THE LARGEST INDOOR PICKLEBALL EVENT IN HISTORY KICKS OFF IN ENGLAND
Nearly 3,400 players, 60 courts, three interconnected halls — Birmingham hosts a historic milestone for the sport this week.
One big tournament ends, and another just as big begins. This time it's the English Open's turn — the largest indoor pickleball tournament ever held. As the echoes of Chicago and the MLP playoffs in the United States barely fade, the pickleball calendar shows no signs of slowing down. This week, the center of the pickleball world moves to Birmingham, England, where the 2026 Proflex English Open Powered by the APP brings nearly 3,400 professional and amateur players to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Running August 11-16, six days of competition unfold across 60 courts spread over three interconnected halls. Numbers that, on their own, already tell the story of where this sport is headed.
More Than Nine Times The Growth
The English Open launched in 2019 with just 305 players and 694 event registrations. The 2026 edition represents more than a ninefold increase since then, prompting the tournament's first-ever move to the NEC to accommodate such a massive field.
"The move to the NEC marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting new era for the Proflex English Open Powered by the APP," said Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founder of Pickleball England. "Delivering an event of this scale requires strong, committed partners, and the APP has been invaluable in helping us strengthen the English Open's international reach and professional offering."
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A World-Class International Field
The event will bring together leading APP professionals competing alongside some of the best talent from the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond, plus hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels. Among the professional field will be members of the 2026 APP U.S. National Team, featuring the sport's top up-and-coming pros under age 23.
In total, the competition will feature approximately 120 brackets, including professional, amateur, junior, wheelchair and para categories. On Thursday, August 13, a special team-based event, The Unity Cup, will pair all ages and abilities together for a split-age, hybrid competition — a reflection of the inclusive, player-first approach shared by the APP and Pickleball England.
Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP, was emphatic about what this moment represents: "We have watched this tournament develop from its earliest days into an extraordinary global gathering of players. Bringing leading APP professionals to Birmingham to compete alongside such a broad international field is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create around the world."
Part Of A Larger Global Alliance
The English Open represents the latest major international event under the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA), a coalition of organizations committed to expanding competitive opportunities for the sport worldwide.
"This event is about much more than its record-breaking scale," Herrmann added. "It is a celebration of the pickleball community and a powerful demonstration of the sport's international momentum. The atmosphere created by thousands of players sharing one venue will be incredibly special."
How To Watch
Coverage will be available on the Pickleball England and APPTV YouTube channels, Friday August 14, Saturday August 15, and Sunday August 16, starting at 3:00am ET (8:00am local time).
A great pickleball feast for every fan out there. See you in the next report.
Nearly 3,400 players, 60 courts, three interconnected halls — Birmingham hosts a historic milestone for the sport this week.
One big tournament ends, and another just as big begins. This time it's the English Open's turn — the largest indoor pickleball tournament ever held. As the echoes of Chicago and the MLP playoffs in the United States barely fade, the pickleball calendar shows no signs of slowing down. This week, the center of the pickleball world moves to Birmingham, England, where the 2026 Proflex English Open Powered by the APP brings nearly 3,400 professional and amateur players to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Running August 11-16, six days of competition unfold across 60 courts spread over three interconnected halls. Numbers that, on their own, already tell the story of where this sport is headed.
More Than Nine Times The Growth
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The English Open launched in 2019 with just 305 players and 694 event registrations. The 2026 edition represents more than a ninefold increase since then, prompting the tournament's first-ever move to the NEC to accommodate such a massive field.
"The move to the NEC marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting new era for the Proflex English Open Powered by the APP," said Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founder of Pickleball England. "Delivering an event of this scale requires strong, committed partners, and the APP has been invaluable in helping us strengthen the English Open's international reach and professional offering."
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
A World-Class International Field
The event will bring together leading APP professionals competing alongside some of the best talent from the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond, plus hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels. Among the professional field will be members of the 2026 APP U.S. National Team, featuring the sport's top up-and-coming pros under age 23.
In total, the competition will feature approximately 120 brackets, including professional, amateur, junior, wheelchair and para categories. On Thursday, August 13, a special team-based event, The Unity Cup, will pair all ages and abilities together for a split-age, hybrid competition — a reflection of the inclusive, player-first approach shared by the APP and Pickleball England.
Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP, was emphatic about what this moment represents: "We have watched this tournament develop from its earliest days into an extraordinary global gathering of players. Bringing leading APP professionals to Birmingham to compete alongside such a broad international field is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create around the world."
Part Of A Larger Global Alliance
The English Open represents the latest major international event under the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA), a coalition of organizations committed to expanding competitive opportunities for the sport worldwide.
"This event is about much more than its record-breaking scale," Herrmann added. "It is a celebration of the pickleball community and a powerful demonstration of the sport's international momentum. The atmosphere created by thousands of players sharing one venue will be incredibly special."
How To Watch
Coverage will be available on the Pickleball England and APPTV YouTube channels, Friday August 14, Saturday August 15, and Sunday August 16, starting at 3:00am ET (8:00am local time).
A great pickleball feast for every fan out there. See you in the next report.
