How did the Madtown Pickleball Open become Wisconsin’s largest outdoor pickleball tournament?
Here's a bit of context: Pickleball officially started in 1965, but it wasn’t being played in all 50 states until 1990. And although the sport grew steadily, it was another 18 years before the USA Pickleball Association published the Official Tournament Rulebook. In 2022, a major milestone took place: the first-ever Pickleball World Championships drew major media coverage. Which was perfect timing for launching the inaugural Madtown Pickleball Open (MPO).
Starting from Square One
On July 14, 2022, the first players took to the courts at Wyndham Hills Park in Sun Prairie. “It may have been beginner’s luck, but launch day could not have been better,” says Brandon Holstein, Senior Sports Account Manager at the Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC). “It was picture-perfect weather, and the mayor was there to welcome media and athletes alike as we officially opened four brand-new courts for four great days of competition and camaraderie. In that moment, all of the heavy lifting to get this tournament off the ground was 100% worth it.”
In the beginning, there were new community leaders to meet. Key partnerships to make. Format decisions and pricing to set. Every aspect was a balance of leveraging what the team already knew about running tournaments—and learning what they didn’t know.
Serving up Success
By all accounts, year one gave the green light to build on the event for 2023—and beyond.
“Pickleball is a game for everyone,” says Holstein, “which perfectly matches Madison’s mantra of ‘all are welcome’ in every sense—and that includes sports.” The simple premise of “grab a paddle, grab a partner” reinforces accessibility and the response has been record-breaking:
- In 2023, registrations grew by 50% to 375 players.
- In 2024, registrations grew to 407 players.
- In 2025, that number grew to 430.
Now, in its fifth year, the Madtown Pickleball Open is expected to draw up to 500 competitors in beautiful Sun Prairie.
Through years of dedicated effort and community outreach, the tournament has grown into Wisconsin’s largest outdoor pickleball tournament.
"Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., attracting an increasingly younger audience each year," says Rickey Chernik, Event Manager. "Our goal is to elevate this event to reflect the sport's evolving trends while delivering a premier experience for every participant. By expanding the tournament's reach and impact, we aim to uphold its status as the largest pickleball tournament in Wisconsin, highlight our valued community partners and set new fundraising records for the MASC Youth Sports Grant."
How the MPO Is Evolving in 2026
Each year of hosting the MPO results in new ideas and lessons learned for the MASC.
What exciting changes can players expect to see this summer?
MPO will feature all round robin-style brackets with a new five-game guarantee to maximize matches and allow more time on the court. "In the past, timelines had become somewhat compressed, so we have made changes that ensure more games and less of a rush to finish," says Holstein. Expect greater court efficiency and more opportunities to play.
Participants will receive a JOOLA swag bag, which will include a three-pack of HC 40 balls—the official ball of the 2026 MPO. The team is launching newly redesigned shirts and medals, plus working with new food, beverage and sponsorship vendors to provide convenient amenities for players and spectators.
This year, the team will introduce early bird pricing. Registrants who sign up between April 1 and 30 will lock in a $60 event registration fee + $20 per bracket. From May 1 to July 5, there will be a $75 event registration fee + $20 per bracket.
Additionally, Pickleball Kingdom in Sun Prairie has been secured as the indoor backup venue in case of inclement weather.
The Secret to Signature Events
Heading into year five of the tournament, Holstein and his team acknowledge it’s more than “beginner’s luck” that’s buoying this tournament. Adding the Madtown Pickleball Open to its existing slate of Signature Events reinforces MASC’s reputation for chasing goals, working hard, being collaborative and getting creative.
“Our plan is to grow and scale the MPO, push boundaries, stay innovative and keep building partnerships,” he says. “All of that with an eye on investment in our local sports community. We want every kid to have the opportunity to participate in sports, whether they prefer pickleball, more classic competitive sports or want to try their hand at whatever the next emerging sport may be.”
Which begs the question: what is the next emerging sport that MASC plans to add to its Signature Events lineup?
“The sports commission is always on the lookout for new opportunities and emerging sports. Some to look out for in the future include Ultimate Frisbee, Futsal, Backyard Marathons and Criterium bike races.”
Join the 2026 Madtown Pickleball Open!
MPO, Wisconsin’s largest outdoor pickleball tournament, will return on July 10–12, 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this doubles tournament promises an action-packed, competitive experience for adult players ages 18+.
