Cebu hosts Pickle Fest 2026 with Young Aces Eye Asia on spotlight

CEBU CITY – Pickleball Championship League (PCL)-Asia hosts the Pickle Fest 2026 in Cebu, bannered by the PCL Rising Stars Under-19 Sectional Tournament, beginning March 11-14 at Net and Paddle courts at Sawang Calero, Cebu City, after the successful play in Davao City and in Manila.

Organizers believe Cebu’s hosting is both a celebration of the sport’s roots and a launching pad for its future. 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, PCL Chairman Steve Kuhn said, in a press conference, March 10 at the Net and Paddle court facility.

“The successful staging in Davao showed the level of organization and talent we now have. 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,” said Richard Bachman, KAVC Operations Director.

The Young Aces Eye Asia team of four players, dreaming of bigger stages, are on the spotlight at the Pickle Fest 2026 Cebu.  Backed by PCL Asia, the Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament offers more than medals and bragging rights, it provides a structured development pathway for young athletes — featuring standardized rules, regional qualifiers, and cross-border competition culminating in a coveted berth to the PCL Asia Grand Finals on Hainan Island this April.

The recent Davao leg underscored the depth of emerging Filipino talent. Team Velaris, composed of Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida and Jacob Cagas edged the SABR squad 23-21 in a thrilling finale at Pickletown to clinch the gold medal and secure a slot in the Asia Grand Finals, Bachman shared.

Along with the qualification came a US$1,000 development grant from the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy, plus full support from PCL Asia covering airfare, accommodations and local transportation.   With registration ongoing, parents, schools, clubs and local communities are encouraged to rally behind the athletes and take part in what promises to be a landmark moment for the sport, Bachman added.

While the U19 division serves as the centerpiece, adult categories, from Novice to Low and High Intermediate and the Open division continue to fuel rivalries in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, reflecting the sport’s expanding reach across age groups and skill levels, Tournament Director Ceasar Guinto told media.

Guinto said, Pickleball’s unique blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis played on a compact court with paddles and a perforated ball, has made it both accessible and intensely strategic. “The sport emphasizes reflexes, touch and teamwork as much as power.  Its inclusive nature has allowed schools, clubs and communities to quickly adopt the sport, accelerating its nationwide footprint,” he explained.

Also featured during the festival are adult competitions across all skill levels, underscoring pickleball’s inclusive appeal. Categories include:Newbie (2.0–2.99); Low Intermediate (3.0–3.49); High Intermediate (3.5–3.99) and Open Division

Events are held in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles across 20+, 35+, and 50+ age brackets.  Registration fees are set at P12,000 for the U19 Rising Stars category and P3,000 for adult divisions.

For registration and details, visit: https://picklefest.kosmas.com.ph/ Participants may also follow the Pickle Fest 2026 Facebook page and PCL Asia channels for update. (Photos: MBCNewman)