Smashing Stereotypes in Scotland: Pride in Tennis Cup 2026
Pride in Tennis Cup 2026 crew gather for a group photo at Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, Edinburgh.
At its heart, tennis is about connecting with people from all walks of life on - what we like to call - the court of life. At the 2026 edition of the Pride in Tennis Cup held at the Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, Edinburgh, that connection extended far beyond the baseline and was served with a side of pride and a fierce - yet celebratory - competitive flair.
This year’s tournament proved that competitive sport and unapologetic, inclusive celebration are not mutually exclusive. With teams travelling from across the UK - including a historic showing of three distinct Scottish clubs - the courts were alive with high-stakes rallies, genuine sportsmanship, and an undeniable sense of LGBTQ+ joy. Whether players were stepping onto the court for their first-ever competitive match or battling it out in the Main Draw finals, the 2026 tournament delivered an unforgettable weekend of tennis.
2026 Champs & Award Winners
Before diving into the stories behind the score-lines, congratulations to the teams and individuals who left it all on the court.
| Category | Winner | Team / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Pride in Tennis Cup Winner (Main Draw) | South London Smashers | |
| Pride in Tennis Cup Runner-Up (Main Draw) | North London Lob-sters | |
| Pride in Tennis Cup Winner (Progress Draw) | Edinburgh Curveballs | |
| Most Valuable Player | Sophia Shek | South London Smashers |
| Best Newcomer | Jojo Mondel | South London Smashers |
| Most Consistent Players | James Edden & Jonathan McBride | Geordie Grand Slammers / Edinburgh Curveballs |
| Fairplay Award | Roz Hamilton | Weegie Whackers |
| Rally Allies Trophy Winner | Scott Ferguson | |
| Rally Allies Trophy Runner-Up | James Swanson | Pride in Tennis |
| Rally Allies Rainbow Winner | Martyn Worsdale | |
Courtside stories - A Scottish Surge
One of the major storylines of the 2026 Pride in Tennis Cup was the formidable force of Scottish tennis. The Dundee Deuces, Edinburgh Curveballs, and Weegie Whackers brought immense energy, taking home the Pride in Tennis Cup Progress Draw title and proving that LGBTQ+ tennis is thriving in the North.
The sheer excitement of participation was a recurring theme among the players. Jonathan, Edinburgh Curveballs, highlighted the power of community representation:
"We are so excited to be playing in this tournament today with the Dundee Deuces and the Weegie Whackers. It's fantastic to have solidarity with them in Scotland and with the clubs from around the UK. We are loving how many people are playing this for the first time. We've got players who have never played a tennis tournament before, and they're out there winning games, having great rallies, and just being excited about tennis."
For many, simply having a dedicated space to play as their authentic selves was the biggest victory. Nikki from the Edinburgh Curveballs summed up the emotional weight of the event perfectly:
"I'm so delighted we've got a queer tennis court in Edinburgh. It's an absolute dream come true, it is so wonderful to see so many queer tennis players."
Wesley, Dundee Deuces, added to the regional pride:
"It's great to have queer space here for us to compete together and have fun together. We're one of three Scottish teams here at the 2026 Cup, so we're hoping that one of the Scottish teams will take home at least one of the prizes!" (Editor's note: They certainl did!)
Behind the Baseline - Orchestrating the Pride in Tennis Cup
An event of this scale doesn't just happen; it is meticulously planned. Blending intense round-robin qualifiers with a vibrant, supportive atmosphere requires an immense logistical engine and a clear, unified vision from the Pride in Tennis leadership team.
Behind the scenes, Pride in Tennis Membership Officer Dan Rogerson managed a massive administrative puzzle, ensuring that the team logistics ran seamlessly before anyone even picked up a racket. For Rogerson, the true reward wasn't just flawless spreadsheets and flowing communication from team captains, but also the resulting player experience:
"Having spoken to so many players, from those competing for the first time to those with a lot of competitive experience, everyone has talked about how much they enjoyed the event and atmosphere," Rogerson shared. "This PiT Cup had the greatest diversity by far, and it has been a great advert for how inclusive tennis can be. The best reward is seeing everyone being able to enjoy themselves on court, freely as their authentic selves."
This smooth backstage operation allowed the real magic to happen on the courts, where Pride in Tennis Vice-Chair and Referee Alfred Wong oversaw the action. Wong noted that the tournament's unique format naturally balanced strict competitive integrity with the joyous spirit of a Pride event:
"The team competition element created a very different atmosphere from a typical knock-out event," Wong explained. "Players were still competitive while their teammates were allowed on courtside to spectate and cheer them on. With so many people watching every single shot, all players were on their best behaviour!"
He also noted how this dynamic elevated the overall vibe of the day:
"The spectators were excellent on the day. Every good shot, no matter from their teammates or the opponents, was celebrated. There was no heckling of any sort. The whole stadium was filled with positive energy."
A sentiment echoed by Gavin from the Dundee Deuces:
"Today's great because everybody's getting together, everybody's happy. We're having lots of fun and a bit of competition too. So really, really enjoying the day."
For Pride in Tennis Chair James Swanson, this harmonious blend of fierce competition and genuine community is exactly the point. The success of the 2026 event validates an ambitious, long-term vision: making British tennis a sport where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels they truly belong on the court.
"The Pride in Tennis Cup demonstrates what’s possible when inclusion is built into the fabric of an event, rather than treated as an add-on," Swanson reflected. "Each year, we’re seeing more players, more teams, and stronger engagement from across the LGBTQ+ tennis community, providing a visible example of what inclusive tennis can be at its best - competitive, welcoming, and accessible."
Bringing the tournament to Scotland for the first time marked a historic milestone for the organisation's growth. After starting the event in England and moving to Wales last year, hosting this edition in Edinburgh reflects a deep commitment to building a truly national movement across Great Britain. For Swanson, the real magic is seeing that structural expansion translate into real community spirit.
"What makes me most proud is the community that has grown around the Pride in Tennis Cup," Swanson shared. "The atmosphere at the event is truly unique, and seeing so many teams return year after year shows the value of creating spaces where LGBTQ+ players feel they truly belong. As the tournament continues to grow, it helps raise expectations across the sport and accelerates our wider vision of making LGBTQ+ inclusion an everyday part of British tennis."
Event organisers Dan Rogerson, James Swanson, and Alfred Wong stand united on the tennis court.
Your Turn to Serve: Join Us for 2027
The Pride in Tennis Cup 2026 was an absolute triumph, but the momentum doesn't stop when the net comes down. If you have been inspired by the incredible energy shown, the Pride in Tennis network is ready to welcome you.
Getting involved is easier than you might think. If there isn't already an LGBTQ+ inclusive club near you, why not start one? There is no right or wrong way to begin, and you can be as official or informal as you like. In fact, many of our most successful clubs started with just four friends getting together to play a casual game of doubles.
Tennis is for everyone, and our website has all the resources you need to find a local team or get a brand-new club off the ground. Don't stay on the sidelines - grab a racket, build your community, and you could be competing for the trophy at the Pride in Tennis Cup 2027!