From this Friday until Sunday, Plaza Alcalde Fernando Ortiz Wiot, located at the iconic Las Canteras beach, will be the venue for the start of this national circuit. Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, table tennis, and padel, arrives on the island under the official circuit of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation.
The official presentation of the event took place this Friday, attended by various authorities. These included the mayor of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, a sports councilor from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the sports councilor for the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the president of the Canarian Tennis Federation, and the director of a local media outlet.
“"Having these types of events is a great opportunity for those who come to compete in a growing sport to also enjoy the city."
This edition has registered unprecedented participation figures, reflecting the remarkable growth of this sport both in the Canary Islands and across the country. Registrations have reached 192, divided between 98 amateur and 94 professional players. The total number of participants has increased by 33% compared to the previous year, from 101 in 2025 to 134 on this occasion.
“"In this capacity to continue innovating is where physical activity and the opportunities to continue organizing these events are framed."
The president of the Canarian Tennis Federation highlighted the great reception of pickleball among the Canarian population, noting that growth has been exponential since the inauguration of new courts, tripling the number of federated players. A sports councilor from the Government of the Canary Islands also expressed satisfaction with the consolidation of this discipline, which helps strengthen its presence and expand opportunities for sports practice in the islands.
The tournament will feature 485 matches, surpassing the 314 of the previous edition, and will be played across 17 categories, compared to 10 last year. Additionally, an adjacent court will be set up in Plaza Alcalde Fernando Ortiz Wiot for the public to try out this sport, which already boasts 20,000 players in Spain. The Saturday and Sunday sessions will be broadcast live.
This Gran Canaria Open'26, organized by a local media outlet with the support of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the collaboration of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, marks the beginning of a season that will tour various Spanish cities and culminate with a Master Final from December 11 to 13 in Madrid.
