Are you ready for one of Arizona’s most electrifying pickleball showdowns? The 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic is back for its 7th annual edition, promising four days of intense competition, community spirit, and high-level play. Whether you are a seasoned 5.0 player or diving into your first sanctioned tournament, this event at the beautiful Pueblo El Mirage Golf & RV Resort is the place to be this February.
Scheduled from February 14 to February 17, 2026, this Pickleball Tournament has become a staple in the Southwest calendar. With 24 outdoor hardcourts and the support of the El-Mirage Emergency Room as the title sponsor, the 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic is set to deliver an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from navigating the tricky registration rules to mastering the venue’s location.
Registration: Dates, Fees, and The “3-Day Rule”
Securing your spot in the 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic requires timely action. Registration is already open, and spots fill up fast.
Cost & Deadlines
- Early Bird Registration ($75): Available until December 15, 2025.
- Standard Registration ($85): From December 16, 2025, through January 31, 2026.
- Final Deadline: January 31, 2026 @ 11:55 PM AZST.
Note: To participate, you must have an active USA Pickleball membership valid through the tournament dates. Additionally, having an active DUPR account is mandatory for bracket seeding.
The Critical Partner Registration Policy
This is where many teams get caught off guard: Registration is not complete until BOTH partners have paid. If you register for Men’s Doubles or Women’s Doubles, your partner has exactly 3 days to register and pay. If they fail to do so, your team will be moved to the waitlist, potentially losing your spot to a fully paid team. Coordinate with your partner immediately!
Ready to lock in your spot? Register for the Tournament here.
Tournament Schedule & Event Categories
The action is spread across four days, ensuring each skill and age group gets dedicated court time. The tournament uses DUPR skill ratings to ensure fair play across all brackets.
- Saturday, Feb 14: Women’s Doubles (Skill levels 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0).
- Sunday, Feb 15: Mixed Doubles (Skill levels 4.0, 4.5, 5.0).
- Monday, Feb 16: Men’s Doubles (Skill levels 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0).
- Tuesday, Feb 17: Mixed Doubles (Skill levels 3.0 & 3.5).
Age Groups: Competitors will be divided into age brackets ranging from 35-50 up to 70+ (age calculated as of 12/31/26).
Game Format and Scoring Rules
The 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic prioritizes playtime, utilizing a Round Robin format for all events. This means you are guaranteed multiple games rather than a “one-and-done” elimination.
Bracket Structures
- Large Events (8+ teams): Pool play with Single Round Robin. Top teams advance to playoffs.
- Smaller Events (3-7 teams): Double or Single Round Robin variations depending on the team count.
Scoring Breakdown
Matches typically follow standard scoring rules. Pool play games are often played to 15 (win by 2). However, medal matches intensify:
- Gold Medal Match: Best 2 out of 3 games to 11, win by 2.
- Bronze Medal Match: One game to 15, win by 2.
Remember, under doubles rules, maintaining momentum is key, especially with the win by 2 rule in effect for all playoffs.
Equipment and Court Surface
The tournament will be played on 24 permanent outdoor courts at the Pueblo El Mirage Golf & RV Resort. The surface is a standard hardcourt, so ensure you have proper footwear. We recommend checking out the best women’s pickleball shoes or men’s court shoes to prevent injury and improve traction.
The official ball for the tournament is the Selkirk Pro S-1, Neon. If you aren’t familiar with this ball, it might be wise to practice with verified pickleball balls beforehand to get used to the bounce and speed.
Venue Details: Directions & Map
Venue: Pueblo El Mirage Golf & RV Resort
Address: 11201 N El Mirage Rd, El Mirage, AZ, 85335
⚠️ Crucial Navigation Warning: Do NOT follow your GPS blindly to the resort’s main address. It often leads drivers to the wrong gate. You must use the entrance off Cactus Rd, which is East of the intersection of N El Mirage Rd & Cactus Rd.
Amenities
- Parking: Free for all players (No overnight parking allowed).
- Food & Drink: Snacks and water are provided, and Food Trucks are TBD. Don’t forget your refillable bottle and pickleball bag essentials.
Location Map
Use the map below to orient yourself with the El Mirage area:
DUPR Ratings and Seeding
To ensure competitive balance, the tournament committee strictly uses pickleball ratings for seeding. They will review all registrants’ DUPR ratings within three days of registration closing. If a player’s rating has improved significantly and exceeds their registered bracket, the team may be moved to a more appropriate level.
Refund Policy & Weather Contingencies
Life happens, but be aware of the strict refund deadline for the 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic:
- Cancellation Deadline: January 31, 2026 (subject to a $10 fee).
- After Deadline: No refunds. However, you may transfer your entry fee to a replacement player.
- Weather: This is an outdoor event. In case of inclement weather, the director will modify formats to get games played, but no refunds are issued for weather-related cancellations.
Conclusion
The 2026 El Mirage Emergency Room Kokopelli Klassic offers a fantastic mix of competition and camaraderie in the heart of El Mirage, AZ. With a solid Round Robin format and meticulous organization, it’s a tournament you don’t want to miss. Make sure your Selkirk pickleball paddles are ready, your partner is registered, and your travel plans are set.
See you on the courts in February!
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