Pickleball, a sport that until recently was unknown, is conquering more and more fans and proving to be an unstoppable trend. This mix of tennis, padel and badminton has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the United States, and is now gaining momentum in Spain. Next week, Madrid will host the first Spanish MAPFRE Pickleball Championship by Cervezas Victoriawhich will be held from 26 to 29 September in a unique setting: the Plaza de España.
A sport on the rise
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in the United States and since then it has grown exponentially, especially in recent years. The simplicity of its rules, the ease with which it can be played on all types of surfaces and the possibility of playing in pairs or individually make it an accessible sport for all ages. Currently, more than 4 million people play pickleball in the USA, and its international growth has been vertiginous, with tournaments and circuits that are already beginning to stand out on the world sports scene.
The sport has managed to capture the attention not only of fans but also of sponsors and major brands that have seen pickleball as an emerging platform. The US professional circuit, as well as the inclusion of international tournaments, have cemented its status as the fastest growing global sport in recent years.
Madrid hosts the first Spanish Championship
Madrid will be the pickleball capital of the world next week, when it hosts the first MAPFRE Spanish Pickleball ChampionshipThe event will have a court open to the public and bleachers for 600 spectators in the iconic Plaza de España. In addition, there will be a recreational area with four courts where the curious can try out this sport that promises to become an important part of the Spanish sporting scene.
The initial phase of the championship will be played at the El Tejar de Somontes club on 26 and 27 September, where 40 courts will be available to host the competitions of categories 3.5, +50, +60, and the first rounds and semi-finals of categories 4.5 and 5.0. The eagerly awaited finals will move to the Plaza de España on the 28th and 29th, in an event that promises to attract the attention of players and fans of the sport from all over the country.
A circuit with international projection
The Spanish Championship is only one stop in the first National Pickleball Tour RFET-MAPFREwhich began in June with the Spanish Open by Cervezas Victoria. This circuit has four events, all of which count towards the national and world rankings, with the support of important brands such as MAPFRE, El Corte Inglés, Volvo and Central Lechera Asturiana. This corporate backing is a clear sign of the attraction that pickleball is generating on a media and commercial level.
Thanks to the organisation of B3 Sportainment in collaboration with the RFET, the championship has the backing of the Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid, guaranteeing a solid structure for the development of pickleball in Spain.
An opportunity for all
Access to the event will be free of charge, and the installation of recreational courts will allow anyone who wishes to try the sport. This reinforces the inclusive nature of pickleball, which has been a key factor in its growth. Whether in Spain or anywhere in the world, pickleball continues to grow in popularity and Madrid, with this first national championship, puts itself on the map of this exciting sport that is ready to shine.
