Pickleball Austrian Open 2026: Europe's Elite Triumph

Austrian pickleball has written its first major international chapter: From 26 to 28 June 2026, the first BaseX Pickleball Austrian Open took place at the Sporthotel Kurz in Oberpullendorf – the inaugural edition of Austria's International Championships, featuring prize money in the open divisions. With players from more than ten nations, 13 divisions and exactly 180 matches played, the premiere was a resounding success.

An International Field in Burgenland

What made the Austrian Open special from the very start was its international character. More than ten nations were represented, and the field ranged from ambitious amateurs through the senior divisions all the way to Europe's professional elite. The senior events opened the tournament on Friday, before the amateur and open divisions took centre stage over the weekend. In total, more than 160 entries were recorded.

The Open-Division Winners

In the highest playing classes (DUPR 5.0+), international top names came out on top:

Men's Doubles: Reigning European champions Prycen Haas and Stephen Preissler claimed the title – their first appearance together since the 2025 European Championships. Silver went to Bálint Bakó and Krisztián Kaszoni, bronze to Austria's 2025 doubles champions Thomas Knapp and Stefan Urban.

Women's Doubles: Marina Alcaide and Dora Kurdi won ahead of Anna Rupf and Fruzsina Szeli. Bronze went to Katharina Alten and Jamie Haas.

Mixed Doubles: A family affair – Prycen Haas and his wife Jamie Haas triumphed ahead of Viktoria Kanichova / William Sobek and Krisztián Kaszoni / Dora Kurdi.

Men's Singles: Hungary's Bálint Bakó prevailed in the final against American William Sobek. Bronze went to European champion Stephen Preissler. Notably, Bakó recently signed with the American APP Tour and will compete in several events of the US series going forward.

Numerous medals were also awarded in the amateur and senior divisions. The complete results list for all 13 divisions can be found on RAQT.

© Racketista – Das Racketsport Magazin

Austrian Successes

There was plenty to celebrate from a home perspective too: Thomas Knapp and Stefan Urban took bronze in the open men's doubles, while Katharina Alten reached the podium several times – bronze in the women's doubles and silver in the women's singles (DUPR 3.5/4.5). Anna Rupf won the women's singles in her class and also added silver in the women's doubles.

Voices from the Tournament

For mixed champion Jamie Haas, who recently won a PPA event in Macao, China, the Austrian Open instantly became a favourite tournament. Her husband Prycen Haas likewise emphasised how much returning to Austria – and the shared win with his wife – meant to him.

PFA President Peter Robic drew an entirely positive conclusion: all 180 matches were played on schedule and on time, and the feedback from participants was overwhelming. Special thanks went to the Sporthotel Kurz for the conditions on site, as well as to main sponsor BaseX, who made the tournament possible and even presented a prototype of a pickleball court suitable for any surface during the event.

Live on Streamster

Another first: the Sunday finals were broadcast live on Streamster, the Austrian sports channel – with commentary by Martin Grasl (Krone TV) and Peter Robic. Anyone who missed the deciding matches can still watch the singles finals on demand (to the stream).

A Milestone and an Outlook

With its successful premiere, the Austrian Open established itself as an international tournament right away. It forms part of a strong pickleball year 2026, which began in April with the 4th Austrian Championships in Wiener Neustadt. The next international highlight follows in December 2026 with the Arlberg Pickleball Championship in St. Anton – the RTA European Finals.

The trend is clear: pickleball in Austria is growing – in sporting, organisational and international terms.

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All official results can be found on RAQT. Photos and press material: Pickleball Federation Austria / © Racketista.