Ballers Empire crowned national champions in Guinness Street football

Ballers Empire secured a momentous victory at the National Cultural Centre tarmac on Friday night, defeating Leopold Street in a high-octane final to be crowned the new Guinness Greatness of the Streets national champions.

The East Bank and West Demerara zone champions walked away with the $1,000,000 national grand prize after a gruelling night of action that tested the stamina and resolve of Guyana’s elite street football teams.

Their journey to the summit was defined by clinical finishing and an ability to navigate high-pressure situations, culminating in a -1 victory over Georgetown’s Leopold Street in the final showdown.

The night began with an explosive quarter-final round that saw regional heavyweights fall by the wayside.

Ballers Empire signalled their intent early with a commanding 3-1 win over Island All-Stars, while Bent Street B matched that scoreline to eliminate Linden’s Swag Entertainment.

Elsewhere, Supenaam All-Stars kept Essequibo’s hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Berbice’s Ballers United, and Leopold Street survived a five-goal thriller to edge out Mighty Ruler of Bartica 3-2.

The semi-finals proved to be an even tighter affair as the stakes intensified. Ballers Empire found themselves locked in a tactical 1-1 stalemate with Bent Street B, eventually breaking through to the final.

On the other side of the bracket, Leopold Street and Supenaam All-Stars could not be separated after regulation time, finishing goalless. It was the Georgetown side that held their nerve in the ensuing shootout, progressing with a 1-0 win on penalties.

In the championship match, Leopold Street fought valiantly to keep the trophy in the capital, but they were ultimately undone by the relentless pace of Ballers Empire.

The 2-1 result sparked wild celebrations for the ETB/WBD representatives, while Leopold Street collected $400,000 for their second-place finish.

The third-place playoff was a repeat of the night’s trend of narrow margins. Bent Street B and Supenaam All-Stars played to a 1-1 draw, forcing yet another penalty shootout.

Bent Street B emerged 2-1 victors from the spot to claim the $200,000 prize, leaving the spirited Supenaam side with fourth place and $100,000.