The APP Ho Chi Minh City Open 2026 is projected to draw more than 1,500 domestic and international athletes when competition begins on Dec. 10, 2026, at the VIAS Pickleball Academy, Lao Dong reported. Organized by Sports Era Vietnam Asia (SEVA), the four-day event runs through Dec. 13 and features 51 competition events spread across 21 courts with a total prize pool of $50,000 USD.
Tournament Structure and Divisions
Organizers have built the tournament across multiple tiers to accommodate various skill levels and age groups, utilizing 21 dedicated courts at the venue. The professional tier, known as the PRO system, features five distinct events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. This division is designed to draw top domestic and international touring professionals. Alongside the open pro bracket, a Senior PRO system provides competition tracks for experienced older athletes, while dedicated junior brackets offer tournament exposure for younger competitors.
For amateur competitors, tournament organizers have implemented the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system to structure the draws. Rather than relying on broad skill brackets, the amateur categories use 0.5-point DUPR increments. This partitioning aims to create competitive balance and ensure athletes face opponents of comparable ability. Amateurs and juniors will share the venue space with professional players during the four-day schedule.
International Field and Quang Duong’s Return
The tournament’s preliminary entry list features several prominent international competitors, including Richard Livornese, Megan Fudge, Sofia Sewing, Jack Munro, Roos van Reek, Tanner Tomassi, and Vivian Glozman, according to organizational disclosures. Vietnamese-American player Quang Duong is also expected to compete, marking a notable appearance for local fans. His participation brings a leading international competitor back to a domestic venue, connecting global tour play with the local community.
Youth Development and Golden Ticket Program
Junior competition serves as a core component of the event’s community development framework, offering younger players access to an international tournament environment. As part of this initiative, the 2026 youth season features a “Golden Ticket” program. The top-ranked male and female players on the junior leaderboard will earn spots in a three-day training camp at the APP Next Academy, scheduled for May or June 2027.
Tournament Schedule and Venue Details
Competition will take place from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2026, at the VIAS Pickleball Academy in Ho Chi Minh City. Organizers stated that final roster confirmations, detailed registration specifics, and daily match schedules will be released through official communication channels closer to the event date.
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