From Winless to Champions. Chicago Grizzlies Capture 2026 NSL Championship in Overtime Thriller Over Greenwich Panthers

The Chicago Grizzlies are the 2026 National Squash League Champions after defeating the Greenwich Panthers 3-2 in an overtime shootout following a dramatic 2-2 draw at MSquash in South Norwalk, Connecticut.

The men’s championship brought together two of the league’s hottest teams. Chicago entered the final after a dominant semifinal victory over the Newport Dragons, while Greenwich earned its place in the championship by defeating defending champion Philadelphia Lightning.

From the opening period, the final showcased the intensity and unpredictability that have become hallmarks of NSL competition. The Grizzlies and Panthers traded momentum throughout regulation, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. Every rally carried added significance as the teams battled through three periods with the championship on the line.

Chicago leaned on the leadership and experience of Karim Abdel Gawad, Sam Todd, and Simon Herbert, while Greenwich countered with standout performances from Mostafa Asal, Dimitri Steinmann, and Gregoire Marche. Both lineups delivered moments of brilliance, keeping the packed crowd on edge throughout the evening.

After three fiercely contested periods, the teams remained deadlocked at 2-2, sending the championship into an overtime shootout. With the NSL title hanging in the balance, the atmosphere inside MSquash reached another level as players stepped onto court for the decisive showdown.

The Grizzlies ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, completing a remarkable postseason run and securing the franchise’s first NSL championship. After surviving one of the most dramatic matches in league history, Chicago celebrated as confetti fell and the trophy was presented.

By defeating the Panthers in a championship thriller, the Grizzlies capped an outstanding season and etched their name into NSL history as the 2026 champions. The Grizzlies finished the season a perfect 4-0, a remarkable turn around for a team that had not won an NSL match before the 2026 season.