The future of South-american fistball was on full display from November 21 to 23, as the city of Curitiba hosted the 2025 U18 South American Fistball Championship and the accompanying U18 South American Fistball Cup. Organized by the Pan American Fistball Association (PAFA) and staged at Clube Duque de Caxias, the event brought together national teams and club sides from Brazil, Chile, and Argentina for three days of intense youth competition.
Brazil Takes Both Championship Titles
In the national team competition, played in a round-robin format, Brazil proved once again why it remains the region’s leading fistball nation.
In the boys’ category, Brazil secured the continental crown with two convincing 2:0 victories over Argentina and Chile. Argentina finished second after edging Chile in a close two-set duel.
Final standings: 1. Brazil, 2. Argentina, 3. Chile.
The girls’ Championship also belonged to Brazil. After a hard-fought opening match against Chile—Brazil came from behind to win 2:1—the hosts completed their perfect record with an 11:5 and 11:6 victory in the second meeting.
Final standings: 1. Brazil, 2. Chile.
SOGIPA and Duque de Caxias Win Cup Titles
Running alongside the Championship, PAFA’s U18 Cup brought together the strongest clubs in the region, with Brazilian teams dominating both draws.
Girls’ Cup: SOGIPA Triumphs in Five-Set Thriller
The girls’ Cup concluded with one of the weekend’s most dramatic matches. After sweeping Clube Mercês in the semifinal, SOGIPA faced hosts Clube Duque de Caxias in a nail-biting final. In a gripping five-set battle—11/9, 15/14, 7/11, 10/12, 11/9—SOGIPA emerged victorious to claim the 2025 title.
Clube Mercês secured third place through a round-robin bronze-medal group, finishing ahead of Llanquihue (CHI) and Sociedade Ginástica de Novo Hamburgo (SGNH).
Final standings: 1. SOGIPA (BRA), 2. Duque de Caxias (BRA), 3. Mercês (BRA), 4. Llanquihue (CHI), 5. SGNH (BRA).
Boys’ Cup: Host Club Celebrates Gold
The home crowd had plenty to cheer about in the boys’ competition. Clube Duque de Caxias marched through the tournament in dominant fashion, defeating Mercês in the semifinal and then overcoming Argentina’s Punta Chica in the final (11/9, 11/7, 11/9).
SOGIPA placed third after defeating Mercês in the bronze-medal match. SGNH claimed fifth place with a straight-sets win over Llanquihue.
Final standings: 1. Duque de Caxias (BRA), 2. Punta Chica (ARG), 3. SOGIPA (BRA), 4. Mercês (BRA), 5. SGNH (BRA), 6. Llanquihue (CHI).
A Strong Showing for Youth Fistball
Across all competitions, the 2025 edition demonstrated the rising standard of youth fistball in the Americas. Brazil’s double Championship victory and strong club results showed depth and continued development, while Argentina and Chile displayed promising talent and competitiveness in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
Organizers praised the work of Clube Duque de Caxias, lauding the venue and atmosphere that contributed to one of PAFA’s most successful youth events to date.
