Pickleball is coming to Cebu in a big way—and its organisers have ambitions that stretch well beyond a single tournament.
The 1st Cebu Pickleball Open Tournament 2026: The Blazing Torch and True Edge Cup is set for 27 June 2026 at Net and Paddle inside the LuDo Complex in Sawang Calero, Cebu City. The event was officially launched Wednesday at a press conference in Market Place, Banawa, organised by Antorcha De La Libertad Lodge No. 2 and Espada De Rectitud Lodge No. 3 under The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Visayas and Mindanao.
Tournament commissioner Allan Delantar—a former commissioner of the Cebu City Sports Commission—said the event was born out of a simple observation: more and more people across different areas are picking up the sport, and the competitive infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.
That is precisely what they intend to change. Beyond the tournament, Delantar said they plan to coordinate with the Philippine Sports Commission to explore establishing a National Sports Association for pickleball in Cebu—a step that would formalise the sport’s growing presence in the region.
The inaugural edition of the Cebu Pickleball Open will be kept tight and focused. Participation is capped at 60 pairs across three categories: 20 in men’s doubles, 20 in women’s doubles, and 20 in mixed doubles. Champions in each category take home ₱10,000, with runners-up receiving ₱7,000. Registration is set at ₱1,500 per player.
Also present at Wednesday’s launch were Hermanos Cesar Carlos Albano, Joseph Versaga, Amado Baclayon Jr., Gerald Cañete, Atty. Rengie Galo, and Anselmo Belangel Jr., alongside Famela Mantuhac-Sajuela and Eva Marie Neo of Bola Pickleball PH.
Those interested in joining the Cebu Pickleball Open may register at https://form.jotform.com/261328899981477.
