What’s the Score?
The US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, has announced the registration details for its milestone 2026 event. As the tournament prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, organisers have opened the critical “Athlete Lottery” window from January 14 to January 20, 2026. This lottery is the only gateway for players hoping to compete in what is widely regarded as the most prestigious pickleball party on the planet.
Hit it deeper!
The US Open has evolved from a niche gathering into a global phenomenon, and the 2026 edition promises to be the largest yet. To honour a decade of growth, the organisers are rolling out enhanced fan engagements and special anniversary celebrations throughout the week in Naples.
The lottery system itself is a reflection of the tournament’s massive demand. It is open to all demographics, including juniors, seniors, wheelchair athletes, and international professionals. By utilizing a lottery rather than a “fastest fingers first” registration, the tournament aims to ensure equitable access to the courts. The event in Naples is unique for blending a festival atmosphere with the highest stakes in the sport, making a “Golden Ticket” from the lottery one of the most coveted items of the year.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The necessity of a lottery system for the US Open confirms that the demand for premier pickleball experiences still vastly outstrips supply. Ten years in, the US Open remains the spiritual home of the sport. The 10th-anniversary edition will likely serve as a “state of the union” for pickleball, showcasing exactly how far the game has come from its community centre roots to a spectacle requiring complex lottery logistics
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.