Elite Invite 2026 - Preview

2025 Elite Invite Leuven © European Ultimate Federation / Oliver Hülshorst

The 2026 European Ultimate Club Season (EUCS) heads to Leuven, Belgium, this weekend for the Elite Invite. Following an intense opening at the Spring Tour, this three-day tournament (Saturday to Monday) brings together the continent's top-seeded programs. With several teams making their season debuts and others looking to avenge Spring Tour losses, the stakes for continental rankings are high.

Streaming:

All games will be streamed. Make sure to get your Season pass if you have not done so already. → https://live.ultimatefedeation.eu

We stream with 3 different qualities and try to bring all games to you. 

• Field 1: AI Camera

• Field 2: Premium production including Commentary

• Field 3/4: Handheld camera

Format

All three divisions have the same Format:

• Two pools of 4 play round robin

• The top two go into the semifinals to earn the Elite Invite trophy

Full schedule here: https://elite-invite.ultimatefederation.eu

Here are the primary storylines to track across the broadcast schedule.

Saturday: 23rd of May

10:30 – (2) Mooncup vs. (7) JinX Midnight (Women)

This is a rematch of the 2025 Elite Invite finale, where JinX won 15-9. Mooncup enters as the #1 ranked team after winning the Spring Tour in Grenoble, while JinX is making their season debut with an influx of international talent.

• Eva Bornot returns to Mooncup after a stint with JinX last season, joining her sister Lison in a high-powered backfield.

• JinX has won 3 of the 4 previous editions. They add Cynthia Döös (SUI) and Grazyna Chlebicka (POL) to bolster an already veteran roster.

• Players to Watch: Anna Gerner (JinX #17) and Carmen La Gala (Mooncup #32).

12:15 – (3) Tiefseetaucher vs. (6) Tartu Turbulence (Mixed)

The defending champions, Tiefseetaucher, arrive fresh off an undefeated run at Spring Tour Padova, characterised by three universe-point wins. They face a Tartu Turbulence team making its 2026 debut.

• Tiefseetaucher adds Tom Blasman (from GRUT) and Yannik Rincker. Tartu counters with US standout Tannor Johnson-Go (2024 Mixed Player of the Year) and Becky Thompson (GBR).

• Players to Watch: Dennis Holzer (Tiefseetaucher #14) vs. Jakob Tamm (Tartu #7).

14:00 – (3) Clapham vs. (6) GRUT (Open)

Neither side played a Spring Tour stop, but Clapham took two narrow wins over GRUT at the GRUT Invite earlier this spring.

• Steven Chang, a staple for GRUT in recent years, now suits up for the London side.

• Players to Watch: Josh Briggs (Clapham #13) and Jelte Derks (GRUT #91), the reigning European Breakout Player of the Year.

15:45 – (1) BFD Shout vs. (5) GRUT (Women)

A critical test for the reigning European Champions. GRUT beat Shout 14-10 in Grenoble, marking their first-ever EUCS win over the Italian giants. Shout has looked vulnerable, needing universe points to survive against YAKA recently.

• Shout adds Kaela Helton (USA), while GRUT brings in Verena Woloson (GER/USA).

• Players to Watch: Floor Keulartz (GRUT #11) and Charlotte Schall (Shout #75).

17:30 – (1) Mosquitos vs. (5) Padova Rangers (Mixed)

The reigning European Champions, Mosquitos, look to bounce back from a universe-point loss to Tiefseetaucher in Spring Tour Padova. They face a Rangers squad that will be missing several US additions who are currently prioritizing WUCC preparations.

• Players to Watch: Johanna Roy (Mosquitos #37) and the ambidextrous Alberto Girotto (Rangers #17).

Sunday: 24th of May

09:30 – (2) Deep Space vs. (3) Tiefseetaucher (Mixed)

A rematch of the 2024 EUCF final. While Deep Space holds the historical edge in major finals, Tiefseetaucher typically performs better in early-season matchups, including a 14-13 win in Padova last month.

• The UK side had a turbulent Spring Tour, finishing 3-3 with a surprising loss to the Lemmings.

11:15 – (2) Wall City vs. (3) Clapham (Open)

This is a rematch of the 2025 EUCF semi-final where Wall City famously blew a 12-6 lead before recovering to win 14-13. Clapham has never won the Elite Invite, while Wall City won the inaugural 2022 edition.

• Players to Watch: Paul ‘Business’ Herkens (Wall City #21) and the evergreen Justin Foord (Clapham #28).

13:00 – (6) Iceni vs. (7) JinX Midnight (Women)

Both teams are looking to correct underperformances from the 2025 EUCF (6th and 7th place respectively). Iceni comes in with momentum after a strong run to the final of Spring Tour Birmingham.

Sunday Afternoon: Semifinals

• 14:45 Mixed Semis

• 16:30 Open Semis

• 18:15 Women’s Semis

Monday: Finals

• 11:00 Open Finals

• 12:45 Mixed Finals

• 14:30 Women’s Finals