CEBU CITY — The country’s rising pickleball talents will take center stage as Pickle Fest 2026 returns to Cebu beginning March 11 at Net and Paddle Cebu City, bannered by the PCL Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament.
Organized by Sunrise Events Inc. and sponsored by Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC) together with Milo, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Pocari Sweat, the five-day event follows a successful staging in Davao City.
The Cebu leg holds special significance as pickleball was first introduced to the Philippines in the city through a clinic in 2016. A decade later, the sport has grown rapidly with more than 320 clubs nationwide, reflecting its expanding grassroots following.
Backed by PCL Asia, the U19 Rising Stars tournament serves as a qualifying stage for the PCL Asia Grand Finals set this April on Hainan Island.
In the Davao leg, Team Velaris composed of Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida and Jacob Cagas captured the title after edging the SABR squad, 23-21, in the finals. The team also secured a US$1,000 development grant from the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy along with travel support for the Asia finals.
Aside from the U19 centerpiece, Pickle Fest 2026 will feature adult competitions in Newbie, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate and Open divisions, with events in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles across 20+, 35+ and 50+ age brackets.
Organizers say the Cebu edition highlights the rapid growth of pickleball in the country while giving young Filipino athletes a pathway to compete on the regional stage.
Registration for the tournament remains open through the official Pickle Fest channels.