Malta has officially been selected to host the sixth edition of the NAF World Cup in 2027, the world’s largest and most prestigious Blood Bowl tournament. The announcement was made by GMR in collaboration with the Maltese Blood Bowl Federation (MBBF), confirming the island as the destination for an event that takes place every four years and attracts enthusiasts from across the globe.
Blood Bowl, created by Games Workshop in 1986, is a tabletop miniatures game that combines American football strategy with fantasy Warhammer races such as orcs, elves, and dwarves. Players assemble, customise, and paint their teams, competing in casual games, competitive leagues, and international tournaments. The turn-based format requires strategic planning, risk management, and sportsmanship.
Malta’s successful bid faced competition from Dallas (USA), Dijon (France), and Oamaru (New Zealand). After an extensive voting process, the global community selected Malta, citing the country’s accessible location, modern venues, and the experience of the GMR and MBBF teams. The tournament is expected to attract over 5,500 visitors, including 2,500 players and around 3,000 supporters, families, and enthusiasts. Thousands more will follow the event online through live streams.
Jean Mark Meli, President of the Maltese Blood Bowl Federation, expressed his excitement:
“I am delighted that Malta has been chosen to host the 2027 NAF World Cup, a quadrennial event in its sixth iteration that inspired the creation of our federation. Over the past decade, we have nurtured an incredible community of passionate individuals who have competed internationally, explored diverse cultures, and forged global friendships. The World Cup is a celebration of both competitive and casual T-Sports, and the prospect of welcoming over 5,000 enthusiasts while showcasing our country fills me with immense pride and fulfils a long-held dream.”
Kersten James Chicop, Director at GMR, added:
“GMR is thrilled and honoured to welcome the NAF World Cup to Malta in 2027! We recognise the prestige of this event and are excited to partner with the Maltese Blood Bowl Federation to ensure its success. Our team has worked hard to pitch Malta among top countries like the USA, France, and New Zealand, and we look forward to showcasing Malta’s beauty and hospitality while hosting a world-class tournament. We promise to make the 2027 NAF World Cup a truly memorable event for everyone involved.”
Malta has already established itself as a hub for tabletop sports, commonly known as T-sports, through events such as EuroBowl 2022, which attracted over 450 players. The country’s competitive Blood Bowl community has also achieved international recognition, tying for third place at the 2024 European Championship in Athens.
The NAF World Cup 2027 will further strengthen Malta’s position in the global T-sports scene and provide a platform for both competitive and casual players to engage, learn, and share their passion for the game. Preparations for the event are underway, with details on scheduling, ticketing, and accommodations to be released in the coming months. GMR is working closely with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the tournament benefits both participants and the local economy.
