The Global City complex in Thu Duc City will host the Superstar Pickleball Championship on April 25. This event will gather hundreds of participants, including celebrities and entrepreneurs, creating a vibrant and professional sports festival that elevates the experience of one of today’s fastest-growing trending sports.
The charm from the “noble” sport
Pickleball is becoming a global phenomenon and has been rapidly spreading in Vietnam in recent times. With its accessibility, requirement for agility, and strong sense of connection, the sport attracts participants of all ages—especially artists and influencers.
The Superstar Pickleball Championship is organized with the goal of creating a dynamic playground where sports intersect with music and fashion. It offers artists a chance to showcase a more athletic and competitive side, in contrast to their usual glamorous image on stage or the runway. Behind this major tournament is a powerful and dedicated organizing team that has laid the foundation for a high-class sporting event. Notable contributors include Mr. Vu Thai (Founder of Crystal Star Entertainment), Mr. Huynh Huu De (Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Young Talent Development Center), Mrs. Ruby Anh Thu (Head of External Relations), Mr. Tommy Nguyen (Founder of Icon Pickleball), and Mrs. Rubi Selena (Miss Ao Dai 2026).
According to the organizers, the event will feature many notable figures such as Miss Celebrity International Tran Tran My Linh, Miss Tourism Worldwide 2022 Binh An, Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 4th runner-up Tam Nhu, Miss Duong Hong Vy, Miss Thanh Thao, Miss Thu Hoai, singer Fenni Phan Ngan, along with models and beauty queens such as Le Ngoc Ha, Tuyet Mai, Thanh Thao, and Huynh Nhi. Their presence is expected to bring fresh energy and help spread the spirit of fitness and active living to the community.
A nerve-racking playoff format
The distinctive feature of the Superstar Pickleball Championship lies in its knockout format from the very first round. With three divisions, each consisting of 24 teams, players must maintain maximum focus, as just one slip in a single match can end their journey toward the championship title.
The tournament’s competition leagues include:
- Mixed artist doubles (level 4.5)
- Artist – entrepreneur doubles (level 5.0)
According to the organizers’ regulations, matches follow a Best of 3 format (first to win 2 out of 3 sets). Each set ends when a team reaches 11 points and leads by at least 2 points. The random draw creates unexpected matchups right from the qualifying rounds, adding to the excitement and intensity of the tournament. Notably, the organizers emphasize fairness by conducting strict rating tests before grouping players. Factors such as physical fitness, mental endurance, and team coordination will be the key elements determining the final results on the court.
A prize pool of up to 1 billion VND
In addition to the intense matches, the prize structure is another major highlight attracting attention. The total prize pool reaches 1,000,000,000 VND, evenly distributed across the three main divisions. Specifically, in each division, the championship team will receive a prize worth 300 million VND (including cash and sponsor gifts), while the second and third-place teams will receive 200 million VND and 100 million VND respectively.
Beyond the competitive awards, the tournament also honors individuals and teams through a variety of special categories such as Fashion Player (Best Dressed on Court), Social Star Award (Most Popular Team), Golden Paddle Award (Technical Excellence), Rising Star of Pickleball, and Perfect Teamwork Award (Best Duo). The inclusion of fashion and style elements highlights the organizers’ thoughtful investment in shaping a professional sports-entertainment event.
Guaranteeing professionalism and civilization
To ensure the tournament runs smoothly, the organizers have set strict regulations regarding attire and competitive conduct. Athletes are required to wear appropriate outfits that align with cultural norms while reflecting a high level of sportsmanship. Any professional disputes will be reviewed and finalized by the refereeing panel and organizing committee, based on current competition rules.
The event will take place from 09:00 to 17:00 on April 25, 2026, at the NSC Pickleball – Global City complex in Thu Duc City. With its modern setting and thorough preparation, it promises to be an ideal destination for pickleball enthusiasts and those eager to watch exciting matches featuring Vietnamese stars.
At present, the list of registered participants is still being updated. The strong turnout of artists and entrepreneurs highlights the tournament’s growing influence, contributing to the promotion of a modern, dynamic, and inspiring sports culture.
