2026 Winter Pickleball Open: The FFT confirms the major event of the winter

Pickleball continues its rise in France! After the resounding success of the first edition in 2025, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) confirms the organization of the 2nd Winter Pickleball Open , from January 23 to 25, 2026 , in the Hauts-de-France league .

This K500 category tournament , the highest recognized level to date, is shaping up to be one of the major events on the national and European calendar .

A major event in Hauts-de-France

This major winter event will take place in Marcq-en-Barœul , at 93 rue du Fort (59700) .

The regional complex will provide 21 courts , including a center court , to welcome the best French and European players, but also all enthusiasts wishing to live a unique competitive experience.

The event will be supported by several official partners of the FFT: Wilson , Veolia and Skechers , who will accompany the federation throughout the tournament.

The public will be able to attend the matches for free, cheer on the athletes and participate in the activities offered throughout the weekend.

Significant new developments for 2026

• A major innovation of this second edition: the opening of draws dedicated to the U14 and U18 categories .

Saturday, January 24th will be dedicated to youth, with competitions for girls and boys in these age groups.

A concrete way for the FFT to promote the next generation and access to competition from a very young age.

"The idea is to make Pickleball a family and intergenerational sport," explains the FFT.

These junior brackets reflect the desire to structure the discipline from the youth categories , an important step in the democratization of Pickleball in France.

A comprehensive three-day format

The tournament will take place over three days, from 9am to 7pm (except Friday from 12pm).

The competitions will be organized according to FFT playing levels :

3.0 (first-time competitors) , 4.0 (intermediate) and 5.0 (elite) .

All FFT multi-sport or pickleball licensed players will be able to participate in their category.

Tournament schedule:

• Friday, January 23 : Women's and Men's Singles – Seniors (+19 years) and +50 categories
• Saturday, January 24 : Women's and Men's Doubles (Seniors +19 / +50 years), U14 and U18 Doubles (girls & boys)
• Sunday, January 25 : Mixed Doubles – Seniors (+19 / +50 years)

How to register: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/federation-francaise-de-tennis

Registration requirements :

• To be licensed in multi-racket or pickleball
• €20 per person per event

Viewers will be able to follow the results and news of the tournament in real time via the official MOVN app (available on Android and iOS).

Once the application is downloaded, simply add the “ Open Winter FFT ” tab to access all the information.

A regional league driving development

For the past year, the Hauts-de-France league has established itself as a central player in the development of Pickleball in France.

More than a hundred clubs in the region have already embarked on the adventure: activities, introductory sessions, equipment purchases, creation of weekly time slots…

This dynamic is reflected in a continuous increase in the number of licensed members and strong local involvement in the sport.

By hosting the Winter Open once again, the league confirms its leading role in structuring Pickleball on a national scale.

In addition to the French Open

This winter Open is now established as the winter counterpart to the French Pickleball Open , organised in the spring by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur league.

By distributing the events across two distinct territories , the FFT aims to reach a wider audience , developing the practice across the entire territory, from regions already active to those where Pickleball is still emerging.

This geographical network will eventually allow the construction of a true federal circuit , guaranteeing national visibility throughout the year.

A sporting and friendly event

The 2026 Winter Pickleball Open will not be just about competition.

A friendly evening is planned for Saturday evening , with free registration via the HelloAsso platform (limited to 100 places).

An opportunity to bring together players, volunteers, officials and partners around a moment of sharing, in the unifying spirit that characterizes Pickleball.

A free event open to all

Good news for enthusiasts: access to the event is completely free !

Whether you are a player, curious or simply a spectator, you can come and discover this spectacular sport and meet the French Pickleball community in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Tournament address:

Hauts-de-France Tennis League

93 Rue du Fort, 59700 Marcq-en-Barœul

Dates: January 23, 24 and 25, 2026

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm (Friday from 12pm)

A confirmation of the dynamism of Pickleball in France

With this second Winter Open, the FFT confirms its long-term commitment to Pickleball.

Between federal structuring, integration of young people and opening up to the general public, the discipline is taking a new step towards its professionalization and national recognition .

Enthusiasts can already mark January 23, 24 and 25, 2026 in their calendars:

The Winter Pickleball Open promises three days of competition, camaraderie and sporting spectacle… in the heart of the North!