In March 2026, Cebu City will once again be the focal point of the growing pickleball scene in the Philippines, as it hosts the Kosmas Pickle Fest 2026. This event will include the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament, taking place from March 11 at the Net and Paddle courts in Cebu City. The tournament provides a vital platform for young athletes to compete and advance within the sport’s rapidly expanding community.
Building on Success from Davao City to Elevate the Sport
Following a successful event in Davao City, the collaboration between Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp. (KAVC) and Sunrise Events Inc. aims to deliver another energetic five-day festival celebrating pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally. This edition holds special significance, as Cebu was the site where pickleball was first introduced to the country through a clinic in 2016. A decade later, pickleball has seen remarkable growth with over 320 registered clubs across the Philippines and increasing grassroots and competitive engagement.
The Rising Stars U19 Sectional: A Gateway to Regional and International Competition
Endorsed by PCL Asia, the Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament is designed to be more than a regional contest. It provides a structured and credible development route for youth players, encompassing standardized rules and regional qualifiers, culminating in qualification for the prestigious PCL Asia Grand Finals scheduled for April in Hainan Island, China. This comprehensive framework strengthens local talent and creates opportunities for international exposure.
Filipino Youth Showcases Bold Potential in National and International Arenas
The recent tournament leg in Davao highlighted the rising caliber of Filipino pickleball competitors. Team Velaris, composed of Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida, and Jacob Cagas, triumphed over the SABR squad with a close 23-21 victory at Pickletown, earning both the gold medal and a coveted spot at the PCL Asia Grand Finals. Included with their qualification was a $1,000 development grant from the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA), as well as full support from PCL Asia for their travel and accommodation expenses.
Adult Divisions Continue to Foster Diverse Competition and Community Engagement
While the U19 segment remains the highlight, adult categories ranging from Novice through Low and High Intermediate to Open divisions fuel healthy competition across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles brackets. These contests reflect the steadily broadening appeal of pickleball across different ages and skill levels. Corporate supporters such as Milo, Summit, and Pocari contribute to the event’s vibrant atmosphere and growing popularity.
Celebrating Origins and Projecting Future Growth in Cebu
The choice of Cebu as the venue for the 2026 tournament is symbolic, honoring the city’s foundational role in establishing pickleball in the Philippines while stimulating the sport’s continued advancement nationwide. Organizers view this event as both a tribute to past accomplishments and a catalyst for future progress.
“Pickleball’s growth over the last decade has been nothing short of phenomenal. From a single introductory clinic in Cebu to more than 320 clubs nationwide, the sport has truly captured the imagination of Filipino athletes,”
said Richard Bachmann, Operations Director of Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp.
“The successful staging in Davao showed the level of organization and talent we now have, and with PCL Asia supporting the sectional pathway, our young players are no longer just competing locally — they are preparing to shine on the regional stage. The potential of our Filipino youth in pickleball is immense, and Cebu’s homecoming edition will once again prove that we can compete — and excel — in Asia,”
added Princess Galura, President and Managing Director of Sunrise Events Inc.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Young Athletes and the Sport’s Expansion
The 2026 Pickleball Rising Stars Tournament in Cebu promises to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of athletes who aspire to compete at regional and global levels. By providing structured pathways and international exposure, the tournament strengthens the sport’s foundation in the country and positions Filipino players to achieve success abroad. As participation grows, the engagement from sponsors, organizers, and communities is expected to drive further development across age groups and skill levels, making pickleball an increasingly prominent fixture in Philippine sports culture.
