Since the inception of International Championships back in 2017, European players have always defended the title at home, with all finalists being Italian or Spanish. When it comes to the other regions, Team Europe has been present within the top 8 at all 9 overseas Internationals as well, having won twice in Melbourne 2018 (Alessio Y. Boschetto of Italy) and 2019 (Eduardo Cunha of Portugal).

When it comes to Worlds, Europe has had at least one Worlds top 8 finish every year since 2011, too — even in 2015, when Japan swept the stage, Germany’s Lajos Woltersdorf snagged an 8th place. However, despite being home to some of the World’s most renown players (and countries, collectively), Europe only holds one championship under Arash Ommati of Italy‘s win in 2013.

Since then, Europe has not fought any Worlds finals, but several top 4 finishes have been earned: Nils Dunlop (Sweden) in 2018, Markus Stadter (Germany) and Eduardo Cunha (Portugal) in 2016, and Markus Liu (Germany) in 2014. With more than 130 invitees, team Europe is eager to bring home another 1st Place trophy — and chances are it’s going back to Italy.