The BBQ Boss Pickleball Open is set to launch on May 9 and 10, 2026, at the Paddle Republic Sports Center in Davao City, promising to be one of the largest pickleball events in the region. Organizers announced the tournament during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum, highlighting its goal to attract a massive field of players and boost the sport's popularity locally.
Tournament Details and Format
This competition can accommodate up to 608 participants, who will compete for a total prize pool of ₱330,000. Tournament organizer Joshua Barrientos revealed that a Swiss-format system will be employed to ensure fair and balanced competition across various categories, including men’s, women’s, mixed, executives, and juniors divisions.
Barrientos explained that while divisions are already organized by age and gender, the Swiss format will use game results to determine final skill-based brackets. "There might be confusion about Division 1 and Division 2 because we already have age categories," Barrientos said during the DSA Forum on March 12, 2026. "But the Swiss format allows the results of the games to naturally determine the divisions."
How the Swiss Format Works
Under this system, large brackets—such as the men’s 18–35 division—will play five preliminary rounds. The opening matches will be randomized, while subsequent rounds will pair teams with identical win-loss records. After the first round, the field splits evenly between winning and losing teams. In the next round, winners face winners, and losing teams meet opponents with the same standing.
Barrientos noted that the preliminary rounds will eventually separate the top 16 pairs into Division 1, the next 16 into Division 2, with the remaining teams forming additional brackets. This approach ensures players compete against opponents with similar performance levels as the tournament progresses, enhancing fairness and excitement.
Registration and Divisions
Registration costs ₱2,000 per player and includes a tournament jersey, gift certificates, and other giveaways. The event will feature a wide range of divisions, from the 17-and-below juniors category to the 50-and-above executives bracket, along with a special division for golfers, making it inclusive for various skill levels and interests.
Supporting Pickleball Growth
Organizers emphasized that the tournament supports efforts to expand pickleball in Davao City by providing a structured platform for both competitive and recreational players. By offering a significant prize pool and using an innovative format, the event aims to attract a diverse participant base and foster community engagement in the sport.
This initiative not only promotes athletic competition but also contributes to the local sports scene, encouraging more people to take up pickleball and participate in future events. With its strategic planning and inclusive approach, the BBQ Boss Pickleball Open is poised to become a highlight in the regional sports calendar.
