Internationaux Professionnels de Cesta Punta
The world competition of the most spectacular Basque pelota discipline
About Internationaux de Cesta Punta
Internationaux de Cesta Punta: The Spectacle of Basque Pelota
The Internationaux Professionnels de Cesta Punta are the flagship event of Basque pelota in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Every summer, the Jaï Alaï, a magnificent covered fronton located on avenue André Ithurralde, hosts the most prestigious competition of this unique discipline in the world.
Cesta Punta: The Fastest Sport in the World
Cesta punta is the most spectacular discipline of Basque pelota. Players, equipped with a large wicker basket (the cesta), throw the ball against the fronton at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, with an average of 200 km/h. This sport demands an exceptional combination of skill, power, and reflexes, offering a striking spectacle for spectators.
An Elite Competition
The Internationaux bring together the twenty best professional players in the world, from France, Spain, and the United States. The competition takes place over several weeks, with matches played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Jaï Alaï. The tournament format allows spectators to follow the players' progress throughout the summer, up to the final stages that crown the champion.
A Festive and Family Atmosphere
Beyond the sporting competition, evenings at the Jaï Alaï are true moments of celebration. The festive and friendly atmosphere, traditional betting, and Basque gastronomy make every evening an event in itself. The Internationaux de Cesta Punta contribute to the preservation and promotion of Basque pelota, an intangible cultural heritage of the Basque Country.
Internationaux de Cesta Punta — edition 2026
The 2026 Cesta Punta Professional Internationals will be held from July 2 to August 25, 2026, at the Jaï Alaï in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening (except July 14), the twenty best players in the world compete in the fastest and most spectacular discipline of Basque pelota.
2026 Edition — from July 2 to August 25, 2026
For its 2026 summer season, the Jaï Alaï in Saint-Jean-de-Luz hosts the Cesta Punta Professional Internationals from July 2 to August 25. Matches take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening, except July 14, and pit the greatest French, Spanish, and American champions of this discipline where the pelota regularly exceeds 200 km/h.
The evening's program
- 8:45 PM — First part for rising stars in quiniela: a true competition showcasing future professionals, extensively commented by the speaker to explain the rules.
- 9:30 PM — Basque songs during the professionals' warm-up, entertainment with the mascot.
- 9:45 PM — Professionals enter the game: main match, Slam final.
- Around 11 PM — End of evening.
Beyond the competition, evenings at the Jaï Alaï remain festive moments in a friendly and family atmosphere, with traditional betting and Basque gastronomy.
Highlights Internationaux de Cesta Punta 2026
- From July 2 to August 25, 2026, every Tuesday and Thursday evening (except July 14)
- The twenty best cesta punta players in the world (France, Spain, United States)
- The fastest ball sport in the world, at the covered fronton of the Jaï Alaï
- Rising stars matches, Basque songs, and Slam final every evening
Prices Internationaux de Cesta Punta 2026
Practical information — Internationaux de Cesta Punta
Practical Information
Location
Jaï Alaï de Saint-Jean-de-Luz: 16 avenue André Ithurralde, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Match Schedule
Matches take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer season.
Ticketing
Tickets are available online on the official website cestapunta.com and on-site at the Jaï Alaï.
Access
By car: The Jaï Alaï is located near the town center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, accessible via the A63 motorway. Parking nearby.
By train: Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Ciboure SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from the Jaï Alaï.
Contact
Official website: www.cestapunta.com
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Where does it take place — Internationaux de Cesta Punta
Jaï Alaï de Saint-Jean-de-Luz
16 avenue André Ithurralde, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz