Puerto Rico to Host Major Pickleball Tournament Amid Growing Popularity

The La Pregunta Tournament in Puerto Rico is set to take place from May 28 to 31, showcasing the growing popularity of pickleball in the Caribbean. With new age categories and a total prize purse of $30,000, the event is expected to attract international players and boost local tourism. Organizers anticipate nearly 400 participants, with activities extending beyond competition to include wellness sessions. This tournament promises to have a significant economic impact on the region, following last year's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 14:05 IST

Exciting Developments in Pickleball in Puerto Rico

The popularity of pickleball is surging throughout the Caribbean, attracting larger audiences, international athletes, and increased tourism interest. Puerto Rico is gearing up to host the fourth edition of the La Pregunta Tournament from May 28 to 31 at Club Deportivo Del Oeste in Cabo Rojo. This year, the event will span four days for the first time, reflecting the growing number of participants.

As reported by Primera Hora, the tournament has introduced new age categories, including divisions for players aged 40 and above, as well as junior competitions for those under 16 and 18. Daniel Desa, CEO of Pregunta Events, noted that the extra day was added to accommodate the expanding range of categories and participants.

The tournament will showcase 38 divisions across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats, catering to skill levels from beginner (2.5) to open divisions. Singles matches are set for Friday, while men’s and women’s doubles will occur on Saturday, concluding with mixed doubles on Sunday. The finals on Saturday will be streamed live on the Pregunta Events YouTube channel.

Desa emphasized that the tournament has become one of the largest pickleball events in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, stating, “We never started with the idea of making it the biggest event, but the best possible within our capabilities as a team.”

This year’s event is expected to attract a strong international lineup, including APP Tour player Bobbi Oshiro, who ranks among the top female players on the APP circuit, alongside Chile’s Mario Barrientos and Croatian player Lorena Duknic. Over 50 athletes are anticipated to travel from the United States, with Puerto Rico’s national team members, such as Natalia Sánchez, Shandor Gómez, Pedro Maldonado, and Ana Paula Morales, also competing. Former Puerto Rican basketball star José Juan Barea is also expected to make an appearance.

Organizers have reported nearly 400 registrations, aiming to exceed the 500-player mark achieved in previous years. The total prize money has increased to $30,000 across various categories. In addition to the competitive events, the tournament will offer wellness activities, including yoga, pilates, and bootcamp sessions, creating a holistic experience for both players and spectators. The event is projected to significantly benefit tourism and local businesses in western Puerto Rico, with last year’s tournament generating an estimated economic impact of nearly $750,000 for the region.