The 2nd PJL BURGER KING® CUP—One of Japan’s Largest Indoor Pickleball Tournaments—to Be Held on an Even Larger Scale with Over 10 Million Yen in Total Prizes
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~ Sansan, Mitsui Fudosan, and Kenedix Announced as Grand Slam Partners ~
The Pickleball Japan Federation (Pickleball Japan, hereinafter “PJ”) will host the “2nd PJL BURGER KING® CUP,” one of Japan’s largest team-based tournaments, over four days from Sunday, October 11 to Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Ariake Tennis Forest Park Indoor Courts. Registration will open on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM JST.
This tournament serves as the flagship event for PJ, which became an approved organization of the Japan Sports Association (JSPO) in June 2026. Featuring General, Corporate, and Professional categories, the tournament will welcome over 800 participants from Japan and abroad, cementing its status as one of the country’s premier pickleball events.
Last year’s inaugural tournament drew 608 participants, attracting players from seven countries, including the United States, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Canada, and Australia. This year’s event will scale up even further, symbolizing the rapid growth and bright future of pickleball in Japan.
Over 10 Million Yen in Total Prizes: Stepping onto Japan's Highest Stage The total value of cash and prizes for this tournament is projected to exceed 10 million yen. This represents the largest scale of any pickleball tournament in Japan, symbolizing the rapid growth of the sport and its expanding market in the country. From elite athletes to recreational players, participants of all levels will gather to compete passionately on Japan's premier stage. Sansan, Mitsui Fudosan, and Kenedix Announced as Grand Slam Partners In July 2026, PJ signed Grand Slam Partner agreements with Sansan Inc., Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., and Kenedix, Inc. These three companies will comprehensively support initiatives such as strengthening the Japanese national team, promoting the sport, and improving the playing environment. Additionally, through projects leveraging their respective strengths, they will help foster and accelerate the growth of pickleball culture in Japan.
Professional Category (Collaboration with PX League) On the final day of the tournament, the Professional Category (Collaboration with PX League) will be held in partnership with the 'PX League,' a new project spearheaded by Sansan Inc. In addition to teams participating in the PX League, specially assembled teams featuring top international players will compete, bringing to life a dream collaboration match between Japan's best and the world's elite. This is an unprecedented initiative in Japan, where domestic top-tier players and world-class athletes will compete on the very same stage.
Corporate Category (Collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan)
The Corporate Category (Collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan) will be held in partnership with Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., the organizer of the 'Corporate Pickleball &BIZCUP'—Japan's largest corporate competition league with approximately 130 participating companies. This category aims to boost corporate-level excitement for pickleball by providing opportunities for companies to network, connect, and enjoy the sport. Through partnerships like this, PJ aims to popularize pickleball and expand the community.
The Goal of PJL BURGER KING® CUP
PJL is one of Japan's largest pickleball events, where a diverse group of people can compete, connect, and cheer for each other on the same stage, transcending age, skill level, and organizational boundaries. Beyond just raising the level of competition, the tournament aims to forge new connections with businesses, local communities, and the world. By embodying our philosophy of 'Pickleball: A sport that connects people,' we will shape a new sports culture in Japan.
Sponsors (In no particular order)
BURGER KING® [Title Sponsor], Sansan Inc., Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., Kenedix, Inc., ZIPAIR Tokyo, JOOLA, Aoyama Sports Co., Ltd., DIADEM
Tournament Overview
Tournament Name: The 2nd PJL BURGER KING® CUP
Dates: Sunday, October 11 – Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Venue: Ariake Tennis Forest Park Indoor Courts (24 courts)
Organizer: Pickleball Japan Federation (Pickleball Japan)
Categories:
General Category: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced 50+
Corporate Category: Collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan
Professional Category: Collaboration with PX League
Expected Participants: Over 800 players
Total Cash & Prizes: Over 10 million yen (projected)
Registration Opens: Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM JST
Registration Website: https://www.pickleball-japan.org/bkcup2026
Highlights from last year’s PJL BURGER KING® CUP:
[Official Website]
[Social Media]
[Inquiries]
Japan Pickleball Federation (PJ)
Email: contact@japanpickleball.org
[PJ Press Release Archive (PR TIMES)] https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/144389