BACOLOD City — Pickleball players from across the country are expected to converge at Paddle City in Barangay Singcang-Airport as the Benitez Million Pickleball Cup opens today, October 16, offering a total prize pool of P1 million.
Running until October 18, the tournament is an accredited event of the MassKara Festival 2026 and aims to promote the growing sport while positioning Bacolod City and Negros Occidental as destinations for major sporting events.
Organized by One Pickleball Tournament Organizers (OPTO), the competition is touted as the first pickleball tournament in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to offer a P1-million prize pool.
Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, who led the event, said promoting sports has long been part of his advocacy. He cited his involvement in sporting activities, including the Javi Benitez Fun Run launched a decade ago.
Benitez said the tournament was inspired by pickleball’s growing popularity and the need to provide players with more opportunities to compete. He added that the event seeks to showcase athletes’ skills and bring pride to Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
Beyond the competition, the tournament also supports a charitable cause, with P100 from every player’s P800 registration fee allocated to the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation’s Mingo meal program for children.
Bacolod City Councilor Jason Villarosa administered the oath of the participating players.
The three-day competition adds to the sporting attractions of MassKara Festival 2026, combining athletic competition, community involvement and support for children’s nutrition./PN
