Pickleball thrives when competition and community come together, and that spirit was clear across the weekend at the Metro vs Country Pickleball Event 2026, held at Frankston Centenary Tennis Club in Victoria.
Powered by JOOLA Australia Pickleball, the two-day event brought together players from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for a format built around fun, inclusivity, and connection. We spoke with Professional Pickleball Player & JOOLA Sponsored Athlete Aaron Blitz to get the exclusive on the event.
Where Metro vs Country Began
Metro vs Country started in 2023 at South East Melbourne Pickleball (SEM) in Pearcedale, the founding pickleball venue in Victoria. Inspired by Country Week in tennis, organiser Aaron Blitz wanted to create a pickleball version that celebrated the sport across multiple days while bringing together players from metro and regional areas.
Photography by markelbourneshoots
The event was designed to run smoothly without the usual tournament pressure. No complex draws, no constant scorekeeping, and a format that allows even the organiser to jump on court and play.
After two years at SEM, the event moved to Frankston Centenary Tennis Club in 2025 & 2026, allowing it to scale while keeping its relaxed structure. In 2026, Metro vs Country reached a new milestone with over 210 players.
What Makes Metro vs Country Different
Anyone can play at Metro vs Country. Players rotate through matches with different teammates, often sharing the court with people they have never played with before. Pros mix with recreational players, and regional competitors face new styles of play they might not normally encounter.
Wins are simple. After each match, players place a token into their team’s bucket. At the end of the weekend, total points decide whether Team Metro or Team Country takes the win. There are drinks on court, conversations between games, and plenty of laughs.
The competition matters, but the atmosphere stays light.
The 2026 Event by the Numbers
- Over 210 players each day
- 26 courts running
- More than 400 drinks and snags shared across the weekend
- Gender Doubles on Saturday
- Mixed Doubles on Sunday
One of the standout moments this year was seeing multiple generations from the same families playing together. The event also welcomed international players visiting Australia, adding to the sense of connection across the courts.
Photography by markelbourneshoots
There were also powerful moments off court. With bushfires impacting parts of Victoria during the weekend, some players travelled to Melbourne for safety and still chose to take part. For many, the event offered a welcome distraction and a sense of community.
A Snapshot of Pickleball Across Victoria
Outside of the VIC Open, Metro vs Country has one of the broadest geographic spreads of players across the state. In 2026, players travelled from the borders of South Australia and New South Wales, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Lakes Entrance, the Bellarine Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula, and across metropolitan Melbourne.
For many regional players, this event offers exposure to higher-level play and different styles, experience they can take back to their home clubs. Around half of the participants in 2026 were first-time players at the event, including competitors from newer Victorian clubs more than three hours away.
Why Pickleball Events Like This Matter
Metro vs Country shows that pickleball events do not always need to be highly competitive or pro-focused. Unlimited pickleball, a relaxed format, and a welcoming environment make it an ideal entry point for players who are new to organised play.
Events like this help connect clubs, share ideas, and lift the overall level of pickleball across the state, while keeping the focus on enjoyment and community.
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, check out the pickleball events across Australia.
Photography by markelbourneshoots
Looking Ahead
With 210 players and 26 courts proving to be the right balance, the goal is to maintain that scale while continuing to refine the experience. Matching team tops have helped build a strong visual identity, and future events may see more professional players joining to connect directly with the community.
For anyone considering playing next year, Metro vs Country offers a fun, welcoming way to experience tournament-style pickleball without the pressure.
