3v3

3v3, or three-versus-three, refers to a format in which two teams of three players each compete against one another. It is used in various sports and video game genres, and is characterized by smaller team sizes that can lead to faster-paced action and greater individual responsibility.

In sports, the best-known form is basketball, widely referred to as 3x3. Played on a half-court with a single basket, each team fields three players on the court and typically has one substitute. Scoring and timing rules vary by competition, but matches emphasize speed, spacing, ball handling, and individual one-on-one opportunities. 3x3 basketball was formalized by the international governing body FIBA and gained Olympic status starting with the Tokyo 2020 Games, reflecting its growing popularity and global reach.

In video games and esports, 3v3 formats appear across genres including strategy, shooters, and arena fighters. A 3v3 match usually reduces the number of players per side, increasing the impact of each player and placing greater emphasis on teamwork, role specialization, and micro-level decision making. Tournament formats often feature dedicated 3v3 brackets or modes to encourage specialized team compositions and practiced coordination. Balancing challenges for developers can differ from larger team formats, since individual competence has a larger effect on outcomes in smaller teams.

Overall, 3v3 provides an alternative competitive format that emphasizes speed, space, and collaboration, while offering distinct strategic considerations compared with 5v5 or 2v2 play.