The 1X1 Next Fight finals coincided with the start of the new Leader Course in Westerpark, the celebration of the Olympic 3x3 basketball champions, and the announcement of the partnership with Westergas, which made Westerliefde and the adjacent Transformatorhuis available for the evening.

After the Dutch 3x3 basketball team was honored and a toast was made to the Olympic champions, most of the attendees quickly moved to the adjacent industrial hall, where a special 1x1 basketball court had been set up. It featured a full court—though smaller than a standard 5v5 court—and two baskets.  

The crowd watched as the best 1x1 basketball players from the area took on each other with confidence and swagger. 'I'm at a loss for words, it was so awesome,' says Shuwendly Sophia, who organized the event on behalf of 3X3 Unites. 'We had a great DJ and an MC, the crowd was amazing, and on the court, the players battled it out in intense one-on-one matchups.'

But that's not the only thing, adds Shuwendly, one of the founders of the 1X1 Next Fights with 3X3 Unites. 'It's more physical than, say, 3x3 basketball, and everyone comes together here: from players in the top leagues to guys who play on the streets. During the game, it's intense, but afterward, everyone respects each other, and hands are shaken.'

This also helps 3X3 Unites build a community through the 1X1 Next Fights, Shuwendly believes. 'We bring individuals together through basketball. The next time they see each other, they'll already know each other, and a bond is formed. That's how friendships are built.'

Additionally, players bring friends along. These friends passionately support from the sidelines, creating a new community together. Sophia says, 'I was pretty nervous beforehand, but I can now confidently say that it was truly a fantastic evening.'

3X3 Unites came up with the idea to introduce this form of basketball to the Netherlands a few years ago. Jesper Jobse had seen the concept in a New York nightclub and thought it could work in the Netherlands as well. Perhaps more importantly, he believed this pure form of basketball aligned perfectly with the core values of 3X3 Unites.

'In 1x1 basketball, you can't hide behind your teammates. You have to show yourself, take the initiative,' says Jobse. 'At 3X3 Unites, we also teach young people to show themselves, take initiative, believe in themselves, and take ownership.'

At the same time, he says, the players participating in the 1X1 Next Fights also show vulnerability. They step onto the court alone, with everyone watching from the sidelines. 'If you have that kind of courage, it deserves to be rewarded,' he says, referring to the €2,500 prize. 'We want to set a certain standard with the 1X1 Next Fights, and that includes a serious prize.'