Pamplona, Spain – The 2026 Manomanista championship will proceed with its traditional format, organizers confirmed Tuesday, despite earlier indications of potential changes. The tournament, a cornerstone of the Basque pelota calendar, will feature a round of 16, followed by league play in the quarterfinals, semifinals at the Adarraga and Atano III frontons on May 17th, and culminating in the final at the Navarra Arena on May 31st.
The draw for the round of 16 has established several intriguing matchups. Darío will face Elordi this Friday in Labastida, although Saturday will notice Peña II take on Peio Etxeberria in Zarautz and Zabala battle Bakaikoa at the Adarraga fronton. Rounding out the initial pairings, Jaka and Ezkurdia will compete on Sunday in Estella.
The top two players from the previous edition, Altuna III and Laso, will be placed in Group A alongside the winners of the Zumaia qualifying matches on April 12th, featuring Darío-Elordi and Jaka-Ezkurdia. A highly anticipated clash between Altuna III and Laso is already scheduled for April 11th at the Navarra Arena. Altuna III will as well play on April 17th in Gernika, and Laso will compete the day before in Ogueta.
Artola and Larrazabal, finishing second and third respectively in the last tournament, will form Group B with the victors of the April 18th matches at the Labrit fronton, pitting Zabala-Bakaikoa against Peña II-Peio Etxeberria. Artola and Larrazabal are set to face off on April 10th at the Gurea in Azkoitia, followed by further matches for Artola on April 25th in Durango and Larrazabal on April 26th at the Deportivo in Bilbao.
Adding a unique element to the Serie B bracket, the draw has created a family affair: Zubizarreta III and Zubizarreta IV will compete against each other this Saturday at the Aritzbatalde in Zarautz. This marks the first time the brothers will face each other on the frontón court.
Other Serie B round of 16 matches include Rekalde versus Eskiroz on Friday in Labastida, Salaberria against Alberdi II on Saturday at the Adarraga in Logroño, and Amiano taking on Aldabe on Sunday in Estella. Agirre and Egiguren V will compete in Group A of the quarterfinals, while Senar and Murua will be in Group B.
The final match of the Manomanista is currently slated for May 23rd at the Labrit frontón. This tournament continues to be a significant event in the world of Basque pelota, drawing passionate fans and showcasing the skill of some of the sport’s top players.
For those unfamiliar with the Manomanista, it’s a single-elimination tournament featuring individual players, a format that emphasizes both physical endurance and strategic prowess. The tournament’s history is steeped in tradition, and the Navarra Arena has become a celebrated venue for the championship match, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd each year.
The upcoming matches promise intense competition and exciting displays of athleticism. The pairings in both Group A and Group B set the stage for compelling league play, and the quarterfinals will undoubtedly be a crucial stage for players vying for a spot in the semifinals. The final at the Navarra Arena on May 31st is already circled on the calendars of pelota fans across the region.
The confirmation that the tournament will retain its established format provides a sense of continuity for players and fans alike. While changes were discussed, the decision to stick with the traditional structure underscores the importance of preserving the tournament’s heritage.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the round of 16 matches beginning this Friday, April 12th, with Darío facing Elordi in Labastida. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the Manomanista 2026, including match results, analysis, and player interviews.
What are your predictions for the Manomanista 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
