Federation of International Sports Table Football
The Official Global Body for Competitive Subbuteo
The Federation of International Sports Table Football (FISTF) is the world governing body for competitive table football, supporting elite international tournaments, player rankings, and national federations. Founded in 1993, FISTF provides the rules, structure, and platform for players who want to test their skills at the highest level, while working with national associations to grow the game globally. Whether you're chasing trophies or simply looking to take part in official events, FISTF is where the world's top players compete and connect.
What Does FISTF Do?
FISTF is responsible for setting and updating the official rules of sports table football, ensuring consistency and fairness across all recognised events. It oversees the global rankings system for both players and clubs, tracking performance at every level of competition. Each season, FISTF authorises a packed calendar of international tournaments, offering opportunities for players around the world to compete and earn points. Every four years, it also organises the prestigious FISTF World Cup, the pinnacle of the sport. Beyond competition, FISTF actively supports the growth of the game through youth development, national federations, and by working with local clubs to help expand the reach of table football.
Types of FISTF Tournaments
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FISTF offers a structured international tournament circuit, with each event contributing to your official world ranking. At the heart of this calendar is the FISTF World Cup, the most prestigious event, held every four years and featuring both individual and national team competitions across multiple age categories.
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Throughout the season, players can also compete in Grand Prix events. These are top-tier international tournaments hosted in major cities and Subbuteo nations, drawing strong fields of competitors. Alongside them are International Open tournaments, which are open to all players regardless of ranking and provide an excellent entry point for those new to the FISTF circuit.
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Satellite tournaments offer a more accessible option while still awarding ranking points, making them ideal for developing players and local organisers. For club teams, FISTF runs major events like the Champions League and Europa League, thrilling competitions that bring the drama of club rivalry to the international stage.
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To ensure inclusivity, FISTF also supports dedicated competitions for youth players in the U12, U16, and U20 categories, as well as events for veteran players aged 45 and above. This wide variety of tournament formats ensures that players of all backgrounds and abilities have a place on the global stage.
Rankings & Categories
FISTF maintains an up-to-date global ranking system that recognises the achievements of individual players, national teams, and clubs. Rankings are tracked across various categories, including the Open division, Veterans, and Youth age groups, ensuring fair recognition for players at every stage of their Subbuteo journey. Points are awarded based on the level of the tournament, final placement, and the strength of the opponents faced. These rankings are refreshed each season, putting the focus firmly on current performance and ensuring that the top players and clubs in the world are always celebrated.
How to Enter a FISTF Tournament
FISTF tournaments are open to everyone, you don’t need to be a top-ranked player to get involved. Many events are open entry, meaning you can simply find a tournament near you and sign up. Registration is usually handled through your national federation, such as the ESA in England. Once entered, you'll compete using the official rules and earn real international ranking points. Beyond the competition, these events are a fantastic way to meet fellow enthusiasts, learn from others, and become part of the wider Subbuteo community. Whether you're aiming for silverware or just looking to raise your game, there's no better way to grow as a player.
ESA & FISTF​
The English Subbuteo Association (ESA) is a fully affiliated member of FISTF, giving English players and clubs full access to the international competitive scene. This affiliation allows our players to take part in official FISTF tournaments around the world, while ESA-run events can apply for recognised status, such as International Opens or Satellite tournaments. It also means that top-performing players are eligible for selection to represent England at prestigious events like the FISTF World Cup and the Nations Cup. Through our partnership with FISTF, we’re helping English players step onto the global stage and supporting the continued growth of the game right here in the UK.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the official website: https://www.fistf.com
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Read the FISTF Official Handbook: [Link for PDF]
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Find upcoming tournaments or results: https://fistf.com/calendar
FISTF Is for Everyone
You don’t need to be a champion to enter a FISTF event. If you enjoy the thrill of competition and want to improve your game, FISTF tournaments offer the perfect challenge, whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran.
Flick for pride. Flick for country. Flick for FISTF.