World Streetball Championship
Paris – The world’s most iconic streetball tournament, Quai 54, kicked off in spectacular fashion this Saturday in a legendary setting: the Roland-Garros stadium. Known globally for hosting tennis royalty, the venue has been transformed into a buzzing urban arena where streetball meets hip-hop, culture, and community.
Quai 54: The Origins
Founded in 2003 by Hammadoun Sidibé and Thibaut de Longeville, Quai 54 has grown into a global celebration of sport and street culture. The event was named after the Parisian bus stop “Quai 54,” its original meeting point, and has since evolved from outdoor courts to prestigious locations like the Trocadéro and now Roland-Garros.
Each edition brings together elite basketball players from across the globe, top-tier DJs, dancers, and artists, offering an electric mix of competition, music, and cultural pride.
Cape Verde’s 50 years of Independence
This year’s opening day carried special emotional weight: it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence, turning the court into a powerful tribute to the island nation’s resilience and identity.
Team Hello Cabo Verde
The Cape Verdean team on the court, Team Hello Cabo Verde, proudly represented the country as part of the second edition (Special 50 yrs) of the Cabo Verde Sports Festival: The first national initiative connecting sport, education, and tourism. Taking place from July to October 2025, the festival spans events across Cape Verde and its diaspora, highlighting talent, unity, and the nation’s cultural heritage.
Just before tip-off, the stadium rose to hear the Cape Verdean national anthem, performed live by Lucyle Cruz. That was followed by a breathtaking batuku performance — a traditional dance deeply rooted in Cape Verdean history. The entire venue pulsed to the rhythm, uniting players, fans, and artists in a shared moment of celebration.
Will Tavares
Among those on the court, William Tavares — younger brother of NBA and Real Madrid star Edy Tavares — played a key role in the symbolic matchup. Speaking with Seneweb after the game, William was visibly moved:
“For me, it was priceless to be here for the first time, and to do it on a day that means so much to Cape Verdeans. It meant everything. I’m still shaking, honestly. It was an incredible feeling.”
Asked what makes Quai 54 so unique, he added:
“It’s super special. The people, the crowd, the vibe — it’s all so welcoming. It was an amazing experience just being here.”
Currently on the lookout for new opportunities, Tavares also shared his on-court strengths:
“I’m a 4 or 5 who can shoot and dribble. I can drive, shoot, do it all… I can play like a big, but handle the ball too. The game comes to me, so I just go with the flow.”
Representing his country on such a global stage is a responsibility he embraces fully:
“I can’t even put it into words. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m here enjoying every second with my people. It really means the world to me.”
William’s love for basketball was born out of a sense of protection for his brother:
“I started playing to protect Edy. Watching him struggle made me want to step up. Then I fell in love with the game. Since then, it’s been pure joy.”
He also made his long-term mission clear:
“My dream is to take Cape Verde as far as possible and grow — both as a player and as a person.”
Now in its 22nd edition, Quai 54 continues to be more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration of excellence, culture, and connection — a place where the court becomes a canvas.
And on this July 5, Cape Verde shined with pride, purpose, and the unmistakable rhythm of batuku
