The Dodgeball Champions Tour is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Calacafe, a celebrated cartoniería workshop in Xochimilco, Mexico City, to handcraft the trophy and medals for the inaugural DCT Mexico 2026 tournament.
Founded in 2009 by Patrick Fernandez and Selene Cruz, Calacafe is a Xochimilco institution that has elevated cartoniería—the traditional Mexican craft of sculpting art from cardboard and paper—into a globally recognized art form. From illuminated alebrijes towering over Mexico City’s avenues to bespoke pieces for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Netflix, Vans, and Ferrari, Calacafe’s work is a vibrant bridge between Mexican folk tradition and contemporary design.
The workshop earned first place in the Museum of Popular Art’s 2023 Monumental Alebrijes Parade with their piece “Oros,” and their creations have graced stages as far-reaching as the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, where an illuminated alebrije featured in Camila Cabello’s halftime performance.
For DCT Mexico 2026, Calacafe will bring their signature blend of color, craft, and cultural storytelling to every piece the champions take home. Each trophy and medal will be a handmade work of art rooted in Mexican tradition—ensuring that when the final whistle blows, the victors will carry a piece of Mexico City with them forever.
“From the very beginning, we envisioned a tournament where the host city’s culture would shine through every detail. Calacafe’s artistry is extraordinary—each piece they create tells a story of tradition, community, and imagination. There is no better way to crown our first champions than with trophies and medals born from the hands of Mexico City’s own master artisans.”
— Armando Valdes, Managing Director, Dodgeball Champions Tour
This partnership reflects the DCT’s commitment to celebrating the identity of each host city. As the Tour travels the world, local artisans and cultural collaborators will play a central role in shaping the tournament experience—making every edition of the Dodgeball Champions Tour unmistakably its own.
About Calacafe
Calacafe is a workshop and cultural space in Xochimilco, Mexico City, founded in 2009 by Patrick Fernandez and Selene Cruz. Specializing in cartoniería, the studio creates illuminated alebrijes, sculptural installations, and bespoke art pieces that have been featured in the Museum of Popular Art’s Monumental Alebrijes Parade, international sporting events, and collaborations with global brands. Calacafe also teaches cartoniería workshops at cultural institutions, schools, and community centers across Mexico.
About Dodgeball Champions Tour
Dodgeball Champions Tour, Inc., headquartered in Miami, FL, is the world’s first professional dodgeball league. The Tour’s mission is to establish professional standards and compensation for elite athletes, elevating the sport to a global professional stage. By combining high-stakes competition with cultural partnerships, the DCT provides a platform for the world’s best athletes to showcase their excellence.