Joint announcement by the World Pickleball Federation and the European Pickleball Federation
The World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and the European Pickleball Federation (EPF) are proud to announce the introduction of official in-competition anti-doping testing at the forthcoming 2026 European Open in Türkiye — a historic first for the tournament and an important milestone in pickleball’s development.
Testing will take place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, within a designated tournament category, in accordance with established international anti-doping practices and the applicable WPF anti-doping rules. All players in the selected category have been notified and will form part of this historic first group of athletes participating in an official anti-doping testing programme at the European Open.
Education will form an integral part of the initiative. Anti-doping educational activities are planned to provide players with an opportunity to learn more about clean sport, understand their rights and responsibilities, and gain a better understanding of the anti-doping testing process.
This initiative represents far more than the introduction of anti-doping testing at a single tournament.
As pickleball continues its rapid international growth, the establishment of robust anti-doping standards is a defining milestone in the sport’s development. It protects clean athletes, strengthens competitive integrity and demonstrates pickleball’s commitment to the standards expected of leading international sports.
Credible anti-doping programmes are an essential element of modern sports governance and an important step towards broader international recognition. While no single initiative can determine a sport’s future, this programme represents meaningful progress in pickleball’s continuing evolution on the world stage.
WPF and EPF are proud to be working together to lead this initiative and warmly thank the players participating in this historic milestone. Their involvement will help lay the foundations for pickleball’s future growth, credibility and international recognition.
Together, we are taking an important step towards a stronger future for clean sport in pickleball.
World Pickleball Federation | European Pickleball Federation