Originally from Japan, Yuta Takaoka is a truly international referee whose refereeing journey has spanned continents. Currently based in Luxembourg, Yuta officiates primarily adult-level competitions while preparing for his long-term goal: to return home and build a career as a professional referee in Japan.
Mateusz Soboń from Poland joins Survival Camp 2025: on the road from regional to national
Hailing from Stargard and now based in Warsaw, Mateusz Soboń is a regional basketball referee in Poland, actively building his path towards the national level. Since starting his officiating journey in 2020, he has combined his growing experience on the court with a sharp analytical mindset — no surprise, as he also works as a software developer in the finance sector.
Marcin Lewandowski, Camper from Poland: from the court to the whistle
At just 20 years old, Marcin Lewandowski from Poznań, Poland, is stepping into a pivotal stage of life — and career. Fresh off completing technical school and his final exams, Marcin is enjoying what he calls “the longest holiday of my life” before embarking on a new academic path in Management Engineering this October.
But while school is on pause, basketball isn’t.
Julia Karamovic, camper from Sweden: Where Science, Sport, and Officiating Converge
Born and raised in Borås, Sweden, with proud Balkan roots, Julia Karamovic has forged a path that bridges high-performance sport and scientific precision. Now living in Halmstad, Julia is pursuing a degree in Biomedicine with a focus on Exercise Physiology, while simultaneously building a strong presence on Sweden’s officiating circuit.
Camper Rohit Poudel: A Multidimensional Path from Nepal to National League Ambitions in UK
Born in Nepal and now based in Sutton, Surrey, just south of London (United Kingdom), Rohit Poudel represents a new generation of referees bringing global perspective, community focus, and relentless drive to the court.
The Walravens Brothers: Two Paths, One Passion
From Roosdaal, near Brussels, meet Remko and Yorben Walravens — two brothers at different stages of life, yet united by a common love for basketball officiating and a shared ambition to grow.
Kristians Eglītis Joins Survival Camp 2025: A Latvian Official with International Ambitions
Introducing Kristians Eglītis, a 24-year-old official from Jelgava, Latvia, whose journey in officiating began a full decade ago — and is steadily moving toward the international stage.
Kristians recently returned home to Latvia after spending 3.5 years in Denmark, where he studied and simultaneously officiated at the highest domestic level — Basketligaen. During his time there, he even got a taste of international basketball with an assignment in the ENBL. Now back in Latvia, he’s actively working games in the National League, the country’s second tier.
Welcome Tonio Caruso back to Survival Camp
Meet Tonio Caruso, a Belgian-American official whose journey through basketball spans continents, cultures, and career paths.
Currently based in Turnhout, Belgium — just 30 minutes from Antwerp — Tonio brings a truly international perspective to the court. Having spent part of his childhood in the United States, he gained early exposure to cultural diversity and developed bilingual fluency, which continues to serve him well in officiating, education, and professional settings.
Top Norwegian League referee is joining the Survival Camp 2025
From code to courts — meet Sverre Francis Uijting, one of our most analytically driven participants: a software engineer by day, basketball referee by passion.
Originally from the Netherlands, Sverre has called Trondheim, Norway home since 2007. While his Dutch heritage remains close to his heart, his professional and sporting journey is firmly rooted in Norway.
Lisha Gou, referee from Portugal, is joining Survival Camp 2025 as a camper
Meet Lisha Guo, an emerging officiating talent from the sun-drenched region of Évora, Alentejo, Portugal.
Currently officiating in Portugal’s First Division Senior League, Lisha is laser-focused on maintaining her status within the national referee squad of the Portuguese Basketball Federation. Her long-term vision? FIBA-level excellence.