2026 English OPEN
The English OPEN is the largest indoor tournament in the World!
Bigger. Better. Ready for What’s Next.
Since its launch in 2019, the English OPEN has grown from an exciting national tournament into one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. What began with 305 players and 694 event registrations has evolved into a powerhouse competition welcoming 2,350 players and 4,321 registrations in 2025.
The growth has been nothing short of extraordinary — and 2026 is set to raise the bar once again. We are targeting more than 3,000 player registrations and over 6,000 event registrations in 2026.
A Tournament on the Rise
Year | Players | Event Registrations |
2019 | 305 | 694 |
2020 | 732 | 1,341 |
2022 | 492 | 943 |
2023 | 1,059 | 1,999 |
2024 | 1,976 | 3,655 |
2025 | 2,350 | 4,321 |
In just six editions, participation has increased more than sevenfold. The English OPEN isn’t just growing — it’s accelerating.
📍 A New Home for 2026 – NEC Birmingham
The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham is the largest space in the UK with 20 inter-connecting halls. Three days before the event, we are taking over 3 halls and creating a massive 60 court pickleball venue.
Each of the events aged events will also be broken down by skill level. 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, OPEN
6 Days of Events & Excitement
We have lots of exciting things planned but we are not ready to announce them all. However, people are asking which days events will be on, so we are sharing a high level overview here.
The English OPEN is an age and skill event so each of the age groups listed will have 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and Open (except 70+ events which will be age only). There will be around 120 brackets in total.
The Unity Cup Team Event is going to pull all ages together on one day – more information here.
We already have 3 speakers lined up for our Seminar day (2 from the USA and one from the UK).
More information will be shared as soon as it is available.
What’s New for 2026?
60 ProFlex Coated Courts
More courts. Premium playing surfaces. A professional, consistent experience for every match using the Franklin X40 our tournament ball.
3-Metre Wide Walkways
Wider pathways throughout the venue mean smoother movement, better viewing, and improved comfort during peak times.
Smarter Scheduling
We’re refining match scheduling to minimise long gaps between group stages and knockout rounds — keeping momentum high and downtime low.
One Unified Arena
Three halls opened into one expansive competition space, with a central Vendor Village and Tournament Operations hub — so everything you need is in one connected, high-energy environment.
2026: The Next Chapter
The English OPEN has always been about more than numbers — it’s about community, competition, and creating an unforgettable experience for every participant.
With record-breaking growth, a world-class venue, and meaningful enhancements across the board, 2026 will be our biggest and best edition yet.Be part of the next milestone.
Register early. Prepare to compete. Experience the English OPEN like never before.
Take a look at our easy Hotel booking website.
With rooms to suit all budgets, there is the perfect room waiting to be found. With a map feature so that you can see how far the hotel is from the venue. Remember airport hotels are only a 2 minute stop away by rail and central Birmingham 15 minutes.
Link to hotel booking site.
First Draft Floor plan for the event
SPONSORSHIP
We have English OPEN sponsorship opportunities or broader partnership opportunities. Take a look at our information pack here. If you’re interested in finding out more about sponsor opportunities please contact sponsorship@pickleballengland.org.
2025 English OPEN - You had to be there to feel the energy and vibe but this slide show gives a nice overview of the event!
Slide show courtesy of Salli Griffith who was responsible for the all the graphic designs for the English OPEN, including the player programme. Thank you Salli!
