Gold Coast prepares for 2026 Pan Pacific Masters Games with new sports
Entries open for the 2026 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast
What’s happening?
Entries have opened for the 14th Pan Pacific Masters Games, set to take place on the Gold Coast from 6 to 15 November 2026.
The major international masters sports event is expected to attract more than 16,000 competitors and supporters. Participants will compete across 42 sports at venues across the Gold Coast.
Two updates headline the 2026 program. Padel joins the event as a new sport, while badminton returns after last appearing in 2006.
Six nights of entertainment will also form part of the event program. The Potbelleez will headline the Closing Ceremony, alongside themed disco, country, rock and 80s nights during the Games.
The Pan Pacific Masters Games is organised by Events Management Queensland with support from Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Why it matters
The event brings together athletes of many ages and skill levels. It also draws participants from across Australia and overseas.
Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said organisers were pleased to reveal a refreshed sports and entertainment program.
“Padel is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, so it's wonderful to have it included in the Pan Pacific Masters Games for the very first time and also to have Badminton returning for 2026,” Mr Mannion said.
“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.”
He said many athletes return year after year to take part in 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,” Mr Mannion said.
“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.”
Local impact
The event will bring thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast during November 2026.
Competitors, supporters and officials are expected to travel from every Australian state and territory. International athletes are also expected to attend.
Major events like the Pan Pacific Masters Games support tourism and local businesses across the region.
By the numbers
42 sports will be contested across the event program when the Pan Pacific Masters Games run on the Gold Coast in November 2026.
More than 16,000 competitors and supporters are expected to attend the event, travelling from Australia and overseas to take part.
Over 30 countries are anticipated to be represented as athletes gather for the international masters competition.
Zoom in
Padel makes its debut at the Pan Pacific Masters Games in 2026. The sport has grown quickly around the world and is now gaining traction in Australia.
Badminton will also return to the sports schedule. The sport last appeared at the Games in 2006.
Away from competition venues, Pan Pacs Central at the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre will host the entertainment program and themed nights.
Zoom out
The Pan Pacific Masters Games is one of the world’s largest masters sporting events.
There are no qualifying standards to compete. Participants must meet the minimum age requirement for their sport.
For most sports, the minimum age is 30. However, athletes as young as 18 and competitors aged 90 and over are also expected to compete.
What to look for next
Athletes can register and find more information about the event HERE