New sports and entertainment unveiled as entries open for 2026 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast
- Padel and Badminton introduced to the 2026 sports program
- The Potbelleez to headline entertainment as part of Closing Ceremony
Entries open today for the 14th edition of the Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG) with over 16,000 competitors and their supporters expected to take part in 42 sports across the event to be held on the Gold Coast from 6-15 November, 2026.
New sport Padel has joined the sports offering for this year’s event while Badminton will make it’s return to the sports schedule for the first time since 2006.
Away from the sporting arena, the event will also celebrate culture with six nights of entertainment headlined by The Potbelleez as well as disco, country, rock and 80s themed nights alongside the opening and closing ceremonies.
Best known for an atmosphere of friendliness and fun, the event will see long time master’s mates and a whole swag of new participants to the games gather in the city to contest one or more of the 42 sports on offer.
Events Management Queensland CEO, Ben Mannion said organisers were excited to be delivering a new-look sports and entertainment schedule for the 2026 event.
“Padel is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide so it wonderful to have it included in the Pan Pacific Masters Games for the very first time and also to have Badminton returning for 2026,” said Mannion.
“Off the field, The Potbelleez are going to ensure we finish the Closing Ceremony with a bang to compliment the other great entertainment we will have on offer during the various themed nights throughout the event.
“This is an event that many participants come back to year after year, it’s where legends of all ages come to play and where they meet up with new friends and old and enjoy fierce but friendly competition.
“We anticipate entries from every state and territory and more than 30 countries with the event well known for delivering a highly professional competition, contested at world class venues and complemented by fantastic entertainment in Pan Pacs Central at the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre.”
There are no qualifying standards to compete in PPMG. To enter participants must reach the minimum age for their chosen sport which for most sports is 30+, however athletes as young as 18 and as experienced as 90+ years will be competing.
PPMG is organised by Events Management Queensland and is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Events Management Queensland acknowledges and pays respect to the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, the Saltwater People of the Gold Coast, as the traditional owners of the lands and waters upon which we invite and welcome participants from across the globe to experience our events.
Visit mastersgames.com.au to register or for more information.
