Adria Garriga Triumphs at 2nd COPA SOM ESPORT
A Celebration of Button Football in Catalunya By [Your Name], Sports Correspondent
On March 29, 2025, the Centelles pavilion became the beating heart of Catalan button football as it hosted the 2nd SOM ESPORT Cup, drawing 39 players and countless fans in what turned out to be one of the season’s most vibrant tournaments. Celebrating two years since button football was officially recognized as a sport by the Catalan Parliament, the atmosphere was electric from the very first whistle.
The morning began with a Swiss system round-robin phase that delivered as many surprises as a magician’s debut act. Eight of the top ten ranked Catalan players were present, including Ramon Garriga and Arnau Amorós, who both advanced directly to the quarterfinals. Local hero Josep Calm, cheered on by the home crowd, secured a place in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Category B (positions 13–20) was a delightful mix of experience and fresh talent, with players like Esteve Verde, Carlos Garcia, and the legendary Jordi Roca competing alongside emerging stars like 10-year-old Aran Garriga. Aran quickly became the tournament’s breakout story, wowing the audience not only with his skill but with his infectious enthusiasm. “What I love most,” he said, “is the third half. Even if the match is tense, we’re friends again after.”
From the round of 16 onward, seasoned veterans used their experience to edge out their rivals. Notably, tournament favorites such as Edu Ferreté, Enric Albaladejo, and Arnau Amorós all bowed out before reaching the semis.
Among the most dramatic moments were two golden goal thrillers. In a B-category clash, Martí Roma, with pinpoint precision, scored the winning goal as a goalkeeper—a feat that left the crowd in disbelief. In another extended golden goal showdown, Adrià Vila overcame Jero Sánchez after a nerve-wracking series of passes and near-misses.
The semi-finals were a tale of two Adriàns. Adrià Garriga narrowly defeated Jordi Fernández, while Adrià Vila bulldozed past his father, Toni Vila, in a match that was more one-sided than expected. This set up a final that mirrored a recent Catalan Ranking showdown: Adrià Garriga vs. Adrià Vila.
Roared on by a passionate local crowd, Garriga struck early in the final and held his nerve throughout a tense, scrappy match. Vila struggled to find rhythm, and in a last-ditch effort to equalize, handed Garriga a free kick—which he converted to seal a 2–0 victory.
The BAPalautordera Club (BAP) once again proved its dominance by clinching the club trophy for the second time. Despite fierce competition from local players in Osona, who finished just four points behind, BAP’s depth and consistency secured the title. As Jordi Roca, a key figure in the club’s rise, noted, “BAP’s success is a mix of talent, training, and a clean, modest spirit. It’s talent in a very good habitat.”
With this win, Adrià Garriga remains at the top of the Catalan ranking, having now earned three titles this season. He’ll face new challenges soon in Reus and Horta, but for now, Centelles belongs to him.
The Final Word
The 2ª COPA – SOM ESPORT wasn’t just a tournament—it was a celebration of a thriving sport, a community united by passion, and proof that button football has not only survived but is soaring. As Ramon Garriga put it, “After so many years of ‘button drought,’ seeing this tournament come to life is the greatest reward of all.”
And with kids like Aran Garriga already dreaming big, the future of Catalan button football looks brighter than ever.
🎙️ Voices from Centelles: Passion, Progress, and a 10-Year-Old Star
After the thrilling conclusion of the 2a COPA – SOM ESPORT in Centelles, what lingered in the air was more than just the echo of clinking buttons and last-minute goals—it was the heartbeat of a growing sport, shaped by a new generation, kept alive by its veterans, and propelled forward by dreams both young and old.
We sat down with some of the tournament’s standout names and faithful figures, gathering their reflections on the day, the sport, and what lies ahead for futbol botons in Catalunya.
🧒 Aran Garriga – The Future Has a Smile and Multicolored Buttons
At just 10 years old, Aran Garriga has already carved out a place in the hearts of fans. With unmatched enthusiasm and a signature team of all-different colored buttons, he brings both creativity and joy to the table.
“I have very good aim,” said Aran with a shy smile, “and I play with a lot of desire and fun.”
But he’s also deeply aware of what lies ahead:
“I need to improve my concentration, avoid distractions, and learn more strategy. But I’m only 10, so I think I have time!”
What he enjoys most? The “third half.”
“During the game, it can be tense. But when it ends, we become friends again. That’s the best part.”
A future champion? Maybe. But more importantly, a current ambassador of joy.
🧠 Enric Albaladejo – The Value of Recognition and the Fight Ahead
Two years after futbol botons was officially recognized as a Catalan sport, Enric Albaladejo sees clear results:
“There’s more enthusiasm, more players, and more tournaments. We went from losing people to gaining new members.”
Yet he warns that the momentum must be matched by diligence:
“We have to keep promoting the game and take care of the bureaucracy, so recognition becomes complete and stable.”
🧭 Ramon Garriga – Battling Distractions and Finding Balance
Despite a strong Swiss system showing, Ramon Garriga fell short in the quarterfinals. His diagnosis? One many elite players may relate to:
“Precision and concentration. Sometimes my head’s not fully in the match. That costs you. And luck doesn’t always favor us in key moments.”
But beyond the personal struggle, his pride in Centelles and Osona was loud and clear:
“After years of fighting to keep AFBO alive, seeing this tournament grow is an emotional reward. We’re bringing the game back—stronger than ever.”
🏆 Jordi Roca – Building a Button Dynasty
As a founding figure in BAPalautordera (BAP)—Catalunya’s club to beat—Jordi Roca explained the essence behind their continued dominance.
“It started with a group of kids and their parents. We created good spaces, encouraged healthy competition, and always focused on improvement.”
But their true secret?
“Clean competition, fair play, and modesty. Our young players are not only skilled but also honorable. The game teaches character.”
His favorite phrase sums it up beautifully:
“Talent in a very good habitat.”
🌟 The Takeaway
The 2a COPA SOM ESPORT was more than a tournament. It was a mirror of the community, showing where the sport has come from and where it’s heading. Whether through the raw honesty of a 10-year-old, the wisdom of veterans, or the vision of club founders, one truth is clear:
Button football is not just surviving. It’s thriving.
And as we look ahead to Reus, Horta, and beyond, the future of futbol botons looks brighter than ever—carried by colorful buttons, shared laughs, and the echo of a shot that just might be golden.
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