From Italy’s national championships to record participation numbers in Madrid and another major step forward for the English Open, today’s pickleball news cycle was less about one dominant headline and more about several developments that help explain where the sport is moving around the world.

  • Italy has launched its first official individual national pickleball championships in Varese.
  • Spain’s Madrid Open has attracted a record field featuring players from 25 countries.
  • The APP and Pickleball England have expanded their partnership ahead of the 2026 English Open.

1. Italy Launches Its First Individual National Championships

Italy’s first official individual pickleball national championships are taking place this week in Varese, with 140 athletes competing across five Open divisions for a total prize pool of €8,000.

Organised by the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), the event marks another step in the federation’s efforts to build a structured domestic pickleball calendar. Singles competition has been added for the first time, while participation is limited to Italian citizens holding a 2026 FITP membership.

The individual championships complement Italy’s existing team competition structure, with national team championships scheduled to follow in July.

If you’re following how the global game is shifting week by week, the World Pickleball Report breaks this down every day in our morning briefing.

2. Madrid Open Draws Record-Breaking International Field

Spain’s Madrid Open Pickle Pro Tour event is set to welcome one of the largest fields seen in European pickleball this year.

Tournament organisers have confirmed 771 entries from 388 players representing 25 nationalities, creating a schedule of 1,123 matches across the three-day event.

The tournament will use El Tejar de Somontes for qualifying rounds before moving to Plaza de España for the finals. More than 40 per cent of entries have been submitted in professional divisions, further strengthening Spain’s position as one of Europe’s busiest competitive markets.

3. APP and Pickleball England Expand English Open Partnership

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and Pickleball England have formalised an expanded partnership ahead of the 2026 English Open at the NEC in Birmingham.

The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 players from over 45 countries and will feature 60 indoor courts, 120 divisions and a $50,000 prize purse.

The announcement builds on a relationship that began in 2022 and reinforces the importance of the English Open, which has become one of the most significant participation events on the international calendar. The move follows growing attention around major European tournaments, including the upcoming World Pickleball Championships event in Leeds.

4. New Jersey 5s Among Early Leaders in MLP Austin

Major League Pickleball’s Austin event began with several contenders making positive starts to the weekend.

The Columbus Sliders and Miami Pickleball Club opened at 1-0 in Group A, while the New Jersey 5s, Florida Smash and Atlanta Bouncers all secured victories in Group B.

The tournament carries significant standings implications because of the points available on Super Sunday. Recent roster changes involving Dylan Frazier and Nico Acavdo have added further intrigue as teams continue to shape their championship ambitions.

5. Hannah Johns Reflects on Pickleball’s Wild Early Professional Era

Former PPA sideline reporter Hannah Johns has offered a revealing look at how different professional pickleball looked only a few years ago.

Johns recalled tournaments featuring full backdraw systems that allowed players to lose early and still return to win gold medals, while also describing a far less structured competitive environment than the one seen today.

Perhaps her most notable observation centred on economics. In the sport’s early professional years, player registrations were the primary source of revenue. Today, ticket sales have become a major driver of event income, illustrating just how much the business side of professional pickleball has changed.

Further Reading

For a clearer view of where the sport is heading each month, you can download the latest free issue of World Pickleball Magazine.

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Chris Beaumont

Founder and Editor-in-Chief
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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…

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