The people have spoken, and the APP Sacramento Open has been voted one of the Best Pickleball Tournaments for Fans as part of the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards.  

Pickleball fans nationwide voted in a month-long campaign organized by USA TODAY Sports, capturing thousands of votes. The APP Sacramento Open placed second overall, just behind the U.S. Open.

Hosted annually at Johnson Ranch Sports Club in Roseville, Calif. since 2022, the APP Sacramento Open has become the annual premier community event for pickleball in the Northern California Bay Area and a hallmark of the APP Tour, the Association of Pickleball Players’ (APP) pro circuit.

The 2026 APP Sacramento Open Benefiting Shriners Children’s, held Apr. 29-May 3, showcased the world’s best pickleball pros to a nationally televised audience and welcomed hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels. The Shriners Children’s APP Pro Invitational, a fast-paced pro-only special event, kicked off the festivities on Apr. 29. Men’s and women’s doubles competition invited 24 of the APP Tour’s top pros facing off in an epic showdown for a great cause, featuring unique twists and high-octane fun throughout, culminating in nearly $40,000 raised for Shriners Children's.  

Pickleball history was made on Championship Sunday of the event as APP Tour No. 1 women’s pro Sofia Sewing earned a Triple Crown with three gold medals, becoming just the sixth woman in tour history to accomplish the feat. A full event recap is available via TheAPP.global.

“We are grateful and honored to see such amazing support for the APP Sacramento Open, not just in Northern California but nationwide,” said Greg Coletti, APP Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships in Sacramento. "The results speak volumes to the passion that the greater pickleball community has for APP Tour events. Our events always put players and fans first, bringing an enjoyable and exciting tournament experience every time.”

“We would also like to extend our congratulations to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships on their well-deserved accolade,” Coletti continued.

"We want to thank the Sacramento community and pickleball enthusiasts for their incredible support in helping the APP Sacramento Open at Johnson Ranch earn second place in the prestigious USA TODAY Sports Readers' Choice Awards," said Rich Wells, General Manager of Johnson Ranch Sports Club. "This recognition reflects the passion of our players and the welcoming community we've built together. We're also grateful for our partnership with APP, which continues to elevate the sport and create exciting opportunities for players of all levels."

More information on the APP Tour can be found via TheAPP.global. The pickleball community can stay in the know on the latest APP updates by following  the  APP’s  Instagram,  X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.

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