2026 isn't just another year for badminton; it's a historic collision of continental championships, the pinnacle World Championships, and a year-ending $3.5 million showcase, all within a global "super sports year" that includes the Milan Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.
While the HSBC BWF World Tour forms the professional circuit's backbone—featuring 39 events across Super 1000, 750, 500, 300, and 100 levels—it's just part of the story.
This guide is your roadmap to every major crown and trophy up for grabs. We’ll break down the key tournaments month-by-month, highlight the must-watch storylines, and show you exactly how to follow the action from anywhere in the world. Let’s dive in. 🚀
If you’ve ever:
😫 Missed a Super 1000 final because you mixed up the dates,
🌍 Googled the World Tour Finals location at 2 a.m. only to realize it’s halfway across the world, or
🤯 Felt confused about the difference between the 2026 BWF World Tour Calendar and the broader BWF Badminton 2026 Tournament Calendar,
…this guide is for you.
We’ve all been there. That’s why I’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the official schedules to create this one-stop, fan-friendly guide to the entire 2026 badminton season. Consider this your go-to playbook for the year!
🏆 Part 1 — 2026 BWF World Tour Calendar: Ultimate Guide to Top Badminton Events
The 2026 HSBC BWF World Tour is the backbone of the professional badminton season — where rankings are shaped, rivalries are built, and legends are made.
From Super 1000 blockbusters to Super 300 breakout events, this is where the world’s best compete week after week.
🌍 2026 World Tour Tier System (Quick Reference)
First, let’s clarify the tournament levels—so you know exactly what’s at stake for your favorite players:
| Tier | Tournament Category | Prize Pool Range | What's at Stake for Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Elite | HSBC World Tour Finals | $3.5M (Hangzhou) | The Grand Finale! Only the year's top 8 qualify. Every match is high-stakes. |
| 👑 Premier | Super 1000 | $1.45M – $2M | The Crown Jewels. The highest prestige and points. All top stars must play. |
| 🎯 Major | Super 750 | $950K – $1.15M | Critical Contests. Key for rankings and qualification. Consistently deep draws. |
| ⚔️ Intermediate | Super 500 | $500K | Proving Grounds. Balanced fields where rising talents challenge established names. |
| 💫 Emerging | Super 300 | $250K – $370K | Star-Spotting Events. Perfect for discovering the next big thing. |
🗓️ Your Month-by-Month Guide to Can't-Miss Action
Here is your complete calendar, with key details like dates, locations, prize money, and why each event matters. Bookmark this page, set your reminders, and get ready for a year of world-class badminton.
Note: Always double-check timings and draws on the Official BWF World Tour Calendar before making your viewing plans!
January: Season Kickoff
The year starts with three back-to-back Asian tournaments—perfect for early momentum!
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06–11 Jan | PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026 | Super 1000 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | $1.45M | Season opener! All top players (e.g., Viktor Axelsen, Akane Yamaguchi) battle for early rankings points. |
| 13–18 Jan | YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026 | Super 750 | New Delhi, India | $950K | Fresh off Malaysia, this is a critical test for fatigue. Bonus: 2.5-hour time difference for Asian viewers. |
| 20–25 Jan | DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 | Super 500 | Jakarta, Indonesia | $500K | Indonesia’s passionate crowd makes this a fan favorite—expect loud cheers and fast rallies. |
| 27 Jan–01 Feb | PRINCESS SIRIVANNAVARI Thailand Masters 2026 | Super 300 | Patumwan, Thailand | $250K | Great for spotting up-and-coming talent (e.g., young Thai or Chinese doubles pairs). |
February: European Debut
February shifts to Europe, with one key Super 300 event:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Feb–01 Mar | YONEX German Open 2026 | Super 300 | Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany | $250K | First European stop of the year—look for local stars like Mark Lamsfuß (GER) to shine. |
March: All England Magic
March is iconic—the All England Open (badminton’s “Wimbledon”) takes center stage!
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03–08 Mar | YONEX All England Open 2026 | Super 1000 | Birmingham, England | $1.45M | The oldest (est. 1899) and most prestigious tournament. Past finals (e.g., Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei) are legendary—2026 will be no different. |
| 10–15 Mar | YONEX Swiss Open 2026 | Super 300 | Basel, Switzerland | $250K | Low-key but competitive—players use this to fine-tune before spring’s bigger events. |
| 17–22 Mar | Orleans Masters 2026 (presented by VICTOR) | Super 300 | Orléans, France | $250K | French fans bring energy—ideal for doubles lovers (European pairs excel here). |
May: Asian Powerhouses
May heats up with three Asian tournaments, including a Super 750 in Singapore:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12–17 May | TOYOTA Thailand Open 2026 | Super 500 | Patumwan, Thailand | $500K | Thailand’s second stop—expect home heroines like Ratchanok Intanon to draw crowds. |
| 19–24 May | PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2026 | Super 500 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | $500K | A “sister event” to January’s Malaysia Open—often features rematches from the earlier tournament. |
| 26–31 May | KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2026 | Super 750 | Singapore | $1M | Highest prize money in May! Coastal vibes + top-tier action (e.g., China’s Shi Yuqi vs. Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie). |
June: Global Expansion
June spans Asia, Australia, and Macau—with a Super 1000 in Indonesia:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02–07 Jun | Indonesia Open 2026 | Super 1000 | Jakarta, Indonesia | $1.45M | Indonesia’s flagship event—think sold-out stadiums and nonstop drama. |
| 09–14 Jun | SATHIO GROUP Australian Badminton Open 2026 | Super 500 | Sydney, Australia | $500K |
Only Australian stop—mixed doubles star Gronya Somerville shines at home. |
| 16–21 Jun | Macau Open 2026 | Super 300 | Macau, China | $370K | Highest prize money for a Super 300 event—attracts more top players than usual. Macau Open = $370K, higher than standard $250K Super 300 events. |
| 30 Jun–05 Jul | YONEX Canada Open 2026 | Super 300 | Markham Ontario, Canada | $250K | North America’s first stop—perfect for fans in the Americas (no late nights!). |
July: Summer Showdowns
July features two Super 1000 events—including China’s massive $2M Open!
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14–19 Jul | DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026 | Super 750 | Tokyo, Japan | $950K | Japan’s top players (e.g., Kento Momota, Wakana Nagahara) compete on home soil. |
| 21–26 Jul | China Open 2026 | Super 1000 | Changzhou, China | $2M | Highest prize money of any Super 1000 event—all stars prioritize this (China’s Chen Yufei will have huge home support). |
| 28 Jul–02 Aug | YONEX Taipei Open 2026 | Super 300 | Taipei, Chinese Taipei | $250K | Great for doubles action—Chinese Taipei’s Lee Yang/Wang Chi-lin (Olympic champs) often compete here. |
August: Korean Summer
August has one key Super 300 event in Korea:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04–09 Aug | Korea Masters 2026 | Super 300 | Gwangju, Korea | $250K | Korea’s rising singles stars (e.g., An Se-young) use this to prep for fall’s bigger events. |
September: China Masters
September’s only Tour event is a Super 750 in Shenzhen—don’t miss it!
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01–06 Sep | China Masters 2026 | Super 750 | Shenzhen, China | $1.15M | Post-summer “reset” for players—critical for World Tour Finals qualification. |
October: European & Asian Mix
October is busy! Four tournaments across Europe and Asia, including three Super 750s:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06–11 Oct | Arctic Open 2026 (powered by YONEX) | Super 500 | Vantaa, Finland | $500K | Rare stop in Northern Europe—unique atmosphere (think cool weather, cozy crowds). |
| 13–18 Oct | VICTOR Denmark Open 2026 | Super 750 | Odense, Denmark | $950K | Europe’s top Super 750—Danish stars like Anders Antonsen dominate here. |
| 20–25 Oct | YONEX French Open 2026 | Super 750 | Paris, France | $950K | Parisian flair + elite badminton—great lead-up to the World Tour Finals. |
| 27 Oct–01 Nov | HYLO Open 2026 | Super 500 | Saarbrücken, Germany | $500K | Final European stop of the year—players fight for last-minute Finals points. |
November: Asian Finals Push
November focuses on Asia, with four events to lock in World Tour Finals spots:
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03–08 Nov | Korea Open 2026 | Super 500 | Yeosu city, Korea | $500K | Korea’s second stop—doubles pairs (e.g., Kim Gi-jung/Kim Sa-rang) are must-watch. |
| 10–15 Nov | Kumamoto Masters Japan 2026 | Super 500 | Kumamoto, Japan | $500K | Japan’s second event—young talents (e.g., Kodai Naraoka) often make breakthroughs here. |
| 17–22 Nov | Hong Kong Open 2026 | Super 500 | Hong Kong, China | $500K | Penultimate event before Finals—critical for players on the bubble. |
| 24–29 Nov | Syed Modi India International 2026 | Super 300 | Lucknow, India | $250K | India’s second tournament—great for local fans (e.g., PV Sindhu if she competes). |
December: World Tour Finals (The Grand Finale!)
The year ends with the elite Finals—only the top 8 players in each discipline qualify.
| Date | Tournament | Tier | Location | Prize Money | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09–13 Dec | HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2026 | Finals | Hangzhou, China | $3.5M | The biggest event of the year! Round-robin format means no easy wins—every match matters. |
🔥 2026 Season Key Takeaways (At a Glance)
Let’s cut to the chase—here’s what makes this year’s tour unmissable:
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| 💰 Biggest Prizes | China Open ($2M, regular tour peak) + Hangzhou World Tour Finals ($3.5M, grand finale) |
| 🇨🇳 China’s Dominance | Hosts 3 blockbuster events (Finals, China Open, China Masters) with combined prize money of $6.65M |
| 🚀 January “Million Dollar Start” | Malaysia ($1.45M) + India ($950K) Opens = $2.4M in the first two weeks—players cash in early! |
| 💎 Macau’s Super 300 Exception | $370K prize pool (48% higher than standard $250K Super 300s) = magnet for mid-ranked stars (15-30) |
| 📊 Tier Breakdown | 4 Super 1000 + 6 Super 750 + 9 Super 500 + 9 Super 300 events—clear ranking path to the Finals |
| 🏆 Standalone Majors | BWF World Championships (Aug 17-23, New Delhi) – separate from the tour, but the ultimate world title clash! |
📱 How to Follow the Action (No More FOMO!)
Never miss a rally, upset, or trophy lift with these tools—organized for convenience:
1. Live Streaming (Watch Every Match)
| Platform | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BWF Official TV | tv.bwfbadminton.com/ | Official live coverage (global access) |
| BWF YouTube Channel | youtube.com/@BWF | Highlights, recaps, and select matches |
| Local Channels | CCTV Sports (China), Star Sports (India), ESPN (US) | Regional coverage with commentary |
2. Real-Time Scores & Updates
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BWF Official Website: bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/ – Live scores, draw sheets, and player rankings.
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BWF Mobile App: Available on iOS/Android – Push notifications for your favorite players’ matches.
3. Calendar Sync (Never Miss a Date)
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Click “ADD TO CALENDAR” on BWF’s official calendar: bwfbadminton.com/calendar/
-
Syncs to your phone/laptop—set reminders for Super 1000 events and the Finals!
4. Bonus: Follow the Leaders
Check BWF’s World Tour Leaders page to track who’s leading the race to Hangzhou—current top-ranked players include:
-
Men’s Singles: Kunlavut VITIDSARN (THA, 12,000 points)
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Women’s Singles: Tanvi SHARMA (IND, 12,610 points)
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Men’s Doubles: Aaron TAI/KANG Khai Xing (MAL, 17,180 points)
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Women’s Doubles: ONG Xin Yee/Carmen TING (MAL, 17,260 points)
-
Mixed Doubles: Marwan FAZA/Aisyah Salsabila Putri PRANATA (INA, 18,900 points)
Part 2: 🌍 Beyond the 2026 BWF World Tour — Other Notable Badminton Tournaments
If you think badminton ends with the HSBC BWF World Tour, think again.
The 2026 BWF Badminton Calendar is far richer — packed with Continental Championships, Team battles, Grade 1 events (like the World Championships), Super 100 tournaments, and a vibrant global circuit of International Challenge/Series events that shape the future of the sport.
I’ve condensed the entire 2026 BWF Tournaments Calendar into a clear, month-by-month roadmap — highlighting what matters most, what’s worth staying up late for, and how to follow every smash, drop, and dive in real time.
Let’s get into it. 🚀
🔗 Official Sources: For the full, up-to-date calendar and tournament details, check the BWF Corporate Website: 2026 BWF Official Tournament Calendar
🗓️ 2026 Monthly Highlights (Non-World Tour Standouts)
Below are the most notable events each month (not every minor tournament). Tables include critical details like category, location, and why you can’t miss them!
🟡 January: Global Grassroots Kickoff
January sets the tone with early-season action across Europe, Asia, and the Nordic region—perfect for spotting emerging talent.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8–11 | YONEX Estonian International | International Series | Tallinn, EST | First European International Series of 2026; part of BWF’s Dual Career initiative (learn more) |
| Jan 15–18 | VICTOR Swedish Open | International Series | Uppsala, SWE | Strong Nordic field; a proving ground for European juniors |
| Jan 22–25 | RSL Iceland International | Future Series | Reykjavik, ISL | Rare badminton stop in Iceland—unique venue + underdog stories |
| Jan 29–Feb 1 | 7th Iran Junior International Series | Junior International Series | Urmia, IRI | Critical for youth development in West Asia; 4 downloadable resources (prospectus, visa forms) |
Pro Tip: The PETRONAS Malaysia Open (Jan 6–11) (Super 1000) kicks off the World Tour—catch defending champs Shi Yuqi (MS) and An Se-young (WS) at Axiata Arena.
🔵 February: Continental Team Battles
February is all about national pride! Continents face off in team championships that determine regional dominance.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3–8 | TSINGTAO Badminton Asia Team Champs | Continental Team | Qingdao, CHN | Asia’s top national teams (China, Japan, Korea) compete for continental glory |
| Feb 8–12 | VICTOR Oceania Championships | Continental Individual | Auckland, NZL | Decides Oceania’s representatives for global events; $5,000 prize pool |
| Feb 9–12 | All Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Champs | Continental Team | Gaborone, BOT | Africa’s biggest team event—watch rising nations like Nigeria and Egypt |
| Feb 11–15 | 2026 European Men’s & Women’s Team Champs | Continental Team | İstanbul, TUR | Europe’s elite (Denmark, Spain, England) clash in high-stakes rallies |
| Feb 12–15 | Pan Am M&F Cup | Continental Team | Guatemala City | Americas’ team showdown—qualifier for global team events |
| Feb 18–22 | Uganda International Challenge | International Challenge | Kampala, UGA | Fast-growing African circuit; $20,000 prize money + youth development ties |
🔴 March: Deep Global Circuit
March runs parallel to the iconic All England Open—don’t sleep on these under-the-radar gems.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 3–8 | SBH Singapore International Series | International Series | Singapore | Runs alongside the All England Open; great for watching Asian up-and-comers |
| Mar 4–8 | 61st Portugal International Championships | International Series | Caldas da Rainha | Classic European stop; 5 downloadable forms (visa, accommodation, transport) |
| Mar 10–15 | Ruichang China Masters | BWF Tour Super 100 | Ruichang, CHN | Major ranking points for emerging Chinese talent; 6 official resources |
| Mar 16–22 | Sri Lanka International Challenge | International Challenge | Colombo | South Asia’s key event—$20,000 prize pool |
| Mar 24–29 | CIPUTRA HANOI Vietnam International Challenge | International Challenge | Hanoi | Critical for SEA players; prospectus + forms available for download |
| Mar 24–29 | Brazil International Challenge | International Challenge | São Paulo | Top Pan Am event—spot future Americas stars |
🟢 April: Continental Championships Month
April is make-or-break for individual regional titles—these events shape World Championship seeding!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 7–12 | 2026 European Championships | Continental Individual | Huelva, ESP | Europe’s most prestigious individual title—qualifier for World Champs |
| Apr 7–12 | Badminton Asia Championships | Continental Individual | Ningbo, CHN | Asia’s top individual event; $550,000 prize money + World Champs spots |
| Apr 8–12 | XXIX YONEX Pan Am Individual Championships | Continental Individual | TBC, MEX | Americas’ biggest individual tournament—decides regional legends |
| Apr 23–26 | YONEX Finnish International | Future Series | Vantaa, FIN | Nordic grassroots event; $4,500 prize + official hotel info available |
| Apr 24–May 3 | Thomas & Uber Cup Finals | Grade 1 – Team Tournaments | Horsens, DEN | THE blue-ribbon team event! Global bragging rights for men’s (Thomas) and women’s (Uber) teams (247sports coverage) |
| Apr 30–May 3 | YONEX Luxembourg Open | International Series | Luxembourg | Competitive European field; last chance for ranking points before May |
🟣 May: Development & Depth
May focuses on growing talent—from Pan Am challenges to European grassroots events.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6–10 | VI Mexican International Challenge | International Challenge | TBC, MEX | Strong Pan Am stop; $20,000 prize + youth outreach programs |
| May 12–17 | BAOJI China Masters | BWF Tour Super 100 | Baoji, CHN | Showcases China’s deep talent pool; $120,000 prize money |
| May 13–17 | SAINT DENIS Reunion Open | International Challenge | Saint Denis | Unique island event; $24,500 prize + 4 official forms (prospectus, transport) |
| May 27–30 | YONEX Bonn International | Future Series | Bonn, GER | German development circuit—spot future European stars |
| May 27–31 | Denmark Challenge | International Challenge | Brøndby | Europe’s deep field; $20,000 prize + ties to BWF’s Dual Career initiative |
🌏 June: Junior & Continental Action
June highlights junior talent and mid-tier pro events—critical for career growth.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 9–14 | TOYOTA Phuket International Challenge | International Challenge | Phuket, THA | Popular SEA stop; $20,000 prize + beachside venue vibes |
| Jun 16–21 | Macau Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 | Macau | Higher prize money ($370k) than typical Super 300 events |
| Jun 23–28 | YONEX US Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 | TBC, USA | Biggest US tournament—attracts global stars + homegrown talent |
| Jun 26–30 | Badminton Asia Junior Champs (Team) | Continental Junior Team | Yatsushiro, JPN | Top Asian juniors battle for team glory; qualifier for World Junior Champs |
☀️ July: Junior Spotlight
July is all about the next generation—don’t miss future stars in action!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1–5 | Badminton Asia Junior Champs (Individual) | Continental Junior Individual | Yatsushiro, JPN | Asia’s best young players (U19) compete for individual titles |
| Jul 7–12 | YONEX SUNRISE Pembangunan Jaya Raya Junior International Grand Prix | Junior International Grand Prix | Tangerang, INA | Indonesia’s top youth event; $25,000 prize + talent scouting for pro teams |
| Jul 17–19 | YONEX All England Junior Champs | Junior International Series | Birmingham, ENG | Prestigious junior tradition—follows the iconic All England Open |
| Jul 21–26 | PETRONAS Malaysia Junior International Challenge | Junior International Challenge | Kuala Lumpur | Strong SEA field; $8,000 prize + BWF youth development support |
🏆 August: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MONTH
August is the pinnacle of individual badminton—mark your calendars!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17–23 | BWF World Championships 2026 | Grade 1 – Individual | New Delhi, IND | THE biggest title in badminton! Every match is do-or-die for the world crown |
| Aug 11–16 | PETRONAS Malaysia International Challenge | International Challenge | Kuala Lumpur | Perfect warm-up for World Champs; $20,000 prize |
| Aug 18–22 | 2026 European Junior Team Champs | Continental Junior Team | Tatabánya, HUN | Europe’s best junior teams; qualifier for World Junior Team Champs |
| Aug 22–27 | 2026 European Junior Champs | Continental Junior Individual | Tatabánya, HUN | Europe’s top U19 players compete for individual glory |
🇨🇳 September: Super 100 Season
September is all about ranking points—critical for end-of-year finals qualification.
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1–6 | Indonesia Super 100 I | BWF Tour Super 100 | TBC, INA | Crucial ranking points; $120,000 prize + part of Indonesia’s 4 2026 events (247sports) |
| Sep 1–6 | PETRONAS Malaysia International Series | International Series | Kuala Lumpur | National depth event; $10,000 prize + youth talent showcase |
| Sep 1–6 | China Masters | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 | Shenzhen | Major World Tour stop; $1.15M prize + Chinese stars defending home turf |
| Sep 8–13 | YONEX SUNRISE Vietnam Open | BWF Tour Super 100 | Ho Chi Minh City | Strong SEA field; $120,000 prize + ranking boost for emerging players |
| Sep 29–Oct 4 | Abu Dhabi Masters | BWF Tour Super 100 | Dubai, UAE | Middle East growth event; $120,000 prize + expanding global footprint |
🍁 October: World Junior Month
October features the biggest junior events on the planet—future legends are made here!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 5–10 | BWF World Junior Team Champs | Grade 1 – Junior Team | TBC | Global junior team battle; decides the “best young team” title |
| Oct 12–18 | BWF World Junior Championships | Grade 1 – Junior Individual | TBC | Biggest junior event; U19 players compete for world titles |
| Oct 6–11 | Arctic Open powered by YONEX | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 | Vantaa, FIN | Major World Tour stop; $500k prize + Nordic fan energy |
| Oct 20–25 | YONEX French Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 | Paris | Elite pro event; $950k prize + finals qualification push |
| Oct 27–Nov 1 | HYLO Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 | Saarbrücken | Final European stop before November’s finals race |
🔥 November: Finals Push & Youth Olympics
November mixes finals qualification, pro events, and the Youth Olympics—nonstop action!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1–5 | Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 | Grade 1 – Junior Individual | Dakar, SEN | Global youth showcase; Olympic-level experience for U18 players |
| Nov 3–8 | Korea Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 | Yeosu, KOR | $500k prize + critical finals qualification points |
| Nov 10–15 | Kumamoto Masters Japan | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 | Kumamoto, JPN | Rising stars shine; $500k prize + Japanese fan passion |
| Nov 17–22 | Hong Kong Open | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 | Hong Kong | Finals qualification race; $500k prize + Asia’s iconic venue |
| Nov 24–29 | Syed Modi India International | HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 | Lucknow, IND | Big Indian event; $250k prize + home crowd energy |
🎬 December: Year-End Wrap-Up
December closes the season with final ranking events and the grand World Tour Finals!
| Date | Tournament | Category | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1–6 | Guwahati Masters | BWF Tour Super 100 | Guwahati, IND | Final Super 100 of 2026; $120k prize + last ranking points |
| Dec 1–6 | 2026 YONEX Canadian International Challenge | International Challenge | Markham, CAN | North American finale; $20k prize + Pan Am talent showcase |
| Dec 8–13 | Odisha Masters | BWF Tour Super 100 | Cuttack, IND | Last ranking event of the year; $120k prize + season-ending drama |
| Dec 9–13 | HSBC BWF World Tour Finals | HSBC BWF World Tour Finals | Hangzhou, CHN | Grand finale! $3.5M prize + only top 8 players/pairs qualify |
🎯 Big Picture: What the 2026 Calendar Tells Us
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🌍 Truly Global GrowthEvents span Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas—with expanding footprints in Africa (Dakar Youth Olympics) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi Masters).
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🏆 August = Championship GoldThe BWF World Championships in New Delhi (Aug 17–23) is the ultimate non-World Tour prize—every top player will be there.
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🌱 Juniors Are the FutureWorld Junior Team/Individual Champs (October) and Youth Olympics (November) highlight BWF’s focus on nurturing young talent.
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🔵 Super 100 Circuit Is StrongerMultiple Super 100 stops across Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, UAE) give emerging players critical exposure.
📱 How to Follow the Action
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Live Streams: Check the BWF YouTube Channel and tournament-specific links (e.g., Malaysia Open on Badminton World Tour).
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Real-Time Updates: Follow BWF Twitter and Instagram for scores and highlights.
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Athlete Stories: Don’t miss BWF’s Dual Career activations at events like the Estonian International—learn how players balance sports and education.
2026 is set to be the biggest year in badminton yet. Which event are you most excited to watch? Drop a comment below! 🏸
Part 3: 🚀 My Top 10 “Can’t-Miss” Badminton Events of 2026
So you love badminton, but let's be real—life is busy. The 2026 calendar is a marathon of over 50 elite tournaments. You can't possibly watch every single one.
That's why I asked myself the ultimate fan question: If I could only clear my schedule for 10 events in 2026, which ones would deliver the absolute pinnacle of prestige, drama, and history?
Forget just prize money. This list is about legacy, nerve-shredding rivalries, and the moments we'll remember for decades. Here is my personal, definitive ranking of the tournaments you simply cannot afford to miss.
🏆 The Ultimate Countdown: Your 2026 Viewing Guide
Here are the ten dates to mark in your calendar. Think of this as your essential badminton viewing blueprint for the year.
| Rank | Event (Category) | 📅 Date & 📍 Location | 🎯 Why It's a "Can't Miss" Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏆 BWF World Championships (Grade 1 – Individual) |
Aug 17-23 New Delhi, India |
The Crown Jewel. This is the ultimate prize—an immortal title. It's the purest test of skill and nerve, where the winner earns the undisputed title of World Champion. No other tournament carries this singular prestige. |
| 2 | 🥇 TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals (World Team Championships) |
Apr 24 - May 3 Horsens, Denmark |
Badminton's Ultimate Team War. National pride eclipses individual glory here. The Thomas Cup (men's) and Uber Cup (women's) are the sport's most coveted team trophies, creating an electric atmosphere of unmatched drama where every point feels like a final. |
| 3 | 💰 HSBC BWF World Tour Finals (Season Finale) |
Dec 9-13 Hangzhou, China |
The Exclusive Grand Finale. Only the year's top 8 qualify for this round-robin battle. With a record $3.5 million purse, it's the richest and most high-stakes event to crown the season's ultimate performer. |
| 4 | 🏛️ YONEX All England Open (World Tour Super 1000) |
Mar 3-8 Birmingham, England |
The "Wimbledon of Badminton". Steeped in tradition since 1899, winning here is a career-defining achievement that etches a player's name into history. The weight of legacy is felt in every rally. |
| 5 | 🇲🇾 PETRONAS Malaysia Open (World Tour Super 1000) |
Jan 6-11 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
The Electrifying Season Opener. The first Super 1000 of the year sets the competitive tone. Played in one of the world's most fanatical badminton nations, the packed arena and incredible atmosphere make for a perfect, high-octane kickoff. |
| 6 | 🇮🇩 Indonesia Open (World Tour Super 1000) |
Jun 2-7 Jakarta, Indonesia |
Badminton's Loudest Cathedral. Jakarta's Istora Senayan is legendary for its deafening, partisan crowd. Winning here requires immense mental fortitude as much as skill. The passion is simply unmatched anywhere else on the planet. |
| 7 | 🌏 Badminton Asia Championships (Continental Individual) |
Apr 7-12 Ningbo, China |
The Toughest Continental Crown. In a sport dominated by Asian nations, this title is often considered harder to win than a world championship. It's a brutal preview of global supremacy, featuring the deepest field outside the Worlds. |
| 8 | 🇨🇳 China Open (World Tour Super 1000) |
Jul 21-26 Changzhou, China |
The Regular Season's Richest Prize. A magnet for every top player, this Super 1000 is a major mid-season litmus test. It's where true championship form is revealed, fought for with one of the tour's most significant titles and purses. |
| 9 | 🧒 YONEX All England Junior Championships (Junior International) |
Jul 17-19 Birmingham, England |
See the Future, Today. This is your crystal ball. The teens competing here are the future world #1s and Olympic champions. Witnessing their raw talent is a thrilling preview of the next decade of superstardom. |
| 10 | 🇪🇺 European Championships (Continental Individual) |
Apr 7-12 Huelva, Spain |
A Historic Rivalry Renewed. Showcasing a distinct, tactical style of play, this is the stage for iconic clashes like Axelsen vs. Antonsen. It's a high-stakes battle for continental glory running concurrently with the Asian Championships. |
🎯 Why This Top 10 Works (Season Narrative)
This list balances:
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🏆 Individual glory → World Championships, All England, China Open
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🤝 Team drama → Thomas & Uber Cup
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🌍 Continental power → Asia & European Championships
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🚀 Rising stars → All England Junior Champs
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🔥 Fan atmosphere → Indonesia & Malaysia Opens
If you follow just these 10 events, you’ll experience:
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Every major storyline of 2026
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Every top player at their peak
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The future stars of badminton
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The most emotional, dramatic, and historic moments of the year
📅 Pro Fan Tips to Stay on Track
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Sync with the BWF Calendar: Always start with the official source for the most accurate schedules. Check the comprehensive BWF 2026 Tournament Calendar and the specific page for the BWF World Championships 2026. For the All England, visit the official All England Open website.
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Time Zone Hacks: Use apps like Timeanddate.com to convert match times to your local zone. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a final because you mixed up Delhi vs. LA time!
So, there you have it—my definitive ranking for 2026. This list is crafted to balance the pursuit of individual glory with the fervor of team battle, the weight of history with the promise of the future.
Part 4: 🎬 2026 Badminton Live Stream Guide: Watch Every Rally (No Matter Where You Are!)
Are you tired of scrolling 10+ tabs to find a live stream of the BWF World Tour Finals? 😩 Or missing a Shi Yuqi vs. Viktor Axelsen classic because you didn’t know your local broadcaster?
As a badminton fan who’s stayed up till 2 a.m. testing streams (and cried when a link crashed mid-final), I’ve compiled the 2026 ultimate live view guide—broken down by region, with direct links to official broadcasters. No more sketchy sites; just legal, high-quality streams for every major tournament (World Tour, World Championships, Thomas & Uber Cup). Let’s dive in! 🏸
🌏 Asia: The Heart of Badminton (Most Coverage Options)
Asia is badminton’s spiritual home—so it’s no surprise you’ll find the most ways to watch here. Below are the official broadcasters by country/territory:
| Territory | Broadcaster | Channels/Platforms (With Links) |
|---|---|---|
| China | CCTV | CCTV 5, CCTV 5+ |
| BesTV | BesTV (IPTV/OTT) | |
| Hunan TV | 先锋乒羽 (Pioneer Table Tennis & Badminton) | |
| Huya | Huya Badminton | |
| Youku Sports | Youku Sports | |
| GRT | GRT Sports | |
| Migu | Migu Sports | |
| Chinese Taipei | ELTA | ELTA SPORTS 2, ELTA SPORTS 3 |
| Hong Kong | PCCW | Now Sports 1 (Ch 631), Now Sports Plus (Ch 680) |
| Japan | J Sports | J SPORTS OTT, J SPORTS 3 |
| TV Asahi | Tele-Asa 2, YouTube (tvasahi_sports) | |
| India | Jiostar | JioHotstar, Star Sports 3, Star Sports – Khel |
| Indonesia | TVRI | TVRI Sport |
| Vidio | Vidio BWF Channel | |
| Malaysia | Astro | Astro Badminton, Arena, Sooka |
| Singapore | Starhub | Hub Sports 1, Hub Sports 2 |
| Thailand | True Vision | True Sports 7, True Sports 3 |
| Vietnam | MyTV | SPOTV |
| Macau | TDM | TDM Official Site, TDM App |
🇪🇺 Europe: Tactical Rallies, Local Coverage
Europe’s badminton scene is growing fast—here’s how to catch the action (including Denmark’s Axelsen and Spain’s Marin):
| Territory | Broadcaster | Channels/Platforms (With Links) |
|---|---|---|
| Czechia | Czech TV | CESKA TELEVIZE, CT Sport Plus |
| Denmark | TV2 | TV 2 Play, TV 2 Sport |
| France | L’Equipe | L’Equipe TV |
| Germany | SportEurope | SportEurope.tv |
| Poland | Polsat | Polsat Sport Extra 3 |
| Russia | Match TV | Матч! Игра |
| Ukraine | Maincast Sport | Maincast |
| UK | BT Sports | BT Sports |
🌎 Rest of the World: Global Streams for Every Fan
If you’re outside Asia/Europe, don’t worry—these global platforms have you covered (for tournaments like the World Championships and World Tour Finals):
| Territory | Broadcaster | Channels/Platforms (With Links) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Court Sports Network | Court Sports Network |
| Africa | Discover Sport | DiscoverSport.com |
| Inflight | Sport24 | Sport24 (watch mid-flight!) |
| Worldwide | Star+ ESPN | Star+ ESPN (available in most countries) |
| Worldwide | Olympic Channel | Olympic Channel |
| Worldwide | BWF TV | BWF TV (OFFICIAL BWF streaming—best for global fans) |
📌 Pro Fan Tips for 2026
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BWF TV is Your Safety Net: If your local broadcaster doesn’t air a tournament, BWF TV (paid subscription) streams every BWF event—worth it for diehards.
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Time Zone Hacks: Use TimeAndDate.com to convert match times to your local zone (no more 3 a.m. alarms by mistake!).
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Follow Broadcasters on Social: Most channels post live stream reminders (e.g., Astro Badminton on Instagram) so you never miss a big match.
🎯 Final Verdict: Best Streams for 2026
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For Asian Fans: Use local broadcasters (e.g., Vidio in Indonesia, JioHotstar in India) for free/affordable, language-matched coverage.
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For Global Fans: BWF TV is the most reliable (covers all events, high-quality).
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On the Go: Sport24 (inflight) or Star+ ESPN (mobile) let you watch rallies from anywhere.
What’s your go-to platform for badminton streams?