks the first time the global event is hosted in Argentina and Uruguay, featuring five different venues split between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento.
Global Representation Across Five Venues
Competition unfolds across the 36-meter and 30-meter frontons, the trinquete and frontball courts situated at the High Performance Sports Center (CeNARD) and local clubs in Buenos Aires, including Banco Provincia. Meanwhile, the newly restored 54-meter court at the Real de San Carlos fronton in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, hosts pairs cesta punta. Alongside the host nations of Argentina and Uruguay, participating countries include the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. European representation features Spain, France, Portugal, and Euskadi.
Euskadi Debuts as a Full Member
Euskadi enters the competition as a full member of the International Federation following its recognition in late December 2024. The Basque squad has traveled with 41 pelotaris, bringing increased competitiveness to multiple divisions. However, the squad will not feature in the trinquete or frontenis events because the qualification pathway—the Nations League held in Paris two years ago—took place before the federation granted full membership. The international governing body issued invitations for the Basque team to compete in adapted pelota and xare.
Defending Champions and Regional Squads
Spain enters the tournament as the reigning champion, defending the title secured four years ago in Biarritz. The Spanish delegation totals 60 competitors, featuring 32 players from Navarre, five from Biscay, four from Guipuzcoa, and one from Alava. Among the four Guipuzcoan competitors, Eneko Maiz plays in mano, José Ignacio Lopetegi competes in xare, and Mattin Bereau Sagarzazu alongside Naroa Merino feature in cesta punta.
Opening Day Matchups in Buenos Aires
Opening ceremonies in Buenos Aires are scheduled for 1:00 AM peninsular time on Friday, following the conclusion of initial matches. Women’s paleta goma features an opening clash between Euskadi and Spain at 6:00 PM local time. In the men’s division, the Basque team meets Mexico at 9:00 PM, while Spain faces Costa Rica at midnight. In men’s frontball, Euskadi squares off against France at 8:00 PM, and Spain meets Uruguay at 9:00 PM.
Worth a look
