A tremendous success of the TOPSERIES Pickleball EVOLVE tournament, held at Almanzor Pickleball in Arganda, Madrid (Spain)

The TOPSERIES Pickleball international circuit officially opened its 2026 season this past weekend at Almanzor Pickleball in Arganda del Rey, Madrid (Spain), where more than 150 players representing over ten countries competed from 20 to 22 March for €5,000 in prize money and the first 400 points of the official ranking.

In addition, emerging players, semi-professionals and international competitors came together on court across singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories, representing countries such as France, Italy, England, China, Poland, Libya and Venezuela — with standout names including Ben Cawston, Haoyang Zhang, Bartosz Karbownik, Zaynab Alhouni, Humberto Villamizar, Michal Pochopien, Theo Platel, Raquel Amaro, Marina Constantino and Karina Zustakova — alongside a strong Spanish presence featuring players such as Ignasi de Rueda, one of the most consistent competitors in the national circuit; Daniel Vega, a regular contender in high-level finals; Sabrina Méndez, widely recognized for her explosiveness as one of the top European players in recent years; Rocío Cardo, one of Spain’s most promising talents; and Pedro Cámara, known for his versatility on court.

This multicultural blend of talent reinforced the purpose of the circuit: to provide a platform for competitive growth, international visibility and an innovative competition system.

Madrid hosts the season-opening tournament

The EVOLVE Arganda del Rey, Madrid event is a clear example of the unstoppable growth of pickleball in Spain and across Europe — a sport that blends elements of tennis, padel, badminton and table tennis, and stands out for its accessibility, inclusiveness and ease of learning.

Madrid, one of the European cities where pickleball is expanding most rapidly, served as the host of the inaugural tournament. Holding the event at Almanzor Pickleball reinforces Spain’s strategic role in the development of the sport and positions the city as the starting point of a circuit designed to be historic, connecting players, fans and international brands.

As the host venue, Almanzor Pickleball stated:

“One of the most special aspects of the event was the atmosphere. It was an honour for us to host this tournament, where from the very first moment you could feel the excitement, camaraderie, diversity and an extraordinary level of competition.” 

Champions of TOPSERIES EVOLVE – Arganda del Rey, Madrid

The tournament crowned the first leaders of the 2026 TOPSERIES Pickleball ranking. These were the champions in each division:

• Division 1 – Women’s Singles: Sabrina Méndez
• Division 1 – Men’s Singles: Bartosz Karbownik
• Division 2 – Men’s Singles: Alexander Serrano
• Division 1 – Women’s Doubles: Sabrina Méndez / Maria Fernández Costantino
• Division 1 – Men’s Doubles: Ben Cawston / Theo Platel
• Division 2 – Men’s Doubles: Alexander Serrano / Sergi Ventura
• Division 1 – Mixed Doubles: Ben Cawston / Maria Fernández Costantino
• Division 2 – Mixed Doubles: Sergi Ventura / Alicia Roca

The champions now lead the TOPSERIES Pickleball ranking, gaining an early advantage in a season that will travel through iconic cities such as London, Rome, Venezia, Cairo and Dubai, across the ULTIMATE, ELITE, EVOLVE and CHALLENGE categories.

The full 2026 circuit calendar is available here.

Statements from TOPSERIES Pickleball

Adel Aref, CEO of TOPSERIES Pickleball, highlighted:

“Our first EVOLVE Arganda del Rey Madrid tournament brought together more than 150 players from over ten nationalities, a clear demonstration of the momentum, ambition and international reach that pickleball is achieving. We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizers, partners and sponsors, whose commitment has been essential in making this event a standout success within the 2026 season.”

Queco Catalan, Head of Sports of TOPSERIES Pickleball, added:

“The EVOLVE tournament in Arganda del Rey, Madrid fulfilled our objective, and everything indicates that the TOPSERIES Pickleball circuit will continue to grow in the upcoming tournaments and establish itself as one of the key international competitions in the sport.”

Watch the matches

To rewatch matches (including semifinals and finals) visit the official TOPSERIES Pickleball YouTube channel, thanks to live broadcasting provided by media partner GOBO.