More than 130 pétanque players from across Europe and beyond will descend on St Helier later this month.
The Liberation Pétanque Club will be hosting its annual International Open from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July at the Weighbridge Terrains.
Now firmly established as one of the strongest pétanque tournaments in the British Isles, this year’s event has attracted competitors from 37 clubs representing nine countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Madagascar, England, Scotland and Ireland.
Held in the heart of St Helier at the Weighbridge Gardens, the International Open has become a regular fixture on the international pétanque calendar, attracting players ranging from experienced amateurs to former World and European Champions.
Among this year’s headline competitors is former World Champion Julian Lamour (France), alongside England’s World Championship representatives for Thailand later this year, Jason White and Kai Sheffield, who recently won a bronze medal at the European Singles Championships. Norway’s number one ranked player, Benny Bel-Lafkih, will also be competing.
Competition gets underway on Friday with the Singles event, featuring 56 players, where Steve Daykin (England) returns to defend the title he won in 2025. Saturday sees 56 teams compete in the Doubles competition before the tournament concludes on Sunday with 40 teams contesting the Triples event.
The tournament has once again reached maximum capacity, with all entries selling out within four weeks of registration opening.
Liberation Pétanque Club Founder, Chairman and Tournament Organiser Toby Northern said: “We’re delighted to welcome players from across Europe and beyond back to Jersey for another International Open. Every year the standard gets higher, and 2026 will be our biggest competition ever”.
“I am incredibly proud of what the club has achieved. Hosting an event of this calibre takes months of planning. Seeing world-class players competing at the Weighbridge Terrains is something everyone in Jersey can enjoy. The event also provides a welcome boost to the local economy, with players, officials and supporters filling hotels, restaurants and cafés during their stay.”
He added: “Pétanque is a sport for all ages. This year we’ll have competitors ranging from just nine years old to 80. The event isn’t just about elite competition – it’s also about showcasing Jersey, bringing visitors to the Island and giving local players the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best players in the world.”
The Liberation Pétanque Club has enjoyed growing success in recent years, representing Jersey in European competitions while continuing to promote the sport locally through regular community and charity events.
With world-class international talent, strong local interest and its unique town-centre setting, organisers are looking forward to another memorable weekend of competition and are encouraging islanders and visitors alike to come along and enjoy the action. Spectators are welcome throughout the three-day event and admission is free.
