Pickle Fest 2026 Officially Launches in Cebu with Major U19 Tournament
The organizers of Pickle Fest 2026, in collaboration with former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Steve Kuhn, referee head Gigi Macera, and tournament director Cesar Guinto, formally introduced the event during a press conference on March 10, 2026. The launch took place at the Net and Paddle Pickleball Club in Cebu City, setting the stage for an exciting sports spectacle.
Nearly 200 Participants Expected as Tournament Kicks Off
Pickle Fest 2026 commenced today, March 11, 2026, at the Net and Paddle Pickleball Club along Tupas St., Sawang Calero, Cebu City. Organizers anticipate nearly 200 competitors will take part in the various events, making it one of the largest pickleball tournaments held in the region.
The highlight of the festival is the Pickleball Champions League Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament, which serves as the qualifying round for the PCL Asia Grand Finals scheduled for April in Hainan, China. This partnership between Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation and Sunrise Events Inc. aims to elevate the sport's profile locally and internationally.
Tournament Director Expresses Excitement Over Growing Participation
Tournament director Cesar Guinto shared his enthusiasm during the press conference, stating, "This is one of the biggest pickleball tournaments to be held here in Cebu. We’re very excited to see everyone compete in the next few days. We are expecting over a hundred participants in the different age groups, while around five to eight teams will compete in the U19 competition."
Steve Kuhn, chairman of the Pickleball Champions League and founder of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system, along with referee head Gigi Macera, were also present to support the event's launch.
Diverse Competition Categories and Age Groups
In addition to the U19 qualifiers, Pickle Fest 2026 will feature competitions across multiple skill levels and age divisions. Categories include novice, low intermediate, high intermediate, and open class, with events spanning men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles.
The age-group divisions are structured as follows:
- 20-and-above category
- 35-and-above category
- 50-and-above category
This inclusive format ensures a wide range of participants can engage in the sport, from beginners to seasoned players.
Bachmann Highlights Growth and Olympic Aspirations for Pickleball
Richard Bachmann, former PSC chairman and ex-team manager of the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association, emphasized the tournament's role in advancing pickleball in the Philippines. He noted, "This is a new sport and we hope to grow it further. Hopefully, it will be part of the 2032 Olympics," referring to the 2032 Summer Games.
Bachmann added, "We will help develop the sport through the Philippine Pickleball Federation. It cannot be done by the government alone; everyone must work together. Now the private sector is helping the NSA, and the PSC is also supportive. Everyone is working together for the growth of the sport."
Cebu's U19 Team and Previous Leg Success
Representing Cebu in the U19 qualifiers is the Philippine junior team, coached by Elvin Tabura, son of the late Cebuano tennis personality Fritz Tabura. The squad includes Gio John Manito, JP Rabaya, Aaron Kevin Tabura, and Aaron Galo.
In the previous leg held in Davao City, Team Velaris—comprising Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida, and Jacob Cagas—won the gold medal and secured a slot in the Asia Grand Finals. Their victory earned them a US$1,000 development grant from the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy, along with full support from PCL Asia for airfare, accommodation, and transportation.
Onsite Registrations Expected to Boost Participant Numbers
While many participants have already registered online, organizers anticipate additional players will sign up onsite in the hours leading up to the competition. This flexibility aims to maximize engagement and ensure a vibrant tournament atmosphere.
Pickle Fest 2026 marks a significant step in promoting pickleball, a relatively new but rapidly growing sport in the Philippines, with aspirations for international recognition and Olympic inclusion.
