Bengaluru: The Advertising Club Bangalore successfully concluded the much-anticipated Advertising Club Bangalore 5-A-Side Football Tournament 2026, bringing together professionals from the advertising, media, digital, marketing, public relations, and creative industries for a day of competitive football, networking, and industry camaraderie.
Hosted at the iconic South United Football Club in Bengaluru, the tournament highlighted the industry’s commitment to promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork, and stronger professional relationships beyond the workplace.
Eight teams participated in this year’s tournament, including STIRRED, TESSARAKT, FREEFLOW, MADISON, PHASE1WORLD, WPP Media, WIRALITY, and Team Advertising Club Bangalore.
The competition featured closely fought matches and enthusiastic participation from industry professionals and supporters throughout the day.
Semi-Final Action
In the first semi-final, STIRRED secured a dominant 4–0 victory over WPP Media to advance to the championship round.
The second semi-final witnessed a closely contested encounter, with MADISON defeating WIRALITY 3–2 to earn a place in the final.
STIRRED Lifts the Trophy
The championship clash saw STIRRED take on MADISON in an exciting final. Demonstrating impressive teamwork, tactical discipline, and attacking prowess, STIRRED emerged victorious with a convincing 4–1 win, claiming the Advertising Club Bangalore 5-A-Side Football Tournament 2026 Trophy.
Individual Honours
Darrell from STIRRED was named Player of the Tournament after an exceptional performance that saw him score 14 goals during the competition, playing a key role in his team’s title-winning campaign.
Bhagat from MADISON received the Best Goalkeeper Award for his outstanding saves throughout the tournament. In addition to his defensive contributions, he also found the back of the net during the competition.
Commenting on the association with the tournament, Asad Abbas, Head – Experite Gifting, said, “At Experite Gifting, we believe that the best gifts are the ones that bring people together — and that’s exactly what the Ad Club Bangalore’s 5-A-Side Tournament 2026 does. Sponsoring this incredible event is a natural fit for us because, at its core, this tournament is about celebrating community, passion, and the spirit of sport. Watching the advertising fraternity compete with such energy and heart on the pitch reminds us why we do what we do — create meaningful moments that connect people. Here’s to a spectacular tournament and to the beautiful game that unites us all.”
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Laeeq Ali, President, The Advertising Club Bangalore, said, “Football has always been more than a game — it’s a language everyone speaks. The Ad Club Bangalore’s 5-A-Side Tournament has grown into so much more than a sporting event; it’s become the heartbeat of our community. The 2026 edition showcased the incredible energy and talent within the advertising industry and reaffirmed why sport remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. We’re proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where we’re headed — more sports, more communities, and more memories.”
Arunava Seal, Tournament Organiser, The Advertising Club Bangalore, added, “At the Advertising Club Bangalore, we believe football is more than a game. It is a powerful platform that unites our industry, fostering teamwork, leadership, resilience, and camaraderie beyond the workplace. Our 5-A-Side Football Tournament celebrates the spirit of collaboration that drives our profession while promoting well-being. It is inspiring to see agencies, media houses, and brands come together as one community on the field.”
Building Connections Beyond Work
The tournament continues to serve as a unique platform for competing agencies, media houses, brands, and creative professionals to connect beyond boardrooms, fostering friendships, collaboration, and stronger industry ties through sport.
The Advertising Club Bangalore extended its gratitude to all participating teams, supporters, volunteers, referees, and partners who contributed to the success of the event.
Tournament Partners
Gold Sponsor
Experite Gifting
Online Media Partners
adgully
afaqs!
medianews4u.com
On-Ground Medical Partner
ProPhysio
Ambulance Partner
Kauvery Hospital, Bangalore
Building on the success of the 2026 edition, The Advertising Club Bangalore is set to return with an even bigger and more exciting edition of the tournament in 2027
