The Ghetto Games festival will turn Ventspils upside down!
10.06.2025 - 09:16
From July 18 to 20, Ventspils will host the Ghetto Games Festival (GGFEST), which will take place for the thirteenth time this year and gather more than 1,000 participants from 30 countries across 18 sports disciplines.
This year's GGFEST program includes several new sports and activities, expanding the festival's athletic spectrum and offering even more opportunities for visitors to get involved. "Man Games" and "Norathlon" will be a true test of strength, endurance, and team spirit for the boldest participants. For the first time, tennis and pickleball-dynamic and exciting sports that have gained huge popularity worldwide in recent years-will be included. Both amateurs and experienced players will be welcome. Everyone will have the chance to try pickleball or tennis and possibly even join a tournament for the first time.
"For more than ten years, we've shared a common goal: to inspire, support, and create opportunities for youth to grow through sport and culture. The Ghetto Games movement brings together exceptional, talented, and athletic individuals who not only create grand street sports and culture events but also leave a lasting impact on thousands of young people across Latvia. We are pleased to support Ghetto Games and, as tradition, welcome the main events of this festival in Ventspils. It is a highly anticipated and significant part of our city's summer event calendar," says Guntis Blumbergs, First Deputy Chairman of the Ventspils City Municipality Council for cooperation matters. Equally exciting will be the familiar Ghetto Basket and Ghetto Football zones, which have become an integral part of the festival. The 3x3 grassroots basketball tournament will be joined by the U21 Nations League, featuring teams from five different countries. In the Pro Group of the 3x3 basketball Quest tournament, players will compete for a ticket to the Lausanne tournament in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the 3x3 grassroots football tournament will run in parallel with the LVAGROO ISFA Masters tournament, attracting international teams competing for a €5,000 prize fund. "I'm proud to announce that this year the U21 Nations League will be held in Ventspils. We've also launched collaborations with several new sports, expanding GGFEST and giving even more young people the chance to find their path in sport. And yes, 13 is my favorite number-it brings luck. We won't just continue what we started-we'll take it to a whole new level. This year will be unlike anything we've done before," emphasizes Ghetto Games founder Raimonds Elbakjans.
"For more than ten years, we've shared a common goal: to inspire, support, and create opportunities for youth to grow through sport and culture. The Ghetto Games movement brings together exceptional, talented, and athletic individuals who not only create grand street sports and culture events but also leave a lasting impact on thousands of young people across Latvia. We are pleased to support Ghetto Games and, as tradition, welcome the main events of this festival in Ventspils. It is a highly anticipated and significant part of our city's summer event calendar," says Guntis Blumbergs, First Deputy Chairman of the Ventspils City Municipality Council for cooperation matters. Equally exciting will be the familiar Ghetto Basket and Ghetto Football zones, which have become an integral part of the festival. The 3x3 grassroots basketball tournament will be joined by the U21 Nations League, featuring teams from five different countries. In the Pro Group of the 3x3 basketball Quest tournament, players will compete for a ticket to the Lausanne tournament in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the 3x3 grassroots football tournament will run in parallel with the LVAGROO ISFA Masters tournament, attracting international teams competing for a €5,000 prize fund. "I'm proud to announce that this year the U21 Nations League will be held in Ventspils. We've also launched collaborations with several new sports, expanding GGFEST and giving even more young people the chance to find their path in sport. And yes, 13 is my favorite number-it brings luck. We won't just continue what we started-we'll take it to a whole new level. This year will be unlike anything we've done before," emphasizes Ghetto Games founder Raimonds Elbakjans.
Ghetto Dance will also draw special attention this year with a unique guest: for the first time ever, one of the world's top 5 hip-hop dancers, Jimmy Yudat from France, will visit Latvia. A living hip-hop dance legend, Jimmy has witnessed several generations of dancers and still actively performs. This year, he won two of the most prestigious global dance battles-Juste Debout and Summer Dance Forever. The festival program will feature more than 18 sports, including the well-known Ghetto Fight, as well as skateboarding, BMX park, inline skating, and extreme scooter competitions in the skate park. As part of GGFEST, a young designers' quarter will be set up in collaboration with Bourzma, where visitors can meet talented new designers and purchase unique clothing and accessories. When adrenaline hits its peak, hunger will be tackled by the Ghetto Food Festival-a special section of the event that guarantees satisfaction for both extreme sports lovers and street food gourmets. From juicy burgers to fresh vegetarian dishes, everyone will find their own flavor adventure.
GGFEST is not just a sports competition-it's a wide-ranging street culture and entertainment experience for the whole family. The festival will offer activities for all ages, from the youngest visitors to extreme sports fans and pro athletes. A child-friendly zone will be available, and every visitor will have the chance to participate in workshops to try various sports disciplines or creative activities.
More information about the festival program, venues, and registration is available on the official website: www.ggfest.com
Please note that photography and/or filming may take place during the event to ensure the festival's visibility, publicity, and promotion of Ghetto Games activities. By attending the Ghetto Games Festival, you agree that you may be photographed or filmed.
