Elite Invite 2026: Finals Report
2026 Elite Invite Leuven © European Ultimate Federation / Oliver Hülshorst
The Elite Invite 2026 concluded in Leuven with a weekend of high-stakes drama, featuring historic comebacks and hard-fought rematches across all three divisions. Here is the breakdown of the last day!
The Open Final: BFD La Fotta vs. Mooncatchers
Final Score: Mooncatchers Win (completing a comeback from 2–7 down)
Game Breakdown
The Early Blitz: BFD La Fotta came out firing on all cylinders defensively, suffocating the Mooncatchers' offense to take a commanding 7–2 lead. It looked like a blowout was imminent.
The Turning Point: A "huge, weird contested call" at 8–2 (which would have been half) resulted in the disc going back. This swung the momentum entirely. Mooncatchers capitalized on the reprieve, clawing back to 7–5 before the halftime whistle.
The Comeback: Despite "terrible" offensive play from both sides, Mooncatchers relied on their defensive intensity and individual playmaking to stay undefeated for the season.
Player Performances
Mooncatchers:
Toms Abeltins: After a shaky start with two early turnovers, he absolutely took over the second half.
Defense: 3 massive layout blocks + 1 additional block.
Offense: 4 assists to lead the recovery.
Mathieu Mueller: Acted as the ultimate "safety net," rescuing the game with spectacular grabs on errant throws to keep possessions alive.
BFD La Fotta: Defensive Stalwarts
Alberto Laffi: Was the standout for the Italian side, providing crucial plays to "stop the bleeding" and keeping La Fotta in the fight as the Mooncatchers' momentum surged.
The Big Takeaway
Mooncatchers remain the "untouchables" of the 2026 season. Even when faced with a 5-point deficit and a struggling O-line, their ability to generate blocks and find a way to win—even in "ugly" games—proves why they are currently the best in Europe.
Final Verdict: A legendary comeback sparked by a controversial call and a defensive masterclass from Abeltins. Mooncatchers keep their perfect season alive!
Placement Results
Wall City: Following their pool play victory (15–13) over Clapham, Wall City confirmed their superiority this weekend by taking the 3rd-place spot. This continues a trend from the 2025 EUCF, suggesting the Berliners have successfully decoded the Clapham defense.
Chevron: After being upset by Bristol on Day 1, Chevron Action Flash adjusted their strategy for the 7th-place game. Their defensive pressure and clinical execution led to a decisive 15–10 win.
GRUT: After missing out on the semifinals due to a complex three-way tie-break in Pool B, GRUT managed to refocus. They held off the Italians, Cotarica Grandes, in a 15–12 battle to claim 5th.
The Mixed Final: Tiefseetaucher vs Tartu Turbulence
The Mixed Grand Final was a game for the history books, but it was the individual star power and new faces that truly defined this "instant classic". While Tiefseetaucher became the first two-time Elite Invite champions in the Mixed Division, Tartu Turbulence proved they have built a roster capable of toppling anyone.
Here is a deeper look at the athletes who shaped the final:
Tartu Turbulence
Tartu didn't just bring their established core; they integrated high-impact international talent that pushed the reigning champs to a universe point.
Marin Raba: Solidifying her reputation as one of the division's premier stars, Raba was the engine of the Estonian offense. Her vision and ability to generate breaks under pressure were vital in Tartu’s climb back into the game.
The New Guard: This tournament marked a significant debut for Tartu’s newest additions, who made an immediate impact:
Tannor Johnson-Go & Caitlin Johnson-Go: Brought a level of North American clinical execution and athletic dominance that gave the German defense fits all game.
Becky Thompson & Tess Johnson: Provided crucial depth and defensive pressure, proving that Tartu has successfully expanded their rotation to compete with the deepest benches in the world.
Tiefseetaucher: The Architects of Victory
To survive a universe-point battle against Tartu, you need leaders who don’t blink. The German side relied on their veterans to navigate the storm.
Holzer & Blasman: These two were virtually inescapable. Denis Holzer acted as the tactical heartbeat, consistently finding resets and moving the disc with a reliability that "stops the bleeding" during high-pressure points. Together with Blasman, they covered an immense amount of ground, ensuring that Tiefseetaucher’s transition defense remained lethal.
Linnea Seibert: While the handlers moved the disc, Seibert was the stabilizing force. Beyond her brilliant pulling—which pinned Tartu deep in their own end repeatedly—her poise on the field allowed the team to reset and stay calm when Tartu threatened to pull away.
The Verdict
The 15–14 scoreline is the ultimate testament to how little there was to choose between these two programs. Tiefseetaucher showed why they are the class of the division by finding that final gear, but with Johnson-Go and Raba firing on all cylinders, the rest of the 2026 season looks set for a collision course between these two again.
Highlight Note: The final point was a grueling display of hot defense from both sides, but Tiefseetaucher's ability to maintain their offensive structure in the most chaotic moments was what finally secured them the gold.
Placement Results
The Bronze Rematch: After a series of tight encounters earlier in the season and during Pool A play (where Mosquitos won 15–10), the Mosquitos managed to get an early lead but ultimately failed to continue their momentum. Rangers came back from a 3:8 deficit to win on a universe point to take the 3rd place.
Leftovers and Disconnection have been trading blows all weekend. After Leftovers took a 15–14 universe point win on Saturday, today’s 5th-place game was just as tight. Leftovers held their nerve to finish 5th, mirroring their pool play.
It was an uncharacteristic weekend for Deep Space, who struggled in a powerhouse Pool B. Their victory over DiscoBolo in the 7th-place game finally puts a Win on the board, ensuring they finish the tournament with positive momentum.
The Womens Final: BFD Shout vs GRUT
Final Score: BFD Shout 14–13 GRUT (Universe Point)
Game Breakdown
GRUT came out with massive energy, reverting to their standard O-line structures from 2025. The familiarity paid off early as they sliced through the Italian defense to take an 8–5 halftime lead. In the second half, BFD Shout adjusted their defensive look. Their zone defense became an unsolvable puzzle for GRUT, forcing the Dutch side to dig deep into their bag of tools just to move the disc. Shout’s defensive pressure eventually forced the turn they needed to take their first lead at 12–11. From there, the teams traded points until the inevitable universe point finale. Just like the Open and Mixed finals, the team that led at halftime (GRUT) couldn't withstand a furious second-half surge from the trailing side.
Player Performances
BFD Shout: Defensive Architects
The Core Trio: Benghi, Shall, and Casserini were the engines. With the zone slowing the game down, they worked tirelessly through their handlers to navigate the GRUT marks.
Sophia Scazzieri: The veteran standout of the match. She delivered the play of the game with a massive layout catch and punctuated her performance by scoring the game-winning goal on universe point.
GRUT: Offensive Firepower
Floor Keulartz: Put on a stellar performance. While Barentin tested her deep and got the better of her on a few defensive plays, Floor was clinical with the disc, recording zero throwing errors—a massive step up in composure for such a high-stakes game.
Lola Damn & Anne Minnard: Both were standout contributors, helping GRUT maintain their composure even as the Shout zone began to tighten the noose.
Coach’s Corner
While a loss hurts, GRUT’s coach, Ian French, likely sees the silver lining. Losing a close game on universe point provides a wealth of high-pressure feedback and specific tactical errors (like the zone struggles) to fix before the peak of the season at EUCF.
Placement Results
The Battle for Bronze: YAKA vs. Mooncup has become one of the most reliable fixtures for intensity. After Mooncup took their pool play matchup 15–10, YAKA made the necessary adjustments in the rematch. In a game defined by small margins and tactical patience, Moonup managed to get the upper hand to take home the bronze.
After a shaky start to the season debut, jinX Midnight found their chemistry when it mattered most. By winning both of their bracket games, they secured 5th place.
Tequila Boom Boom ensured they didn't leave Leuven empty-handed. Their victory over Bristol in the 7th-place game was a display of experience, as they successfully neutralized the energy of the UK side.
Thanks to the hosts: Jet Set Leuven! This was the third and final edition of Elite Invite here!
We are looking forward to see more of this pack of action later in 2026 and at another location in 2027!
