While just about every esports fan is at minimum aware of the role NBA 2k plays in the esports world, very few have heard of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and their esports competitions. That’s despite the fact that the associated esports competition, the FIBA Esports Open II is now already in its second iteration.
38 national teams are part of the 6 regional events taking place over this fall. The first three have already taken place last weekend – specifically, the African, Middle-Eastern and SEA regions. The final three conferences are set for December 12th for European players, and 19th and 20th of December for North and South America.
Matches are played in the NBA 2k21, Pro-AM mode. This game and mode feature competitions of seven players, five of them on the field and two reserves. The entire event is held entirely remotely.
In the first iteration of this competition, five conferences took place with Italy, Argentina, Australia, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines winning the regional titles. The inaugural event was a three-day competition back in June that mostly flew under our radars. This time around all five winning nations are back to compete as well as an additional 21 nationals.
At least two trophy defenders are already set in Australia and Saudi Arabia, as they both successfully defended their titles. A new African conference champion was crowned with Cote d’Ivoire, rounding out the first phase of the competition.
You can watch the entire VOD below.
The European competition is by far the largest of the six regions. A total 18 national teams defending their colors is a large step up from the 8 back in July.
Italy is the reigning defending champion with Germany and Great Britain looking to heavily contest this time around. Due to the large amount of teams in EU, a group stage will be held with four competitive groups deciding the 8 Playoffs teams. A single elimination bracket will then seed the best two teams from each group and play out the final portion of the competition.
The groups are divided as follows:
© FIBA
Based on performances by individual players and teams thus far, Germany and Russia are the favorites in Group A, Turkey and Austria in Group B, Great Britain and Italy in Group C and Portugal and Spain in Group D.
If you find the event featured at any of our featured esports betting sites, these are the eight favorites you should be aiming for.
Team USA has been getting some attention in preparation of its upcoming battles. Just looking at the names on the roster, you know team USA is going for an ultimate Dream Team, set to absolutely dominate the competition. Players had to fight for their spots as well during a two-day tryout earlier in November. In essence, the entire NBA2k League talent and members was pretty much part of selecting the USA team this time around.
For the competition, they were able to sign players from NBA 2k pro leagues, including Rafel “Crush” Davis (Kings Guard Gaming), Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey (Raptors Uprising GC), Malik “OriginalMalik” Hobson (Knicks Gaming), Ramo “Ramo” Radoncic (Pistons GT), Spencer “Ria” Wyman (Jazz Gaming), and 2020 NBA 2K League Draft top pick John “JBM” Mascone (Wizards District Gaming).
Wendi “ALittleLady87” Fleming (BallHerAlert) and two additional reserve alternates Aaron “Arooks” Rookwood (Bucks Gaming), Mihad “FEAST” Feratovic (T-Wolves Gaming), and Brianna “icygrl” Novin (BallHerAlert) are also part of the final USA Dream Team.
Their biggest favorite is team Canada in both the group and bracket stage.
Read next: Next Gen consoles will impact esports in a big way
LOL
CS2
Dota 2
Valorant
Fortnite
Overwatch 2
StarCraft
Call of Duty
EN Global 
JP 日本語
BR Português