DEFENDING Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ West Side edition champions, Showstoppers, got off to a winning start in this year’s tournament, after ‘stopping’ Admiral United 1-0 when the tournament kicked off at the Pouderoyen tarmac Friday evening.

Stephon Jupiter’s 12th minute strike was good enough for the champions, who are looking to claim the tournament’s $400,000 first-place prize and book their spot in the national playoffs set for later this year.

Thirty-two teams will vie for the coveted title but on the opening night, several left licking their wounds in defeat.
In the opening game, Boom Bang edged Young Ballers 3-2 on sudden-death penalty, after the two sides finished scoreless at the end of regulation time.

West Side Ballers picked up a 1-0, thanks to Quessey Alleyne (14th minute), over Jetty Ballers while Mocha won 2-1 over Agricola.
Ballers Empire defeated Asylum Youths 1-0 on penalty kicks, after having finished without a goal in regulation play.

Bagotville All-Stars also won on penalty kicks over Nismes (1-0) and Up-Like-7 were 1-0 winners over Patentia Money Team.
Kester Alleyne’s second minute goal saw Dream Team win 1-0 over Front Line Ballers and Police B needled ESPN (1-0).

Veterans had to dig deep for their penalty kicks 1-0 win over Zeelugt and similarly Harmony Ballers defeated Facebook Ballers.

The Pouderoyen tarmac will be the venue for the entire championship. The other playing dates are January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 13 and 17.