Malta has won the bid to host the sixth edition of the NAF World Cup, the world’s largest Blood Bowl tournament, in 2027.
Created in 1986 by Games Workshop, Blood Bowl is a tabletop miniatures, turn-based game blending American football strategy with Warhammer fantasy races like orcs, elves, and dwarves.
Using customisable fantasy characters with different abilities, players attempt to outscore each other by entering their opponent’s zone with the ball. They are also able to carry out a range of actions, including injuring the opponents, based on their characters’ abilities, and the game entails a high level of tactical planning.
The selection process for the 2027 World Cup saw Malta compete against Dallas (USA), Dijon (France) and Oamaru (New Zealand).
After an extensive voting process, the global community overwhelmingly supported Malta’s bid, recognising its excellent venue, strategic location, and strong event organisational team at GMR.
The tournament is set to welcome over 2,500 players and around 3,000 more attendees, including families, team support and other tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
GMR said this will be the biggest tabletop gaming event ever hosted in Malta.
“I am delighted that Malta has been chosen to host the 2027 NAF World Cup, a quadrennial event in it’s sixth iteration that inspired the creation of our federation,” Maltese Blood Bowl Federation President Jean Mark Meli said.
"Over the past decade, we've 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 fulfills a long-held dream.”
“Malta's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal hub for such an event. We aim to elevate tabletop gaming from a niche hobby to a widely embraced pastime.”
“By hosting this prestigious tournament, we hope to inspire a new generation of local enthusiasts and solidify Malta's position as a premier destination for gaming events”
Kersten James Chicop, Director at GMR, said it is excited to partner with the Maltese Blood Bowl Federation to welcome the NAF World Cup to Malta.
"GMR has a proven track record of organising high-quality events, and we are confident that our experience in esports and large-scale events, combined with the passion and expertise of the Federation, will deliver an unforgettable experience for all participants and attendees,” he said.
“Our team of experts has worked hard to pitch Malta amongst top countries like the USA, France, and New Zealand and now 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."
