From Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, April 18, 2026, one of the pickleball world's largest open tournaments, the US Open Pickleball Championships, opens at East Naples Community Park (the USOP National Pickleball Center) in Naples, Florida. (Source: US Open Pickleball Championships official）
The biggest news of the 2026 event: new senior divisions created
This year's biggest topic is the addition of new divisions.
- Champions Pro (ages 50-59): a pro-level division limited to those in their 50s. A new category for veteran players who keep competing at the top level as they age
- Masters Pro (60 and over): a division for pros aged 60 and over. An important creation that shows pickleball's appeal as a senior sport
With the 2026 NPL already creating 40+ and 60+ elite leagues,the development of senior competitionhas become an industry trend. The US Open's new Pro divisions establish that trend at the official-event level.
Event schedule overview
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| April 11-12 (Sat-Sun) | Junior Championship (Simone Jardim presents) |
| April 13-16 (Mon-Thu) | Each pro division, qualifying through pre-semifinals |
| Friday, April 17 | All pro divisions, semifinals |
| April 18 (Sat) | All pro divisions, finals (gold, silver, and bronze medal matches) |
Pro events adopt a format that "advances to the semifinals in one day." Because all medal matches are concentrated on the final day, April 18, spectating efficiency is very high.
Timing of the draw announcement
The draw is announced late the night before each bracket begins. Participants can check their start times and matchups from their Pickleball Den account.
Linkage with the MiLP Regional Showdown: the path from amateur
Many of the players competing on the pro stage have raised their level through regional tournaments. In 2026, Major League Pickleball (MLP) is holding the MiLP Regional Showdown in nine cities nationwide (May-August), setting up a system where division winners can earn a spot at the national championships.With The Picklr's rollout progressing in Japan too,there is ample potential for players from Japan to compete in the US Open in the future.
If you're considering watching or taking part from Japan
Access to Naples, Florida is generally via Miami International Airport (about a 2-hour drive from Miami to Naples). Florida in April has highs of 28-30 degrees Celsius with many sunny days, so the spectating environment is good too. Ticket info can be checkedon the official site's ticket page.
Sources: US Open Pickleball Championships official / Empower Pickleball
The Dink Pickleball (April 6, 2026)
The NPL adds 40+ and 60+ elite leagues for the 2026 season
A full breakdown of the 7 changes to the 2026 USA Pickleball rules
The Picklr announced a 20-facility rollout in Japan
