MIAMI, FL - February 10, 2026 - The world of competitive dodgeball is setting its sights on the Midtown Art District as the Dodgeball Champions Tour (DCT) prepares for its highly anticipated Draw Ceremony on Thursday, February 12th. The event features two titans of the sport: DCT Managing Director Armando Valdes and Shota Barbeau, the Phoenix Hex star who is already being named the "Messi of dodgeball."
The ceremony will mark a unique collaboration with Nido and its founder, the renowned artist EXTi (Santiago Cabezas). While EXTi is widely recognized for his immense talent and vision, he is equally celebrated for his dedication to youth advocacy—a mission that has also been a heartbeat of the dodgeball community for years.
"It will be a true honor for the tour to have someone of EXTi's stature hosting the draw," said Armando Valdes, managing director of the DCT. "Dodgeball is about more than the game; it builds discipline and teamwork. Partnering with a space like Nido, which is just as dedicated to the next generation as we are, simply felt like a perfect match."
From the Screen to the Court
The momentum for the tour is already reaching a fever pitch following a high-energy appearance on Telemundo's El Pelotazo, which aired this morning, Feb 10th. The segment highlighted the sport's rapid evolution, proving that dodgeball has transcended the playground to become a world-class professional spectacle.
As seen in the recent tour footage, the intensity is palpable. Barbeau, a multiple-time US National Champion, remains the man to beat. His presence at the upcoming draw signals the high stakes for the competing teams as they look toward the finish line on April 4th, when the finals air on Telemundo Deportes Ahora.
About Shota Barbeau
Shota Barbeau is a premier global athlete and a cornerstone of the Phoenix Hex Dodgeball club. A multiple-time U.S. National Champion, Barbeau has solidified his legacy on the international stage as a reigning 2024 World Champion (Graz) and 2025 Panamerican Champion (Mexico City). Known for his explosive athleticism and visually striking movement on the court, he continues to be a leading figure in the professionalization of the sport.
About Dodgeball Champions Tour
Dodgeball Champions Tour, Inc., with headquarters in Miami, FL, represents a groundbreaking initiative as the world's first professional dodgeball league. The organization's mission centers on establishing professional compensation standards for elite dodgeball athletes, recognizing their dedication, skill development, and competitive excellence. By creating a structured professional framework, the Tour aims to elevate dodgeball to new heights of international recognition and provide athletes with the platform their abilities deserve.