Can Am Badminton: Top North American Tournament Explained

By Sarah Miller · February 12, 2033

Can Am Badminton refers to a premier North American badminton tournament series that showcases top-tier talent from Canada, the United States, and international players, serving as a key developmental platform for elite competition in the region.

What Is Can Am Badminton?

Can Am Badminton is a high-profile badminton tournament series co-hosted by Badminton Canada and USA Badminton. Designed to strengthen bilateral competition and player development, the event features singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories across junior, senior, and para-badminton divisions. It acts as a qualifying pathway for continental and world-level events.

Key Objectives of the Tournament

Promote elite-level competition between Canadian and American players
Provide ranking points for national and continental circuits
Identify and develop emerging talent for Pan Am and Olympic pathways
Enhance cross-border collaboration in coaching, officiating, and event management
Boost grassroots interest through live streaming and community engagement

History and Evolution

The Can Am Badminton series was launched in 2018 as part of a strategic alliance between Badminton Canada and USA Badminton. Inspired by successful binational sports models like the NHL and CANUSA Games, the tournament fills a critical gap in competitive opportunities for North American shuttlers.

Milestones in Can Am Badminton

2018: Inaugural edition held in Markham, Ontario, featuring U17 and senior categories
2019: Expanded to include para-badminton and mixed team events
2021: Virtual format introduced due to pandemic; online training clinics offered
2023: First U.S.-hosted edition in Anaheim, California, with over 300 participants
2024: Officially recognized as a BWF Future Series event, granting world ranking points

Event Structure and Competition Format

The tournament follows a tiered structure based on age and skill level. Players earn entry through national ranking qualification or selection trials. Matches are played under standard BWF rules with best-of-three games (21-point rally scoring).

Tournament Categories

Men’s Singles (MS)
Women’s Singles (WS)
Men’s Doubles (MD)
Women’s Doubles (WD)
Mixed Doubles (XD)
Junior U15, U17, U19 divisions
Para-Badminton (WH1–WH2, SL3–SU5 classes)

Year	Host City	Participants	Nations	Top Performers (Examples)
2018	Markham, ON	189	2	Brynley Matthews (CAN), Jayme De Vries (USA)
2019	Toronto, ON	243	3	Nyl Yakura (CAN), Beiwen Zhang (USA)
2021	Virtual	96 (clinics)	2	Derrick Ng (CAN), Timothy Lam (USA)
2023	Anaheim, CA	312	4	Brenda Pham (USA), Martin Giuffre (CAN)
2024	Vancouver, BC	387	5	Lacy Golden (USA), Ty Alexander Lindeman (CAN)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows steady growth in participation and international inclusion since inception. The 2024 edition marked a 24% year-over-year increase in athletes, reflecting rising interest and improved funding. Expansion beyond North America—such as guest entries from Mexico and Jamaica—signals growing regional influence.

Player Development and Pathway Impact

Can Am Badminton plays a pivotal role in athlete progression. Many competitors have gone on to represent their countries at the Pan American Championships, Thomas & Uber Cup, and Olympic Games.

Notable Alumni

Nyl Yakura: Represented Canada at Tokyo 2020 Olympics; won MS title in 2019
Beiwen Zhang: 2022 World Championships bronze medalist; dominant WS performer in 2019 and 2023
Ty Lindeman: 2024 Can Am XD champion; ranked top 50 globally in mixed doubles
Lacy Golden: 2024 U19 Women’s Singles winner; emerging U.S. junior star

Training and Preparation Tips for Competitors

Athletes preparing for Can Am Badminton should focus on technical precision, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning tailored to fast-paced indoor play.

Recommended Training Components

Footwork Drills: Ladder and cone exercises to enhance court coverage speed
Stroke Efficiency: Emphasis on clears, drops, smashes, and net kills with consistency
Match Simulation: Practice against varied styles (defensive, aggressive, all-round)
Injury Prevention: Strengthen rotator cuffs, ankles, and core muscles
Mental Conditioning: Visualization, breathing techniques, and pressure scenarios

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Badminton

What does Can Am stand for in badminton?

Can Am stands for "Canada-America," representing the binational nature of the tournament series co-organized by Badminton Canada and USA Badminton to foster elite competition and development between the two nations.

Is Can Am Badminton part of the BWF calendar?

Yes, starting in 2024, Can Am Badminton has been classified as a BWF Future Series event, meaning it awards official BWF World Ranking points and is listed on the Badminton World Federation's international calendar.

How can I qualify for Can Am Badminton?

Athletes qualify through national ranking lists, sanctioned national tournaments, or selection trials conducted by their respective national associations (Badminton Canada or USA Badminton). Minimum performance standards apply per category.

Where is the 2025 Can Am Badminton tournament being held?

The 2025 Can Am Badminton tournament is scheduled to take place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from September 12–15, 2025, at the Repsol Sport Centre, pending final confirmation by organizers.

Are there junior and para-badminton divisions in Can Am?

Yes, Can Am Badminton includes dedicated competitions for junior players (U15, U17, U19) and para-badminton athletes across multiple sport classes (e.g., WH1–WH2, SL3–SU5), ensuring inclusive access and development opportunities.