What’s New in Queensland Pickleball? QPT News, QPT Rankings & Championship Updates

🏓 Queensland Pickleball Tour & Championship Update – February 2026

I can’t believe we’re already in February - and what a month it’s shaping up to be for pickleball in Queensland.

We have two Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) tournaments coming up, with QPT Gold Coastalready setting the benchmark for 2026 with an incredible 665 registered players, and our inaugural QPT Gladstone.

The momentum across the state continues to grow, reflecting the strength of competitive pickleball in Queensland.

Why Doesn’t QPT Run a 4.5 Event?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

The Queensland Pickleball Tour currently delivers 84 mandatory events across the tour.

Adding additional divisions requires more courts and longer schedules. In reality, 4.5-rated players represent a smaller percentage of QPT participants, and many prefer tournaments that contribute to Australian ranking points.

As a Tier 1 event, QPT does not count toward national rankings, which naturally impacts participation at the 4.5 level. Many regional and rural pickleball tournaments also include a 2.99 division to support player development and accessibility within their communities.

👉 Tournament Directors retain discretion to add a 4.5 category where courts, time, and demand allow.

⭐ New in 2026: QPT Ranking Points System

We’re excited to introduce the new QPT Ranking Points System, designed to give players a fun and meaningful way to track progress across the season.

Ranking points will be tracked across:

• Age divisions: Open, 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+

• Skill divisions: 3.49 and below, 3.5–3.99, and 4+

• Events: Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles

This system will continue to evolve. While it may not be perfect from day one, it’s an important step forward for competitive pickleball in Queensland, helping players measure improvement alongside friends and peers.

📌 More details will be published soon on the Queensland Pickleball website.

🏆 Queensland Pickleball Championship 2026 (QPC)

We are pleased to confirm that the Focus Tennis and Pickleball Centre will host the 2026 Queensland Pickleball Championship (QPC).

Key event details:

• Dates: 2–5 July 2026

• Registrations: Opening soon

• Early Bird Discount: Available for early registrations

• Player Experience: This event is designed for players with prior tournament experience and should not be your first tournament

📣 Invitations & Expressions of Interest

We are currently calling for expressions of interest for:

Tournament Directors
Interested in running QPC events?
Email at: 📧 tournaments@pickleballqueensland.org

Broadcasters & Media Partners
Interested in live coverage of QPC
Email at: 📧 tournaments@pickleballqueensland.org

✋😮🤚 Players’ Responsibilities at QPT & QPC Events

To help tournaments run smoothly and fairly, please remember:

• Secure a Partner
  Finding a partner is the player’s responsibility, not the Tournament Director’s.

• Use Legal Pickleball Paddles
  Check that your paddle is approved before arriving to avoid disqualification.
  Approved paddle lists:
  USA Pickleball& UPA-A 

• Sportsmanship Comes First
  Requests to change divisions after draws are released will not be accepted unless events are merged due to low numbers.

• Withdraw Early If Needed
  Late withdrawals disrupt draws and place extra strain on volunteers and organisers.

• Show Appreciation
  Tournament Directors, referees, and volunteers dedicate countless hours - a simple thank you 🙌 goes a long way.

• Skinny Singles Entries
  Enter based on your Doubles DUPR rating, as DUPR does not maintain Skinny Singles ratings.

AND Most Importantly…

Stay hydrated, make new connections, challenge yourself, support each other — and have fun 😀 on court.

See you on court soon!

Rykie Louw
Queensland Tournaments