3x3 International Competitions and the Olympics: Street Basketball's Rise from Tokyo to Paris

Introduction

On June 9, 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced that 3x3 basketball would be included as an official event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This decision shook the global basketball community—it marked the first time street basketball would appear on the Olympic stage, and represented a major victory for FIBA’s push to globalize 3x3.

This article reviews the key journey of 3x3’s entry into the Olympics, as well as the thrilling battles at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games.

The Road to Olympic Inclusion for 3x3

• 2007: FIBA begins researching standardization of 3x3 rules
• 2010: 3x3 is first included at the Singapore Youth Olympic Games as a demonstration event
• 2012: FIBA launches the 3x3 World Tour
• 2017: IOC officially announces inclusion in the Tokyo Olympics
• 2020/2021: Tokyo Olympics (postponed one year due to the pandemic) hosts the inaugural 3x3 tournament
• 2024: Paris Olympics continues 3x3, held at an outdoor venue at Place de la Concorde

Tokyo 2020 Olympics Review

Men’s Division

Gold: Latvia (inaugural Olympic 3x3 gold medalists)
Silver: Russian Olympic Committee (ROC)
Bronze: Serbia

Led by Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, Latvia defeated the ROC 21-18 in the final to claim the first gold medal in Olympic 3x3 history. Their hallmark was exceptional team play and outside shooting accuracy—every player could knock down three-pointers (scored as “2-point shots” under 3x3 rules).

Women’s Division

Gold: United States
Silver: Russian Olympic Committee (ROC)
Bronze: China

The Chinese women’s team captured the bronze medal, the best Olympic result for Asia in 3x3.

Paris 2024 Olympics Highlights

Men’s Division

Gold: Netherlands (first gold, Cinderella team)
Silver: France (host nation, silver medal)
Bronze: Lithuania

The Netherlands shocked the field to win the title, powered by the individual brilliance of Worthy de Jong and Arvin Slagter, defeating France 21-18 in the final.

Women’s Division

Gold: Germany (first gold)
Silver: Spain
Bronze: United States

Key Observations Across the Two Olympics

The Unique Appeal of Olympic 3x3

• Venue setup: Deliberately held outdoors in city centers to create a street-culture atmosphere
• Music and rhythm: Music plays continuously during games, similar to street basketball culture
• Fast pace: Each game lasts only 10 minutes, making for excellent viewing
• Tactical transparency: The 12-second shot clock makes it easier for fans to understand tactical intent

Taiwan’s Road to Olympic 3x3

Neither Taiwan’s men’s nor women’s teams have yet qualified for the Olympics. To reach the Games, teams must rank high in the FIBA 3x3 world rankings or advance through Olympic qualifying tournaments. The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association has been actively fielding teams in international competitions in recent years, and the next 4-8 years will be crucial.

Practical Advice

• To learn about 3x3: Subscribe to the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel
• To get involved: Register for domestic 3x3 tournaments (such as the National 3x3 Street Basketball King)
• To watch highlights: Search for “3x3 Olympics highlights”
• To study tactics: Latvia and the Netherlands’ games are textbook material

Conclusion

3x3’s inclusion in the Olympics symbolizes that street basketball has finally earned the highest recognition in the sports world. From Tokyo to Paris, this event is growing rapidly—not just among players, but the spectator culture differs from 5x5 as well. At the next edition, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, 3x3 will return to one of basketball’s birthplaces, and an even more spectacular showing is expected. Taiwanese fans might as well start following now and cultivate an appreciation for 3x3.

Related Reading

• 3x3 vs 5x5: A Comprehensive Comparison of Rules, Pace, and Player Demands
• BMX Competitive Techniques and Full Analysis of Olympic Events
• The Olympic History of Cycling: Evolution of Olympic Cycling Events from 1896 to Today
• Taiwan Swimming Team’s Olympic Results Over the Years: Review and Outlook