Press release: Oberpullendorf, 28 June 2026 – Three days of top-class pickleball, international elite players and exactly 180 matches across senior, amateur and professional divisions: the inaugural BaseX Pickleball Austrian Open was a great success. From 26 to 28 June 2026, players from more than ten nations competed in 13 different divisions at Sporthotel Kurz in Oberpullendorf.
International champions in the Open divisions
In the Men’s Doubles, European champions Prycen Haas and Stephen Preissler claimed the title. They finished ahead of Bálint Bakó and Krisztián Kaszoni, while bronze went to the 2025 Austrian Doubles champions Thomas Knapp and Stefan Urban. For Haas and Preissler, it was their first tournament together since the 2025 European Championships.
“Prycen and I are simply a perfect match on the court. We have great chemistry and complement each other extremely well. Many thanks to the Pickleball Federation Austria for the excellent organisation. Winning gold in doubles and bronze in singles, my first medal in a singles event, means I can be more than satisfied,” said Stephen Preissler.
In the Mixed Doubles, Prycen Haas and his wife Jamie Haas secured the title. Silver went to Viktoria Kanichova and William Sobek, while Krisztián Kaszoni and Dora Kurdi took bronze.
For Prycen Haas, winning together with his wife had a special meaning:
“It is always a great pleasure for me to return to Austria and play here. Winning together with my wife Jamie means a lot to me. Who can say that their partner in life is also such an outstanding partner on the court? Many thanks to the Pickleball Federation Austria for this tournament and for everything you do for pickleball.”
“The Austrian Open is officially my favourite tournament from now on – you are doing a fantastic job here! Thank you for allowing us to be part of it,” said BaseX Pickleball Austrian Open Mixed champion Jamie Haas, who recently won a PPA tournament in Macao.
In the Women’s Doubles, Marina Alcaide and Dora Kurdi took the title ahead of Anna Rupf and Fruzsina Szeli. Bronze went to Katharina Alten and Jamie Haas.
In the highest Men’s Singles division, Hungary’s Bálint Bakó emerged victorious. In the final, he defeated American player William Sobek. Bronze went to reigning European champion Stephen Preissler.
Bakó, who recently signed a contract with the American APP Tour and will compete in several events on the US circuit, was relieved after his victory:
“Many thanks for the excellent organisation. I am very happy that I was able to win the final against William Sobek. The key to success was staying calm during difficult phases and continuing to believe in victory,” said Bakó.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback from the players
PFA President Peter Robic drew a highly positive conclusion after three intensive days of competition:
“The feedback from the players was overwhelming. Both the tournament and the organisation were extremely well received. All 180 matches were completed on schedule and on time. We could hardly have wished for a better event.”
Smooth operations were also supported by RAQT, Europe’s leading pickleball platform, whose tournament management technology handled scheduling and coordination throughout the event.
The excellent conditions in Oberpullendorf were also a key factor in the success of the inaugural event:
“Sporthotel Kurz once again looked after us perfectly. We found ideal conditions, not only on the Center Court and in the sports hall. The hotel, the restaurant and the entire staff supported us in every possible way. A heartfelt thank you goes to Ella and Günter Kurz and the entire Sporthotel Kurz team,” said Robic.
Main sponsor BaseX presented a prototype pickleball court suitable for any surface during the event. A mini pickleball court was installed in the pool area of Sporthotel Kurz, giving numerous participants and guests the opportunity to experience the surface during the tournament. The court will also remain accessible to visitors attending the Austrian Tennis Championships.
“A heartfelt thank you to Mark Patzelt and BaseX, who made an event of this scale possible,” said Robic.
A pickleball weekend with international appeal
With participants from more than ten nations, the BaseX Pickleball Austrian Open established itself as an international tournament from its very first edition. The American delegation, The Pickle Breakers, sponsored by Pickler Universe, was joined by players from across Europe and beyond. In addition to the Open divisions, the amateur and senior categories also produced exciting matches and enabled players of different ages and skill levels to take part.
The senior divisions were played on Friday, while the amateur and Open divisions took centre stage on Saturday and Sunday.
Finals broadcast live on Streamster
Sunday’s finals were broadcast live on Streamster, Austria’s sports channel. The matches were commentated by Martin Grasl of Krone TV and PFA President Peter Robic.
The singles finals are available to watch on demand: https://streamster.tv/events/basex-pickleball-austrian-open-2026/
Find the draws on RAQT: https://raqt.com/en/tournament/713/
Check out our photo gallery on Facebook
Open division results
Men’s Singles DUPR 5.0+ Open
- Bálint Gergő Bakó
- William Sobek
- Stephen Preissler
Men’s Doubles DUPR 5.0+ Open
- Prycen Haas / Stephen Preissler
- Bálint Gergő Bakó / Krisztián Kaszoni
- Thomas Knapp / Stefan Urban
Women’s Doubles DUPR 5.0+ Open
- Marina Alcaide / Dora Kurdi
- Anna Rupf / Fruzsina Szeli
- Katharina Alten / Jamie Haas
Mixed Doubles DUPR 5.0+ Open
- Prycen Haas / Jamie Haas
- Viktoria Kanichova / William Sobek
- Krisztián Kaszoni / Dora Kurdi
The first edition of the International Austrian Championships included professional events (the Open categories), competitions for seniors, and several amateur classes. More than 160 entries were recorded. The medal winners in the other classes were:
Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.5/4.5
- Joann Vu-Simpson / Alex Stoklas
- Michael Wurdits / Terri Paterson
- Mark Olson / Geneva Olson
50+ Mixed Doubles DUPR 4.5
- Michael Wurdits / Terri Paterson
- Colby Logan / Julie Perkins
- Yang DAI / Joann Vu-Simpson
50+ Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.5
- Gyöngyike Brindza / Doug Kite
- Lothar Winzer / Doris Rothenwänder
- Jens Larsson / Heide Forman
Men’s Doubles DUPR 4.5
- David Perren / Colby Logan
- Andreas Mitischka / Markus Tscheik
- Stefan Stangl / Mark Olson
50+ Men’s Doubles DUPR 4.5
- Michael Wurdits / Werner Schrenk
- Jens Larsson / Sándor Tarr
- Helmut Hübsch / Yang DAI
50+ Women’s Doubles DUPR 3.5/4.5
- Joann Vu-Simpson / Julie Perkins
- Liz Weare / Maureen Tan
- Mónika Horváth / Gyöngyike Brindza
Men’s Singles DUPR 4.5
- Colby Logan
- David Perren
- Martin Kova
Men’s Singles DUPR 3.5
- Mark Olson
- Cong Duy Chu
- András Marton
Women’s Singles DUPR 3.5/4.5
- Anna Rupf
- Katharina Alten
- Terri Paterson
About the Pickleball Federation Austria
The Pickleball Federation Austria is Austria’s national governing body for pickleball and is committed to the sustainable development and growth of the sport throughout the country. In addition to tournaments and promotional events, the PFA organises training and education programmes, grassroots initiatives and international appearances by Austrian players.
