RacquetX 2026 Wrap-up

After an unforgettable few days in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve been looking back at the moments, the people, and the energy that made this year’s event so special. From the crowds around the courts to the buzz across the show floor, RacquetX once again became the place where the world of racquet sports came together. There was so much to take in all weekend long, and now we’re excited to share a few of the best ways to relive it.

👉 View the full RacquetX 2026 photo gallery here

We’ve also been sharing some of our favorite moments from the weekend across social, including:

👉 One of our favorite posts of the year: the reel of the disposable cameras we handed out at the show, a fun reminder that some of the best moments from RacquetX are the candid ones.

👉 The Playtomic reel, featuring one of the standout activation highlights from the show.

👉 A creator recap that captures the feel and flow of the weekend from inside the event.

👉 Our Saturday recap reel, packed with some of the best action and atmosphere from the day.

More than any one activation or highlight, what stays with us most is the feeling of the weekend itself, the excitement, the movement, the reunions, the new connections, and the sense that racquet sports are only getting bigger from here.

Thank you again for helping make RacquetX 2026 what it was. We loved having you be part of it, and for those already thinking about what’s next, there’s a lot to be excited about as RacquetX 2027 starts to take shape.

We’re truly proud of what this year became, and already looking ahead to what’s next.

Click Here to Sponsor RacquetX 2027!

RacquetX: A Look at Where Racquet Sports Are Heading

Attending RacquetX this year was a great opportunity to see what is coming next in the world of racquet sports. Trade shows like this always offer a useful snapshot of the industry, from new equipment and court innovations to technologies designed to improve how players train and how coaches teach.

One of the best parts of the event was reconnecting with many racquet sports friends from across the industry. Racquet sports remain a surprisingly small world, and RacquetX provided a great setting to catch up with familiar faces while also meeting new people bringing fresh ideas into the space. During the event, we ran into Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, Kyle Lacroix, Joy Macci, Sarah Ansboury with the PPR, Federico Boscarino from Gladiator Tennis, and many others who continue to shape the growth of racquet sports.

Walking the floor also made it clear that technology is becoming a bigger part of training and player development. One demonstration that caught my attention was a robot feeding balls with the help of artificial intelligence. Watching the system adapt and deliver balls in different patterns showed how quickly technology is evolving in the coaching environment.

Another noticeable trend was the strong presence of padel. The sport continues to expand rapidly around the world, and its momentum was clearly visible at the event. Companies showcasing courts, equipment, and services related to padel were everywhere, reflecting how quickly the sport is gaining ground within the broader racquet sports ecosystem.

RacquetX already serves as a good meeting point for the industry, but I believe there is still a lot of room for growth. Today, the event is largely focused on industry professionals. Bringing consumers into the experience could help unlock its full potential.

A good reference is the PGA Show, where the industry gathers, but where the experience also connects with the players themselves. RacquetX could move in a similar direction by adding games, demo sessions, lessons, and interactive experiences that allow people to play, test equipment, and enjoy the sports they love while discovering the companies shaping the future of racquet sports.

Considering the enormous number of people around the world who play tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and other racquet sports, there is an opportunity for RacquetX to become much more than a trade show. With the right balance between industry innovation and player experience, it could grow into a true celebration of racquet sports.

The Venue

We asked Victor what he thought of the venue, Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, after 3 years of RacquetX at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Victor Bergonzoli: Miami is the stronger long-term choice because the difference is structural, not marginal.

First, the environment matters. Miami has a true international and cosmopolitan energy that aligns with where racquet sports are going globally. It attracts not only players but also brands, media, and decision makers. Fort Lauderdale is solid but operates more as a regional destination than a global hub.

Second, the experience quality is clearly higher in Miami. The restaurant scene, nightlife, and overall lifestyle create a more attractive setting. For an event like RacquetX, this translates into longer stays, better networking, and stronger sponsor engagement.

Third, the venue positioning is superior. The Miami Beach Convention Venter sits within a connected ecosystem with hotels, beaches, and walkability. That creates a more integrated and memorable event experience.

Finally, brand perception matters. Being in Miami signals scale, ambition, and global relevance. It elevates RacquetX from a regional event to something that feels international and important.

In short, Miami gives RacquetX a global stage, a better attendee experience, and a stronger brand position. Fort Lauderdale cannot match that level of impact.

RacquetX was very good!

RacquetX was very good! Padel was the star of the show IMO, with 5 beautiful Padel courts this year and a lot of spectators around those courts. Pickle had 3 courts, but a pinch less buzz this year than in past years, even though Pickle's growth is still there.

TYPTI had a nice showing with Steve Bellamy, the master promoter, especially at his presentation with former NFL player Terrell Owens! Bellamy has experience with POP from his years in SoCal. Tennis Channel ran and/or sponsored a few of our tourneys years ago.

I also felt that the whole INTENNSE Tennis draft and their match play was a great thing overall for Tennis, and they had a lot of energy and spectators at their events! It modernized Tennis in many ways! And of course, Cardio Tennis always shows well!

As far as Exhibitors on the show floor, anything related to tech and AI to improve the racquet/paddle world for players and/or facilities was heavily on display.

We didn’t do a booth and no POP demos/activations this year. We had done a few hours of demos each of the first two years at RacquetX, but scheduling and very limited court space this year made it hard.

He is a former POP Pro Doubles National Champion and four-time Pro doubles finalist, including the 2018 NY Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Mitch has spent time in the music industry(Arista Records), in TV syndication, and over 25 years in the corporate media barter business. POP Tennis