Competitive pétanque in North America runs on two tracks: federation events that lead to national titles and world championship spots, plus open tournaments that anyone can enter. Most players start with a local open.
Our tournament calendar lists upcoming events across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
How the circuit is organized
United States: FPUSA
The Federation of Pétanque USA sanctions regional tournaments, national championships and qualifiers for world championships. Its tournament calendar lists sanctioned events for the year.
National championships cover singles, doubles and triples, with men’s, women’s and mixed categories. Separate qualifiers pick the teams sent to world championships.
Canada: Pétanque Canada
Pétanque Canada sanctions the Canadian championships. The 2026 triples championship was played on August 9 at the boulodrome in Saint-Bernard-de-Beauce, Quebec.
Open tournaments
Clubs also run open events outside the federation structure, some of them among the biggest on the continent. Many welcome players who are not federation members.
Major events worth knowing
| Event | Where | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| US Open of Petanque | Pier A Park, Hoboken, NJ | October 10 and 11 |
| Pétanque Amelia Island Open | Fernandina Beach, FL | From November 13 |
| Canadian Championship, triples | Saint-Bernard-de-Beauce, QC | August 9 |
Other well-known opens include the Wine Country Open in Sonoma, the LAPC International Open in Los Angeles and the Rose City Open in Portland. Dates change each year, so check the host club before you plan.
Formats you will meet
The FPUSA tournament regulations set the shape of a sanctioned day. One-day events play three qualifying games and then a single-elimination stage.
- Round robin for fewer than 8 teams
- Fixed rounds for 8 to 11 teams
- Swiss system for 12 teams or more
- Timed games: 45 minutes for singles, 60 for doubles, 60 or 75 for triples, each with one extra end
Our page on game formats explains singles, doubles and triples.
How to enter
Membership
Sanctioned FPUSA events require an FPUSA licence. Adult membership costs $25 a year and junior membership $5, with registration on the JustGo platform.
Most members join through a local club, which adds its own dues. With no club nearby, you can join directly and pick the club called Independents.
Every new member signs a participant waiver. Open tournaments set their own rules, so read the entry form.
Who can enter FPUSA events
The FPUSA tournament regulations (2025 revision) set who can play at each level and the entry fee per player.
| Level | Who can enter | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regional | FPUSA members, plus one FIPJP licence holder per team who is an associate member of an FPUSA club | $35 per player |
| National championship | FPUSA licence holders only | $50 per player |
| World championship qualifier | FPUSA licence holders who are US citizens or permanent residents | $65 per player |
Registration and check-in
Pre-registration is required for sanctioned FPUSA events, and the entry form and payment must arrive before the deadline printed on the form. Some opens, like the US Open, also need pre-registration and charge per team.
Check-in starts at least 30 minutes before play. Arrive early; late players cost their team points in timed games.
Your first tournament
Pick a one-day open near home and enter with a partner you already play with. Our tournament resources explain what happens on the day.
What to bring
Pack for a long day outdoors; our post on keeping your energy covers the rest.
- Your boules, a jack and a measure
- Water, snacks and sun protection
- A copy of the rules
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be a federation member to play a pétanque tournament?
For sanctioned FPUSA events, yes. Many open tournaments accept anyone who registers.
How much does a pétanque tournament cost?
FPUSA charges $35 a player for regionals, $50 for nationals and $65 for qualifiers. The 2026 US Open charges $130 per doubles team.
What format do most North American tournaments use?
Qualifying rounds, then single elimination, with round robin or Swiss pairings depending on the number of teams.
How long does a one-day tournament last?
Usually a full day: three qualifying games of up to 60 or 75 minutes, then the knockout stage.
