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TOPSERIES Pickleball Launches International Pro Circuit
The circuit unlocks a new era for international pickleball with a seven tournament circuit across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
When you think pickleball, your mind immediately jumps to the U.S., where everyone from kids to seniors and amateurs to pros embraces a sport that’s exploded since COVID.
But pickleball isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon. It’s started growing globally with players picking it up across the world. While the international amateur game has blossomed, the pro level has lagged behind. That is until now.
This past week, TOPSERIES Pickleball officially launched an international pro circuit that will span across seven iconic destinations as the first professional circuit designed to structure and elevate the sport, offering a clear roadmap for players, promoters, fans, brand, and partners.
The Next Stage for International Pro Pickleball
On an unassuming dreary evening in London, the TOPSERIES Pickleball team presented the pillars of the new circuit: a unified ranking for professional and semi-professional players, standardized prize money across all tournaments, premium audiovisual production from the early rounds, and live experiences designed to maximize impact both on court and on screen.
“Today, more than 30 million people play pickleball worldwide, with a 500% growth since 2020 and a market valued at €1.8 billion. The momentum is undeniable,” said Adel Aref, CEO of TOPSERIES Pickleball. “TOPSERIES Pickleball was created to offer a structured, international professional tour with a clear roadmap for players, promoters, fans and brands.”
The TOPSERIES 2026 International Ultimate Calendar
Announced at the event was the TOPSERIES 2026 International Ultimate Calendar, composed of seven emblematic destinations that reflect the ambition of the circuit. The ultimate season will begin in Cairo (April 21–25), continue in Hamburg (May 20–24) and Venice (June 14–28), move on to Tunis (July 1–5), and proceed with the autumn swing in Madrid (September 16–20) and London (October 14–18), before concluding with the Grand Final in Dubai (November 18–22).
In addition to the ultimate events, there will be more than 20 other destinations for grassroots pickleball events, including cities in Spain, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Egypt.
The Future Outlook
Pickleball is quickly growing in Europe with plenty of courts, players, and communities, but there is still something missing. That is structure, consistency, and credibility. The U.S has created this, while fragmented at times, but now it’s time for Europe to build this infrastructure.
TOPSERIES steps into this role with a vision of a professional tour infrastructure designed to elevate pickleball across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. While it will be challenging, the TOPSERIES plan includes key components necessary for success like an athlete-first focus, strong fan and partner experiences, and an essential governing body. There’s optimism abound for global pickleball expansion and TOPSERIES has the right approach to lead the charge.
