What’s the Score?
The global expansion of pickleball continues as the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series announces its return to Europe. Registration has officially opened for the Málaga Open, a premier event scheduled to take place on the sunny Costa del Sol. Organisers are urging competitors to sign up immediately to lock in early pricing for what promises to be one of the most significant European tournaments of the 2026 calendar.
Hit it deeper!
The tournament is set to run from February 25 to March 1, occupying a prime spot on the international schedule. However, the real draw is the venue: the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace. Known for hosting top-tier professional basketball and tennis events (such as the Davis Cup), the arena offers pickleball players a rare opportunity to compete in a facility that represents the “biggest stage” of international sport.
The Málaga Open is not just a recreational gathering; it is a critical stop for players looking to accumulate world ranking points. The WPC Series is positioning this event as a key battleground for athletes aiming to prove their level on a global scale. The call to action is clear: demonstrate your skills, climb the world rankings, and compete in a world-class environment.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Placing a pickleball tournament in a venue as prestigious as the Martín Carpena Arena is a statement of intent. It signals that European pickleball is moving out of local clubs and into professional arenas. For the sport to truly go global, it requires flagship events outside of North America, and the Málaga Open appears poised to serve as the anchor for the European competitive season in 2026.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris 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…
View All Articles →
