History made as London win Deqing World Tour

London 3x3 stun the field, becoming the lowest ranked seed to win a World Tour title.

Hopes were high as London stepped onto the court for their first World Tour final, ready to prove that nothing was impossible. After their remarkable run through the tournament, they knew that triumph over Ub meant that they could beat anyone.

Fresh off a tough Semi Final win over Riffa, Liman entered the final battle-tested, but it was London, the lowest ranked side to reach this stage, who delivered a masterclass for the ages. Already a historic weekend for the British side, they capped it off in the most dramatic way possible, completing the ultimate underdog story in the absence of talisman Ashley Hamilton.

From the opening tip, London made their intentions clear. Justin Pierce connected with Jerome Desrosiers for a slick alley-oop to ignite London's scoring. Evan Walshe, who looked fresh despite playing a full tournament, dribbled almost an entire lap of the court before floating a layup over the outstretched defender, kissing it high off the glass to extend London's lead.

Liman were rattled early, committing three fouls in the opening minute, but Dusan Popovic muscled inside to keep them close. Ryan Langborg answered by gliding down the lane for a flush, then calmly lacing a two-pointer from the right wing. Walshe picked off a steal and Popovic battled again for points, but London’s rhythm and confidence didn't waver.

It wasn’t just a show of individual brilliance, it was beautiful team basketball. Walshe and Langborg linked up with quick passes before finishing a delicate floater. London looked composed, cohesive and like a group embracing every second of playing on the biggest stage.

Liman tried to build momentum by attacking the interior and reducing the deficit through a score by Mihailo Vasic, but Walshe shut the door. As the shot clock expired, he stepped back and drained a mid-range jumper leaving his defender slipping in yet another highlight on his way to a perfect game from the floor, just hours after winning the two-point shootout.

London applied the pressure relentlessly as Pierce contributed again with a smooth scoop layup. Desrosiers immediately stole the ball, setting up Langborg who buried a two from way beyond the arc to give London a 10-4 lead. Such early domination in a World Tour final is rare to see.

Liman’s free throw struggles didn’t help their campaign as they hovered just above 50 percent. London hit the seven foul mark with six minutes to play but escaped major punishment as Liman went 5 for 9 from the line. Popovic kept grinding and Andreja Milutinovic added a quick two points to Liman's tally, yet London always found an answer.

Walshe’s defensive stand led to Desrosiers' two offensive rebounds and a dagger two-pointer. Pierce threw down a thunderous dunk and Walshe crossed left and finished with a silky reverse before adding a corner two that left Liman in despair.

To Liman's credit, they continued to fight and mounted one last push. Langborg was called for an offensive foul and Popovic finished a layup to bring the score to 17-12. A deep two with a foul and converted free throws suddenly had Liman within two points. Another layup made it 19-18, and the tension was unbearable.

However, when the moment demanded composure, London delivered. Justin Pierce stepped to the line and calmly drained two excruciating free throws to seal the 21-18 victory and a truly historic World Tour title.

London, once seen as long shots, stood atop the 3x3 world after a weekend of resilience, belief and growth. From start to finish they played fearless, joyful basketball and embodied everything that makes the team special.

This victory concluded an unforgettable first season with glory. With 2026 on the horizon, this London side won’t just be aiming high - they’ll be setting their sights on conquering the 3x3 world.