Vietnam Formally Launches Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026: All You Need to Know
The APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 now has a full launch behind it. As we reported earlier, the tournament is bringing the APP Asia Tour to Vietnam this December. Now that organisers have held their official press conference, there’s a lot more to know: how many events, who’s playing, who’s broadcasting, and what’s in it for juniors.
Vietnam’s First Official APP Asia Tour Event
The tournament runs from 10 to 13 December at VIAS Pickleball Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, with more than 1,500 players from Vietnam and abroad expected. It’s the first time an official APP Asia Tour event will be held in Vietnam, and it’s organised by SEVA (Sports Era Vietnam Asia) under the auspices and direct oversight of the Vietnam Pickleball Federation.
Organisers announced the tournament at a press conference on 6 November at GEM CENTER, attended by delegates, representatives of APP and the APP Asia Tour, partners, sponsors, players and media. They also signed partnership agreements with the Vietnam Pickleball Federation and FPT Play, formalising cooperation on organisation, production and broadcasting.
51 Events Across Four Divisions
With 51 events and a US$50,000 prize pool, there’s room for players of all levels:
- Pro: Five events, covering Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
- Senior Pro 50+: For players aged 50 and over.
- Amateur: Organised by age group and skill level, using DUPR rating bands in 0.5-point increments so players can pick events that suit them.
- Junior: A chance for young players to compete, gain experience and meet their peers.
That mix is a hallmark of the APP Asia Tour: amateurs and juniors compete at the same tournament as the pros, so they can watch top-level matches up close and learn from experienced players.
Who’s Playing
The expected field features Quang Duong, Trinh Linh Giang, Richard Livornese Jr., Roos Van Reek, Megan Fudge, Vivian Glozman, Zack Marceau, Tanner Tomassi, Mark Dancuart, Seone Mendez and Nicola Schoeman.
For Vietnamese fans, the player to watch is Quang Dương, who won gold in both Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles at the APP Asia Tour stop in Penang in July 2026, and the Ho Chi Minh City Open gives him a chance to do it again in front of a home crowd. Organisers will publish updates on the official lineup, event entries and match schedule through the tournament’s official channels.
The Junior Golden Ticket
One of the most interesting details is for young players. The 2026 junior season includes a Junior Golden Ticket, which gives selected players the chance to attend a talent development programme at APP Next Academy.
Two places are expected to be available at a three-day training camp, tentatively set for May or June 2027, one for a boy and one for a girl, subject to APP’s selection criteria. Full eligibility requirements and details on what the places include will follow under APP’s official programme rules.
On Screen and On Court: FPT Play and Selkirk
Broadcast: FPT Play has been named the exclusive production and broadcast partner and will carry coverage across its platforms. The partnership reflects its long-term investment in sports content, and aims to give Vietnamese audiences professionally produced coverage of matches featuring top players from Vietnam and abroad.
Official ball: Selkirk is the Official Ball Partner and will bring its new S2 Pro ball to tournament play. It’s also introducing Selkirk Combine, a community challenge that blends pickleball and fitness, with the Ho Chi Minh City format still to be confirmed. The idea is to bring together gym crews, run clubs, tennis players and weekend players.
“Through Selkirk Combine, we also want to reach people who may never have picked up a paddle and give them a reason to join in,” said Angela Sargunan, Director of Marketing (Southeast Asia) at Selkirk Sport.
The Supporting Cast
Other partners include Jogarbola (Official Paddle Partner), TH True Water (Official Beverage Partner), Coolmate (Official Apparel Partner) and PWC Pickleball (Official Media Partner). The event is also supported by LYN Property, Tân Minh Nhân and Sypik.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 |
| Circuit | APP Asia Tour |
| Dates | 10–13 December 2026 |
| Venue | VIAS Pickleball Academy, 40 Ngô Thị Bì Street, Tân Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Expected players | More than 1,500 |
| Events | 51 |
| Prize pool | USD $50,000 |
| Organiser | SEVA – Sports Era Vietnam Asia |
| Oversight | Vietnam Pickleball Federation |
| Broadcast | FPT Play (exclusive) |
| Registration | SportsSync |
Organisers say they also hope the event will showcase Ho Chi Minh City as a destination for regional sports, and bring visitors to a city with plenty to see off court.
With money on the line, a Vietnamese star going for a home-court title, and a Golden Ticket for the next generation, the Ho Chi Minh City Open looks like a big week for pickleball in Vietnam.
