English Open 2026 Preview | Medal Predictions, Biggest Stars & Why This Is Europe's Biggest Pickleball Tournament

The countdown is on.

With less than a week until the 2026 English Open begins at Birmingham's NEC, Chris Beaumont is joined by commentator Nick Hobbis to preview the biggest pickleball tournament outside the United States.

Across more than an hour of analysis, they break down the biggest contenders, the international stars, the medal favourites and the storylines that could define one of the world's premier pickleball events.

Among the topics discussed:

🏆 Who can stop Marcelo Jardim in the senior divisions?

🏆 Will Lee Whitwell complete another dominant week?

🏆 Why the Open divisions are deeper than ever.

🏆 Megan Fudge returns to defend her titles.

🏆 The players ready to announce themselves on the international stage.

🏆 Why moving to Birmingham's NEC could transform the English Open.

🏆 Behind the scenes of commentating one of Europe's biggest pickleball events.

Whether you're playing, spectating or watching from home, this is your complete guide to the 2026 English Open.

Subscribe to World Pickleball Magazine for daily news, features and analysis from around the world.