California Amateur Championships 2026

The California Amateur Championships is one of the most significant amateur tournaments on the West Coast, powered by a collaboration between Carvana, the PPA Tour, and Pickleball Is Great (PIG). Held at The HUB Pickleball Club in Spring Valley near San Diego, this three-day event attracts competitive amateur players from across the state. The biggest draw is the prize for gold medalists: free registration to the world championship, making this a legitimate pathway to national-level competition.

The HUB is a dedicated pickleball facility with high-quality courts and a layout designed for tournament play. Age divisions span from 18-and-under juniors to 70-plus seniors, and skill levels run from 3.0 to 5.0, so there is competitive play for a wide range of players. Entry fees are $65-80 for the tournament plus $20-35 per additional event, which is reasonable given the quality of the venue and the stakes involved.

If you are a 3.5 or above player who has been competing in local tournaments and wants to test yourself against the best amateurs in California, this is the event to target. Come prepared with a partner for doubles -- finding a pickup partner at this level of competition is difficult. The Spring Valley area east of San Diego has affordable hotels compared to the coast, and The HUB's facility makes for a comfortable tournament experience with shade structures and on-site amenities.