Malaysia, 13th Mar 2026 — As pickleball surges in popularity across Malaysia, AP33 hosted its inaugural AP Cup on February 1, 2026, at Pickle Land in Bayan Baru, Penang. The full-day tournament brought together players from multiple DUPR levels for organized, open-gender team competitions, while drawing spectators, content creators, and local influencers eager to witness Malaysia’s growing pickleball momentum.
The event, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, highlighted the rapid development of pickleball in the region. With participants ranging from casual players to competitive enthusiasts, the AP Cup fostered inclusivity, community engagement, and high-energy matches in a professional and entertaining environment. The venue, owned by pickleball advocate and influencer Perry Kuan, has become a recognized hub for the sport in Penang, providing the perfect backdrop for the country’s rising pickleball scene.
Competitive Team Events
The AP Cup featured two dynamic open-gender team events:
- Team Event – Open Gender (All DUPR Levels)
- Team Event – Open Gender (DUPR < 3.25)
Teams battled through intense matches, striving for podium finishes and substantial cash prizes, reflecting both skill and strategy.
Prize Money Breakdown:
Open Team Event (All DUPR Levels):
- Champion: RM3,000
- 2nd Place: RM1,500
- 3rd Place: RM750
Open Team Event (DUPR < 3.25):
- Champion: RM1,500
- 2nd Place: RM750
- 3rd Place: RM400
1 Point Slam Challenge – Sudden Death Excitement
Adding an extra thrill, the tournament included the 1 Point Slam Challenge, a fast-paced sudden death format where every rally counted. Spectators were on the edge of their seats as competitors fought for a RM1,000 cash prize, showcasing the sport’s intensity and unpredictability.
Exciting Giveaways Worth RM9,999
Beyond competition, AP33 amplified the event experience with a giveaway segment totaling RM9,999 in prizes, including:
- 3 Selkirk Boomstik Paddles
- AP33 Limited Edition Embossed Gold Coins
- AP33 Pickleball Jerseys
- Mystery prizes
These giveaways engaged participants and attendees alike, adding an interactive and festive dimension to the event.
Influencer Partnership & Social Media Engagement
As the official sponsor, AP33 invited nine local influencers to enhance community interaction and amplify event reach across social platforms. The invited influencers included:
@jjing.520 | @shann_err | @eunice_qing | @yt.0508 | @cindynnnnn | @xuewennn7 | @pei.diary88 | @ssusieex_ | @joiekhor_
Their presence elevated the event atmosphere, highlighting pickleball’s appeal as both a competitive sport and a social lifestyle activity.
A Day of Sport, Community, and Growth
The AP Cup by AP33 successfully blended competitive play, community engagement, and entertainment, marking a significant milestone for pickleball in Malaysia. With strong attendance, thrilling match formats, generous prizes, and influencer participation, the tournament demonstrated the sport’s growing footprint and promising future in the local sporting landscape.
With continued support from partners like AP33 and venues such as Pickle Land, pickleball in Penang is poised for further growth, inspiring more enthusiasts to engage with the sport and its expanding community.
Photos and event highlights are available on AP33’s social media:
Media Contact:
Alexis Lee
AP33
Email: iloveap33@gmail.com
Media Contact
Organization: AP33
Contact Person: Alexis Lee
Website: https://ap33.org
Email: Send Email
Country:Malaysia
Release id:42587
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