Press Release 19th June 2026

BILLA Grätzel Games 2026: young talents showcased their skills at the final in Vienna’s Heumarkt

At the grand final of the BILLA Grätzel Games 2026, Vienna’s Heumarkt became a stage for young ball sports talents from across the city. As part of the 3x3 VIENNA event, the top three children from each of the eight previously visited neighborhoods competed against each other in four age categories: U8 girls, U8 boys, U11 girls and U11 boys. A total of 96 children demonstrated their skills in a stations-based format across the sports of football, basketball, volleyball and handball. The winners received trophies, medals and goodie bags from BILLA.

A group of children holding trophies and certificates stand on a podium displaying first, second, and third places. They are wearing yellow shirts with black trousers. Several adults stand beside them, all smiling and posing for the photo. Banners and a large basketball graphic are visible in the background.

From left to right: Roman Tullis (BILLA Partnership Management), Alexander Poropatits-Anderl (BILLA Sales Director), Yvonne Rychly (Member of the Vienna State Parliament), and Daniel Hupfer (BILLA Grätzel Games Project Lead). / Copyright: © BILLA AG/Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

The final of the BILLA Grätzel Games 2026 took place on June 14 as part of the 3x3 VIENNA event at Heumarkt in Vienna’s 3rd district
A total of 96 children from eight Viennese neighborhoods competed in football, basketball, volleyball and handball
Winners were determined in four different age categories and received great prizes

“The BILLA Grätzel Games show how much enthusiasm for physical activity and ball sports exists in Vienna’s neighborhoods. I am very pleased that with this format we can reach children directly in their local environment, inspire them to enjoy physical activity, and at the same time provide a stage for them to showcase their athletic abilities,” explains BILLA Sales Director Alexander Poropatits-Anderl.

Strong performances and political support

The young participants also impressed at the final with great dedication, skill and team spirit. In the U8 girls category, Ayesha Arhasan from Brigittenau secured first place ahead of Laura Platzer and Lea Brey (both from Döbling). In the U11 girls category, Louisa Grestehner from Döbling won ahead of Nada Nicolic from Meidling and Benina Polt from Floridsdorf. In the U8 boys category, Luis Fauck from Meidling took first place, followed by Alessio Wurm and Valentin Wurm (both from Floridsdorf). In the U11 boys category, Wendelin Panholzer from Leopoldstadt won ahead of Ferdinand Panholzer and Matteo Pleva, both also from Leopoldstadt.

Yvonne Rychly, Member of the Vienna State Parliament, highlights the importance of initiatives such as the Grätzel Games: “These games are very important to us because they allow us to inspire young people to engage in exercise and sports again—low-threshold, free of charge, and directly in public spaces. Sport is not only key for health prevention but also strengthens social interaction: you learn to win and lose together. These experiences are essential for healthy development.”