The vibrant city of Perth has been officially announced as the host city for the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships, a flagship event for squash competitors aged 35 and over. The announcement, made jointly by Squash Australia (SqA) and World Squash on June 27, 2025, marks the return of the prestigious tournament to Australian soil for the first time since 2001.
The championship, which saw a record-breaking 1,200 participants in last year’s event in Amsterdam, will run from August 30 to September 6, 2026. Spectators can look forward to thrilling matches on an all-glass show court to be erected in the City of Stirling, complemented by action across the 14 courts of Mirrabooka Squash Centre and the eight courts of Bellmont Squash Centre.
Australia boasts a rich history in Masters Squash, holding the most total medals in the competition’s history. The last time Australia hosted the event in 2001, local legends like Vicki Cardwell, Fred Green, Mary Sceney, Sue Volzke, and Thomas Spark secured championship titles. Notably, Sydney’s Geoff Davenport, 67, remains the most decorated masters squash player, having clinched his seventh World Championship title last year. Adding to the local pride, Perth’s own Sue Hillier won her third World Championship in the 60+ category at last year’s event.
Robert Donaghue, CEO of Squash Australia, expressed his gratitude to the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA and the City of Stirling for their “incredible backing.” He confidently stated, “With their support, we’re confident this will be the biggest squash event ever hosted in Australia and we’re looking forward to welcoming the world to Perth.” Donaghue emphasized the strategic importance of hosting international events, highlighting their role in providing invaluable experience for Australian players, coaches, referees, administrators, and volunteers, ultimately strengthening the local squash community and inspiring broader participation.
Perth’s local champion, Sue Hillier, shared her excitement, emphasizing the opportunity for international visitors to experience Western Australia’s natural beauty. “I think the most fantastic thing about this is that people get to come here and see our beautiful state, our beaches which are the best in the world, and all the friends I’ve met in squash can come here and see where I live,” she said.
Garry Irwin, Chair of the World Squash Masters Commission, an Australian native, welcomed the championship’s return to his home country. “Australia is steeped in squash heritage and its masters squash community is among the biggest and most active in the world,” Irwin stated, extending a warm welcome to all participants, officials, and volunteers.
Ron Smith, President of the Australian Masters Squash Association (AMSA), echoed the sentiment, expressing AMSA’s enthusiasm for welcoming the global masters community to Perth. He noted that the event would offer not only eight days of competitive squash but also a chance to explore Western Australia and foster new, lasting friendships.
The 2026 World Squash Masters Championships promises to be a significant event for both the global squash community and the local economy of Perth, showcasing elite talent while promoting the sport and its vibrant community.
