A special year has arrived for the pickleball world. From April 11 to 18, 2026, in Naples, Florida,the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships 2026will be held. Remarkably, this isthe 10th-anniversary edition. This year, marking the 10-year milestone, is set to be held at the largest scale ever, and pickleball players around the world are fixing their eager gaze on it.
The US Open is one of the most prestigious events in the pickleball world. As an official event sanctioned by USA Pickleball, it's a "festival of pickleball" where everyone from amateurs to pros gathers. This event, held in Naples every year, marks the special milestone of its 10th edition.
New divisions are the talk -- Champions Pro and Masters Pro debut
The hottest topic at this year's event is the two newly created pro divisions.
Champions Pro division (ages 50-59)andMasters Pro division (60 and over)are officially introduced from this event. Created to answer the voices of veteran players who "want to keep competing as pros," it is a move that symbolizes pickleball's breadth and its competitiveness that transcends age.
Pickleball originally spread as "a sport anyone can enjoy," and the stance of embodying that spirit even at the highest competitive level shows in the creation of these divisions. Pro athletes in their 50s and 60s clashing in earnest will surely electrify the crowd.
The Junior Championship is also robust -- Simone Jardim is involved
At this event, the "Junior Championship presented by Simone Jardim" is also one of the big highlights. The junior division, involving Simone Jardim, known as a legendary player in the pickleball world, is drawing attention as a place to develop and discover next-generation players.
Young talent gains experience on the big stage of the US Open. Compared with 10 years ago, the level of junior players has risen markedly, and their matches are not merely a "development event" but stand up as thoroughly watchable competition.
An India national team also competes -- global expansion accelerates
It's also a talking point that the Indian Pickleball Association plans to send a selected team to this event. A national team from Asia coming to the US Open in earnest is a symbolic event that shows just how globally pickleball is expanding.
In India, the pickleball population has exploded in recent years, and the development of domestic tournaments is progressing rapidly too. How far Indian players will hold their own at the US Open is being watched by the entire Asian pickleball community.
Speaking of the buzz in Asia,at the PPA Asia Hanoi Cuptoo, participation from Asian countries keeps increasing, and the trend of "pickleball's Asian era" is surely coming.
The meaning of the 10th milestone
The US Open Pickleball Championships held its first edition in 2017. Compared with then, the playing population, event scale, and media exposure have all grown on a completely different order. Comparing the first edition's participant numbers with 2026's, it's a world of 10x, 100x.
A sport that has grown this much in 10 years is rare. What tennis and badminton built over many decades, pickleball has chased in just 10 years. This year's US Open is the event that witnesses that history.
On the event's official site (usopenpickleball.com), the schedule, registration info, and player draws are updated from time to time. If you plan to watch, check the official site first.
The appeal of Naples, Florida
The venue, Naples, is a resort city in southwest Florida. Known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, it has long been beloved as a pickleball mecca. During the event, all of Naples takes on a pickleball mood, and the sight of players and spectators with rackets filling the streets is an annual tradition.
A climate that allows outdoor court play, ample hotel and facility infrastructure, and a local community with deep understanding of pickleball. It's precisely because all these conditions are in place that the US Open has stayed rooted in Naples.
Matches to watch and highlights
At this year's event, the world-top clashes in the existing pro divisions are a given, but the debuts in the new Champions Pro and Masters Pro divisions are also big points of interest. The sight of "competing at full strength as pros even over age 50" should have a powerful influence on the younger generation too.
Also, in light of the results of the recently heldAPP Seattle Open,we'll be watching each player's condition and shifts in tactics. Heading into the mid-season, this US Open looks set to be one important milestone.
Summary -- the culmination of 10 years of pickleball is here
The 10th Minto US Open Pickleball Championships is "the culmination of 10 years of pickleball history" that goes beyond a mere event. New divisions, participation from around the world, junior development -- a special eight days with all these elements in place is about to begin in Naples, Florida.
From Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, April 18, pickle-times.com will bring you the latest on the event too, so stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can ordinary people take part in the US Open Pickleball Championships?
A. Yes, you can register to take part in the amateur divisions. As an officially sanctioned USA Pickleball event, divisions are set up for a wide range of skill levels. For details, please check the official site (usopenpickleball.com).
Q. What's the difference between the new Champions Pro and Masters Pro divisions?
A. The Champions Pro division is for pro players aged 50-59, and the Masters Pro division is for pro players 60 and over. Both are newly created divisions at this event.
Q. Can I watch or take part from Japan?
A. Of course. Access to Naples, Florida is generally via Miami. Hotels near the venue often fill up early, so we recommend booking ahead.
