What’s the Score?
The Czech Pickleball Association has opened registration for the WPC Prague Czech Open, inviting the world to compete at one of the country’s premier tennis facilities. The tournament is positioned as a major stop on the European circuit, offering a high-quality venue and significant prize money.
Hit it deeper!
Scheduled to take place at the TK Sparta Praha complex, the event boasts 16 hard courts, ensuring a professional playing surface with “excellent ball bounce.” The location is a key draw; situated near Stromovka Park and the Vltava River, it offers players a scenic environment just a short trip from the city centre.
The tournament will follow a rigorous format: a group stage where four to five players/teams battle for position, followed by a knockout stage for the top two advancers. Scoring will escalate with the stakes—group matches are to 11, early knockouts to 15, and medal matches to 21, all win by 2.
The schedule is packed, with Mixed Doubles on Friday, Singles on Saturday, and Doubles on Sunday. The organisers have guaranteed a minimum prize budget of €2,000 for the Elite categories, with entry fees set at €50 for one category up to €100 for three.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The WPC Prague Czech Open represents the increasing standardisation and quality of European tournaments. By utilising a prestigious venue like TK Sparta Praha and implementing a guarantee for prize money, the Czech Pickleball Association is signaling that it intends to be a serious player in the region.
The “Group to Knockout” format is particularly player-friendly, ensuring that participants get multiple matches for their entry fee—a crucial factor for attracting international travellers. With affordable entry points for juniors and non-elites, Prague is positioning itself as an accessible yet high-quality hub for Central European pickleball.
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.