BY CHRIS BEAUMONT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Photos © Racketista – The Racket Sports Magazine
The first half of 2026 promises to be a transformative period for pickleball in Central Europe. The Pickleball Federation Austria (PFA) has unveiled an ambitious schedule featuring three major tournaments designed to bring the community together and inspire new players to join the sport. Whether you are a veteran of the European circuit or a newcomer looking for your first competitive experience, these events offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of tournament play.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Austrian swing.
Kickoff in the Capital: 3rd Rackathletes Pickleball Cup
Dates: March 7–8, 2026 Location: Ballsportgymnasium Wien, Vienna
The season begins in Vienna with the 3rd Rackathletes Pickleball Cup, the first major tournament weekend of the year. Co-hosted by Sportunion Rackathletes Austria, this event combines competitive ambition with the sport’s signature community spirit. The main gym hall in Erdberg will be transformed into a pickleball arena for two full days of competition, which will include singles events. Crucially for our global readers, participants from all countries are welcome to compete. With multiple skill levels available, the organisers promise suitable divisions for everyone, ensuring a mix of new faces and familiar names.
National Pride: 4th Austrian Pickleball Championships
Dates: April 17–19, 2026 Location: Racket Revolution, Wiener Neustadt
In April, the focus shifts to national prestige. The 4th Austrian Pickleball Championships represent the highlight of the spring season for local players. This tournament focuses on Austrian championship titles and medals, embodying the values of fairness and energy.
Please note that eligibility for this specific event is restricted: only Austrian citizens and foreigners who have lived in Austria for more than one year can participate. For the second time, the championships will feature Senior divisions alongside the Open Division. In a major move for the sport’s visibility, the championship finals will be broadcast via livestream and produced for TV with professional commentary, giving the title matches the stage they deserve.
A Historic Milestone: 1st Pickleball Austrian Open
Dates: June 26–28, 2026 Location: Sporthotel Kurz, Oberpullendorf
The PFA will take a significant international step forward at the end of June with the 1st Pickleball Austrian Open. This event marks the first international tournament hosted by the Pickleball Federation Austria and will be open to citizens of any country.
To attract top-tier talent from abroad, this will also be the PFA’s first prize-money tournament. The event is set to take place during the qualifying weekend of the Austrian Tennis Championships, a scheduling change designed to optimise hall slots and prevent overlap with the tennis finals.
Players can look forward to a premium experience, including:
- A Dedicated Hall: Unlike previous years, pickleball will be played in a dedicated facility featuring a permanent pickleball centre court that will remain in place after the event.
- TV Coverage: Like the nationals, the Austrian Open finals will be livestreamed and broadcast on TV.
- Travel Packages: Attractive hotel packages are available in Oberpullendorf and Lutzmannsburg, as well as VIP packages that include catering.
Registration and Opportunities
Players should keep a close watch on RAQT, where registration for these events will open soon. The PFA is also actively seeking support to ensure these tournaments run at a high level. Companies interested in sponsorships can request tailor-made packages, while individuals can support the growth of the sport through tax-deductible donations or by volunteering for setup and event operations.
For inquiries regarding sponsorships or volunteering, interested parties can contact PFA President Peter Robic. Mark your calendars for a historic half-year of pickleball in Austria!
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Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris 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…
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