The Subbuteo World Cup made a triumphant return to England after 14 years, with Italy once again proving their dominance in the iconic tabletop football game.
Held from September 20-22 in Tunbridge Wells, the game’s birthplace, the event drew hundreds of enthusiasts eager to compete in a game that’s been cherished for over 75 years.
Founded in 1947 by Peter Adolph, Subbuteo evolved from simple beginnings to a full-fledged board game. Despite its popularity in the 1960s and 70s, the game saw a sharp decline from the 1980s onward, struggling to compete with video games.
From the 1980s onwards, Subbuteo saw a massive decline in Subbuteo saw a massive decline in players. Waddington’s, the maker of Subbuteo at the time, cut the board game down massively. It went from having 10s of different board games to just having two. board games.
The first Subbuteo World Cup was held in 1970 in West Germany. The team aspect of the game would not be introduced until 1993 in Verviers, Belgium. A second would be held in Paris just a year later, and Subbuteo began to grow once again. In 1996, board game giants Hasbro took the reins of Subbuteo; but failed to impress the fans. Just four years after their acquisition, they would announce the cessation of production. It made national news, and it created a huge backlash against Hasbro. Being so overwhelmed by the response, Hasbro announced it would reverse its decision
24 years later, Subbuteo is still a struggling brand. With young people seemingly uninterested in the game, many Subbuteo players fear for the future. The game struggles to compete with video games such as EAFC and Pro Evolution Soccer. Despite this, the Subbuteo hardcore are staying strong. The recent World Cup saw over 300 players from 26 different countries battling it out to lift a coveted Subbuteo trophy. Many players saw coming to the founding area of Subbuteo as a ‘pilgrimage.’
Italy’s dominance at the 2024 Subbuteo World Cup was nearly absolute. They won eight of the 13 competitions, including the team open, women’s division, and several youth categories. Their success extended to both individual and team events, reaffirming their position as the sport’s most formidable nation.
The big winner of the day would be Greek star Dimitrios Dimopoulos, who won the individual open.
I spoke to Stewart Grant, who is part of the English Subbuteo Association, to ask him more about the event.
‘I could honestly go on forever about Subbuteo. The recent World Cup saw the biggest ever turn out with over 300 people playing.’
Many players saw it as a pilgrimage to come to the home place of Subbuteo.
I also spoke to Bob Varney, who is the number 1-ranked England Subbuteo player in the veteran division. ‘I was incredibly proud to play in such a prestigious edition of the World Cup. I’ve played in many over the years but none as high profile as this. I grew up with this iconic game, and being part of the ESA Board that delivered the “biggest and best” World Cup ever was particularly special.’
Bob Varney is a true veteran of Subbuteo; he lives and breathes the sport. Having played for over 40 years, Varney is one of England’s all-time most decorated players, having won two bronze medals in 2004 and 2006. He added his first silver medal to his cabinet at this year’s addition when he reached the final of the veteran’s team.
When I asked him what his best moment of the whole tournament was, Varney said there could only be one answer. ‘It was scoring the winning goal in sudden death extra time against Belgium to send England through to its first ever team final. There were four games playing sudden death simultaneously on four tables; first goal wins. I scored with four minutes of extra time remaining. I’ve never experienced a high like that. It was amazing.’
Varney, however, faced disappointment in the men’s veterans’ singles as he lost in the round of 32 to Mario Camilleri. Varney said he was “confident” going into the match as he had beaten him 1-0 last time they played. Camilleri, who was ranked 35th in the veteran division, shocked everyone as he not only beat Varney, but also went on to beat every player he faced as he lifted the veteran’s division.
When talking about the future of Subbuteo, Varney believes that: ‘The opportunity to actually pit their wits against other real-life players is a special thing in a world of computers and screens.’
Speaking on his own future, Varney hopes to re-enter the top 10 ranked veterans in the world. ‘The highest world ranking I’ve achieved was 7th in the 2000s. I’m aiming to build on my success and get back in the top 10.’
Looking forward, Subbuteo fans can anticipate another thrilling World Cup in Paris in 2026, where the current champions will seek to defend their titles, and England will have another chance to finally claim victory in their home-grown sport.
Whether Subbuteo will regain its former glory remains to be seen, but for now, its passionate following continues to keep the game alive and kicking.
What remains clear is that Subbuteo’s appeal goes beyond nostalgia. It represents something that modern video games often lack—a tactile connection to the game, a slower, more deliberate pace that encourages strategy and interaction with fellow players in a face-to-face environment. It’s a game that builds stories, friendships, and, for many, cherished memories.
Whether Subbuteo can adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world remains uncertain, but as long as there are players willing to flick their way to victory, the spirit of Subbuteo will continue to endure.
For now, Subbuteo’s faithful fans remain hopeful. The 2026 World Cup in Paris may be another step toward the revival of this cherished game, or it may be a farewell tour for some of the older generation. Either way, one thing is clear: as long as there’s a pitch, players will flick, strategies will unfold, and the joy of Subbuteo will live on in dining room tables, in community halls, and in the hearts of those who still believe in the power of a game that brings people together.