Vietnam is set to welcome its first official APP Asia Tour event as the APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 prepares to bring more than 1,500 players to the country this December. Running from December 10–13 at VIAS Pickleball Academy, the tournament will feature 51 events across professional, senior, amateur and junior divisions, with a total prize pool of US$50,000.
Organised by SEVA (Sports Era Vietnam Asia) under the auspices and direct oversight of the Vietnam Pickleball Federation, the tournament marks an important step in the growth of pickleball in Vietnam, while giving local players an opportunity to compete alongside international talent.
Key Highlights
- Vietnam's APP Asia Tour Debut: The Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 will be the country's first official APP Asia Tour event, attracting more than 1,500 expected participants.
- 51 Events and US$50,000 Prize Pool: Competition will cover Pro, Senior Pro 50+, Amateur and Junior divisions.
- International Stars Expected: Quang Duong, Trinh Linh Giang, Roos Van Reek, Megan Fudge and other recognised players are expected to compete.
- Junior Golden Ticket Opportunity: Two selected young players, one boy and one girl, are expected to receive places at a three-day APP Next Academy development camp in 2027.
Vietnam's First Official APP Asia Tour Event
The APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 officially gained momentum following its launch press conference on November 6 at GEM CENTER in Ho Chi Minh City. The event brought together delegates, representatives from the APP and APP Asia Tour, partners, sponsors, players and media to announce further details about the tournament.
During the press conference, organisers also signed partnership agreements with the Vietnam Pickleball Federation and FPT Play, formalising cooperation in tournament organisation, production and broadcasting.
With SEVA leading the organisation under the federation's oversight, the four-day competition will take place from December 10–13 at VIAS Pickleball Academy. More than 1,500 players from Vietnam and overseas are expected to participate, making it a significant addition to the country's growing pickleball calendar.
51 Events Across Four Competitive Divisions
With 51 events and a US$50,000 prize pool, the Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 is designed to accommodate players across different ages and skill levels.
The competition will feature four main divisions:
- Pro: Five events covering Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles, bringing professional players together to compete for the tournament's top honours.
- Senior Pro 50+: A dedicated category for players aged 50 and above.
- Amateur: Events organised by age group and playing ability, using DUPR rating bands in 0.5-point increments to help players find suitable competition.
- Junior: A platform for young players to gain tournament experience, develop their skills and compete against their peers.
International Stars Expected to Compete in Ho Chi Minh City
The expected player field features a mix of established international names and leading Vietnamese competitors. Expected to participate are Quang Duong, Trinh Linh Giang, Richard Livornese Jr., Roos Van Reek, Megan Fudge, Vivian Glozman, Zack Marceau, Tanner Tomassi, Mark Dancuart, Seone Mendez and Nicola Schoeman.
For Vietnamese fans, particular attention will be on Quang Duong, who enjoyed a successful outing at the APP Asia Tour Penang Open in July 2026. He secured gold medals in both Men's Singles and Men's Doubles, giving him another opportunity to compete for major honours when the tour arrives in front of his home crowd.
Meanwhile, fellow Vietnamese player Trinh Linh Giang is also among the expected participants, adding further local interest to the tournament. Organisers will release further updates on the official player lineup, event entries and match schedule through the tournament's official channels.
Junior Golden Ticket: A Development Opportunity for Young Players
Beyond the professional competition, the APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 will also offer opportunities for the next generation through its Junior Golden Ticket initiative. As part of the 2026 junior season, the programme will give selected young players the opportunity to attend a talent development programme at APP Next Academy.
Two places are expected to be available for a three-day training camp, with one allocated to a boy and another to a girl. The camp is tentatively scheduled for May or June 2027. However, selection will be subject to APP's official criteria, with full eligibility requirements and details of what the places include to be announced under the programme's official rules.
The initiative adds another dimension to the tournament, allowing young competitors to pursue further development beyond their regular match experience.
FPT Play and Selkirk Lead Tournament Partnerships
The tournament's partnerships will also play an important role in expanding its reach, from match coverage to equipment and community engagement.
FPT Play Named Exclusive Broadcast Partner
FPT Play has been appointed as the exclusive production and broadcast partner for the Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026, with coverage set to reach Vietnamese audiences across its platforms. The partnership reflects FPT Play's continued investment in sports content, while aiming to deliver professionally produced coverage of matches featuring leading players from Vietnam and overseas.
For local pickleball fans, this provides another opportunity to follow the action and watch international competitors take part in the country's first official APP Asia Tour event.
Selkirk Introduces S2 Pro and Selkirk Combine
Meanwhile, Selkirk will serve as the tournament's Official Ball Partner, bringing its new S2 Pro ball to competition. The partnership also introduces Selkirk Combine, a community challenge that blends pickleball with fitness activities.
Although the Ho Chi Minh City format has yet to be confirmed, the initiative aims to bring together different sporting communities, including gym enthusiasts, running clubs, tennis players and recreational pickleball participants.
As Angela Sargunan, Director of Marketing (Southeast Asia) at Selkirk Sport, explained, the initiative is also intended to introduce the sport to people who may never have picked up a paddle, allowing them to get involved.
Tournament Partners and Supporting Sponsors
Beyond FPT Play and Selkirk, several other brands are supporting the APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026. The event is also supported by LYN Property, Tân Minh Nhân and Sypik, contributing to the tournament's organisation and overall event experience.
The tournament's official partners include:
- Jogarbola: Official Paddle Partner
- TH True Water: Official Beverage Partner
- Coolmate: Official Apparel Partner
- PWC Pickleball: Official Media Partner
APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026: Tournament Details
| CategoryDetails | |
| Tournament | APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 |
| Circuit | APP Asia Tour |
| Dates | December 10–13, 2026 |
| Venue | VIAS Pickleball Academy |
| Address | 40 Ngô Thị Bì Street, Tân Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Expected Participants | More than 1,500 |
| Number of Events | 51 |
| Prize Pool | US$50,000 |
| Organiser | SEVA – Sports Era Vietnam Asia |
| Oversight | Vietnam Pickleball Federation |
| Official Broadcast Partner | FPT Play |
| Registration Platform | SportsSync |
Ho Chi Minh City Prepares for a Major Pickleball Showcase
The APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 represents more than the arrival of another international tournament. It marks the first official APP Asia Tour event in Vietnam, bringing together professional athletes, amateur competitors and junior players on the same stage.
Organisers also hope the event will help showcase Ho Chi Minh City as a regional sports destination, attracting visitors who can experience the city's attractions beyond the pickleball courts.
With a US$50,000 prize pool, an expected international player field, a Vietnamese home favourite in Quang Duong and development opportunities for junior athletes, the four-day tournament is shaping up to be an important occasion for pickleball in Vietnam.
