The Challenger Teqball League continued in spectacular fashion on the French Riviera, as the Monaco stop was hosted in the neighbouring French town of Menton. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stade Lucien Rein, just 100 metres from the picturesque Les Sablettes beach, the tournament combined world-class competition with one of the most unique outdoor venues on the international teqball calendar.

 

Over three days of competition, 40 athletes from 11 countries – Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine – competed in Women's Doubles, Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Alongside many of the world's leading players, the event also provided valuable international experience for emerging talents looking to establish themselves on the Challenger Teqball League circuit.

 

Although competitors had to contend with extremely high temperatures throughout the weekend, the level of play remained exceptional. From the quarter-finals onwards, every match reflected the intensity, technical quality and competitiveness expected at the highest level of international teqball.

 

Women's Doubles

 

The Women's Doubles competition produced one of the tournament's biggest surprises during the group stage, when Adriana Kecerova (SVK) and Ewa Kaminska (POL) defeated the Portuguese-Italian pairing of Carolina Clemente (POR) and Eleonora Cunsuolo (ITA). That victory proved decisive in securing a place in the semi-finals before the Slovakian-Polish duo eventually celebrated a well-deserved podium finish.

 

The final featured the two pre-tournament favourites and fully lived up to expectations. Kinga Barabasi (ROU) and Nora Vicsek (HUN) faced Krisztina Acs (HUN) and Gabriella Kota (HUN) in a closely contested encounter that could have gone either way. Barabasi and Vicsek adapted more quickly to the demanding outdoor conditions and the intense Mediterranean heat, while Acs and Kota were unable to establish their usual aggressive attacking rhythm. Their consistency ultimately earned Barabasi and Vicsek another important Challenger Teqball League title.

 

Men's Doubles

 

The top-seeded pairing of Marek Pokwap (POL) and Apor Gyorgydeak (ROU) confirmed their status as favourites by progressing confidently to the final, but the battle behind them was fiercely contested. Among the strongest challengers were Adam Blazsovics (HUN) and Balazs Katz (HUN), Gergo Dombai (HUN) and Soma Cseri (HUN), as well as one of the biggest revelations of the 2026 season, Stefan Orlowski (POL) and Nikola Mitro (SRB). The Serbian-Polish partnership has quickly become one of the most exciting combinations on the international circuit, blending youth, creativity and maturity with outstanding on-table chemistry.

 

Both semi-finals ranked among the finest matches of the tournament. Orlowski and Mitro edged Blazsovics and Katz in a thrilling three-set battle, while Pokwap and Gyorgydeak overcame Dombai and Cseri in another dramatic encounter that also required a deciding third set.

 

The final was a rematch of the Men's Doubles title match from the previous Challenger Teqball League event in Baile Homorod, once again bringing together Pokwap and Gyorgydeak against Orlowski and Mitro. This time, however, the Polish-Romanian duo executed an excellent tactical game plan, controlling the key moments and securing a straight-set victory to lift another Challenger Teqball League trophy.

 

Mixed Doubles

 

The Mixed Doubles competition once again proved to be one of the most unpredictable events of the weekend. Several pairs demonstrated exceptional quality, while one of the biggest surprises came in the quarter-finals, where Nora Vicsek (HUN) and Marek Pokwap (POL) were eliminated, leaving the draw completely open.

 

Despite the unpredictable nature of the competition, the reigning World Champions Apor Gyorgydeak (ROU) and Kinga Barabasi (ROU) once again confirmed their dominance. They progressed confidently to the final, where they defeated Krisztina Acs (HUN) and Soma Cseri (HUN) to secure another international title.

 

Acs and Cseri also deserve special recognition for their outstanding tournament, consistently producing high-quality teqball throughout the weekend and earning a well-deserved runners-up finish.

 

Historic Milestones on the French Riviera for

 

The Challenger Teqball League – Monaco also became the stage for two remarkable career milestones. Gobek Teqball Team athletes Apor Gyorgydeak (ROU) and Kinga Barabasi (ROU) both reached historic achievements during the event. Gyorgydeak celebrated the 100th tournament title of his career, becoming the only player in the history of the sport to reach this extraordinary milestone. Barabasi, meanwhile, claimed the 50th tournament title of her career, further cementing her place among the most successful female athletes in international Teqball. These landmark victories added even greater significance to an already unforgettable weekend in Menton.

 

Another Successful Challenger Teqball League Event

 

Despite the demanding weather conditions, the Challenger Teqball League – Monaco once again delivered a memorable weekend of world-class teqball. The spectacular outdoor venue on the French Riviera, the strong international field and the outstanding quality of matches reinforced the growing prestige of the Challenger Teqball League, while once again highlighting its importance in providing valuable international competition for both established stars and the next generation of elite players.

 

The next stop of the Challenger Teqball League will take place in Gijon, Spain, where the series continues with another exciting chapter. Fans who cannot attend in person will once again be able to follow the decisive matches live on TEQ TV, the official YouTube channel of FITEQ. Stay tuned!