The Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 officially opened on Sept. 2 at the Tien Son Sports Arena in Da Nang, Vietnam, coinciding with Vietnam’s National Day celebrations. Far more than a traditional pickleball tournament, the event was designed as a major global showcase for the rapidly growing sport — and it had already made history before the first serve was played.
Key Highlights
- Two Guinness World Records were secured for the most participating nations and the most valuable trophy
- More than 65 nations competed, with nearly 5,000 registered athletes travelling to Vietnam
- Da Nang hosted Asia’s first Pickleball World Cup, marking a major milestone for the sport’s growth
- A spectacular opening ceremony featured 65 national and territorial teams and more than 1,000 officers, soldiers and cadets
Heineken Pickleball World Cup Breaks Two Records
The tournament secured two Guinness World Records following its spectacular opening ceremony. The first recognised the most countries and territories represented by athletes at a single host location for a pickleball event.
More than 65 nations took part, while athletes from over 80 countries and territories registered for the tournament. The second record was awarded for the most valuable trophy of its kind, further highlighting the scale and ambition behind the 2026 World Cup.
Nearly 5,000 Athletes Gather in Vietnam
The scale of participation in Da Nang underlined pickleball’s growing international appeal, with almost 5,000 registered athletes travelling to Vietnam. The event also marked the first-ever Pickleball World Cup staged in Asia, representing a major step forward for the sport’s development across the continent.
The international player field included France’s Jay Devilliers, India’s Harsh Mehta, the Netherlands’ Roos Van Reek, Australia’s Nicola Schoeman and the United States’ Vivian Glozman. They were joined by a strong home contingent featuring Do Minh Quan, Phuc Huynh, Quang Duong and Ly Hoang Nam, setting the stage for intense competition and national pride.
Opening Ceremony Delivers Olympic-Style Spectacle
The opening ceremony matched the ambition of the tournament, with a vibrant parade bringing all 65 competing national and territorial teams onto the field. The ceremony also featured a spectacular “Road to Glory” drum performance, involving more than 1,000 officers, soldiers and cadets from the People’s Police Academy.
Held alongside Vietnam’s National Day celebrations, the production gave the World Cup an Olympic-scale atmosphere and showcased the event as a celebration of sport, culture and unity. Through the universal language of sport, new friendships were forged, and international understanding was fostered—a legacy far more profound than any record.
Pickleball World Cup Aims for a Lasting Legacy
While the two Guinness World Records provided major milestones, Da Nang city officials emphasised that the tournament’s lasting impact goes beyond trophies and records. The event brought together nations, languages and cultures from across the world, using pickleball as a common language to create new friendships and encourage international understanding.
The Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 has therefore become more than a competition. With its record-breaking participation, historic Asian debut and global showcase in Da Nang, the event represents another major step in pickleball’s rise on the international sporting stage.
