The First Men's Club Rink Hockey World Championship 2025, launched this year by World Skate, concluded in spectacular fashion on October 5th at the Aldo Cantoni stadium in San Juan, Argentina, with Sporting CP defeating FC Barcelona 3-2 in a dramatic final that captivated a sold-out crowd of over 4,300 spectators. The five-day tournament, which ran from October 1-5, showcased the elite level of club rink hockey and reinforced the sport's passionate global following.
A Final for the Ages
The championship match lived up to its billing as a clash between two European powerhouses. Sporting CP, who had faced Barcelona during the group stage and lost 3-1, turned the tables when it mattered most. The Portuguese club demonstrated resilience and tactical excellence throughout the 50-minute contest, ultimately securing their world title with a 3-2 victory.
The Aldo Cantoni stadium provided an electric atmosphere, with fans filling every seat in the venue. The passion for rink hockey was palpable from the opening whistle to the final buzzer, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the crowning of world champions.
Earlier in the day, OC Barcelos of Portugal claimed the bronze medal with a commanding 10-4 victory over Spain's Centro Valenciano, capping off their successful tournament campaign.
Tournament Overview: Eight Clubs, One Champion
The 2025 edition brought together eight of the world's premier club teams, divided into two groups of four. The competition format saw each team play three group stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Group A featured FC Barcelona (Spain), Sporting CP (Portugal), Andes Talleres (Argentina), and Olimpia (Paraguay). Barcelona dominated the group with a perfect 9-point record, scoring 16 goals while conceding just 5. Sporting CP secured second place with 6 points, setting up their semifinal matchup.
Group B saw OC Barcelos (Portugal) finish top with 9 points and an impressive +13 goal difference, followed by Centro Valenciano (Spain) with 6 points. Melbourne Roller Hockey Club (Australia) and HC San Jorge (Argentina) completed the group, with both teams showing competitive spirit despite not advancing to the knockout rounds.
The Road to Glory
The tournament's first phase, spanning October 1-3, delivered consistently exciting matches. Notable results included Barcelona's 9-1 statement victory over Andes Talleres, Sporting CP's 7-3 opening win against Olimpia, and OC Barcelos' strong 6-2 performance against Centro Valenciano.
The semifinals on October 4th set the stage for the final showdown. Sporting CP overcame OC Barcelos 3-1 in a tightly contested match, while FC Barcelona cruised past Centro Valenciano 5-0, demonstrating the form that had made them group stage favorites.
San Juan: The Perfect Host
The city of San Juan proved to be an exceptional host for the world championship. From the opening matches to the final whistle, the Aldo Cantoni stadium was consistently filled with enthusiastic supporters. The atmosphere created by the Argentine public, combined with traveling fans from participating nations, generated an authentic celebration of rink hockey culture.
The sold-out final, with more than 4,300 spectators, represented not only the passion for the sport in Argentina but also the global appeal of club rink hockey at its highest level. The event's success demonstrated the continued growth and relevance of rink hockey worldwide, particularly in traditional strongholds like South America and Europe.
Complete Final Standings
🥇Sporting CP (Portugal)
🥈FC Barcelona (Spain)
🥉OC Barcelos (Portugal)
4th Place Centro Valenciano (Argenrina)
5th Place - HC San Jorge (Chile)
6th Place - Olimpia (Argentina)
7th Place - Melbourne Roller Hockey Club (Australia)
8th Place - Andes Talleres (Argentina)
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Men's Club Rink Hockey World Championship in San Juan has once again confirmed the sport's status as one of the most dynamic and emotionally engaging team sports in the World Skate family. With passionate crowds, elite athleticism, and dramatic competition, the tournament delivered on all fronts.
World Skate congratulates Sporting CP on their world title, thanks all participating clubs for their exceptional level of play, and extends gratitude to the National Federation in Argentina, the city of San Juan, the organizing committee, and the passionate fans who made this championship an unforgettable success.
The rink hockey world now looks ahead to future editions, where the next generation of club champions will write their own chapters in this storied competition's history.
