Pickleball is booming on the Central Coast, and the Pickleball Cup Gosford is shaping up to be one of the region’s most talked-about events on the 2026 calendar. Now in its second edition, the tournament returns to Gosford Tennis Club on 15–16 August, building on the momentum of its debut last May and once again drawing a strong attraction from across the region, with more than 150 players already registered and numbers climbing fast as the cut-off date approaches.
Whether someone is a seasoned competitor chasing ranking points or a weekend warrior looking for their first taste of bracket play, here’s a full rundown of what to expect, and how to lock in a spot.
Key Dates and Schedule
The tournament runs across two days, with different event categories on each:
Saturday 15 August
- 9:30am start: Women’s Doubles (DUPR 2.99 & under, 3.0–3.49, and 3.5+)
- 1:30pm start: Men’s Doubles (DUPR 3.49 & under, 3.5–3.99, and 4.0+)
Sunday 16 August
- Start time TBC: Mixed Doubles (DUPR 2.99 & under, 3.0–3.49, and 3.5+)
Each event runs until a winner is decided, which typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, so players should plan their day accordingly. Arriving 30 minutes early for check-in is strongly recommended.
Players are guaranteed a minimum of three games per event, and medals go to Gold, Silver and Bronze in every bracket so nobody’s weekend ends after a single loss.
Can Players Enter More Than One Event?
Yes. Competitors can play in multiple events across the weekend, provided each entry falls into a different category; for example, one Mixed Doubles event plus one Men’s or Women’s Doubles event. It’s a great way for players to maximise court time and get more value out of the trip to Gosford.
Registration: Cost, Dates and What’s Needed
Registration is open now and closes on 10 August 2026 at 11:55pm or earlier if the tournament reaches capacity, which is worth keeping in mind given how quickly the field is filling up.
- Initial registration: AUD $55 per player
- Additional event: AUD $30 per event (maximum two events per player)
- Voyager members: 20% off initial registration (contact the tournament organiser for the discount code)
To register, players need an active DUPR ID linked to their profile and a free Pickleball.com account. Both are quick to set up for anyone who hasn’t played in a DUPR-rated event before.
Format and Rules
The tournament follows a round robin format, with match length depending on pool size:
- Pools of five teams or fewer play to 15 points, win by two
- Pools of six or more teams play to 11 points, win by two
The top two teams from each pool advance to the finals bracket. Semi-finals and medal matches are both played to 15 points, win by two. If teams are tied, placings are decided first by total points won, then by head-to-head result. The event follows the Global Pickleball Federation Rulebook 2025, so competitive players can expect a properly officiated, high-standard tournament.
Refunds and Wet Weather
Life happens, and the organisers have a fair policy in place. Players who withdraw before registration closes get a full refund, minus the standard non-refundable service fee. Withdrawals after registration closes but before draws are published incur a $20 admin fee, and no refunds are available once draws and times go live.
As for weather, if conditions turn ugly before the tournament starts, the event will simply be rescheduled to another weekend. If it’s washed out after play has already begun, though, refunds won’t be issued, so it pays to check the forecast and pack accordingly.
Why This Tournament Is Worth the Wait
With guaranteed match minimums, a genuine medal ceremony for every bracket, and a free parking venue right in Gosford, this tournament ticks a lot of boxes for players wanting a well-run, competitive weekend without needing to travel far from Sydney or the wider Central Coast. It’s also a solid opportunity to boost a DUPR rating against a decent spread of local competition.
Spots are limited and filling quickly, so anyone keen to play should register sooner rather than later. Players can head to the Pickleball Cup Gosford registration page to secure their place, check available events, or find a doubles partner before the 10 August deadline.
