IDPA China To Sponsor the 2026 IDPA National Championship

Yesterday we saw a curious announcement from IDPA regarding this year’s National Championship. Apparently IDPA China is sponsoring the US National match for 2026. Like many of you, I was surprised to learn that IDPA has a presence in China considering their draconian gun laws. Upon further review, it turns out that these clubs utilize airsoft rather than real firearms, which is fairly common throughout Asia.

This announcement has garnered a variety of reactions across the shooting community. Many simply say “Who cares?” and carry on their way. Others have some serious reservations. These reservations largely center around a foreign country’s significant involvement with US Nationals, which stands out as unusual for even experienced competitors. China’s adversarial relationship to the United States only adds fuel to the fires of concern. Not to mention the typical oppression of Chinese citizens and the wide gap between CCP Party Members and the rest of the population.

Many of these commenters do note that IDPA World Championships would be a different story. Everyone is welcome there, as it’s the World stage, rather than a single nation’s Nationals.

Social Media Manipulation

Another area of concern with this announcement is the comment section on IDPA’s Facebook announcement. Or rather the lack of one. IDPA opted to totally remove the ability to comment on their announcement post. This stands in stark contrast to virtually every other post on their page, which all allow comments to be made. This closure of comments is being taken as action to avoid comments which may upset Chinese sponsors. A silencing of member voices doesn’t sit well with paying members.

Moving Forward

I’ve seen a handful of clubs discuss ending their IDPA affiliation over this already. Some talk about swapping over the the Galactic Pistol Alliance (GPA) which is making headway in anti-IDPA circles. Others talk about transitioning USPSA, PCSL, or outlaw matches. Several members and Range Officers have spoken about dropping their memberships or not renewing. I know one of my clubs is considering severing their ties with IDPA.

I don’t expect any organization to be perfect, but this is certainly a low point from my perspective over the past few years of my membership. I’d like to see some transparency on what this means, the CCP’s involvement with IDPA, public commentary restored, and ideally a reconsideration of foreign involvement in domestic matches. I’m not planning on leaving IDPA anytime soon, nor am I particularly excited about GPA or PCSL as alternatives.

For those interested, you can read IDPA’s announcement below.

IDPA China To Sponsor the 2026 IDPA National Championship Presented by JP Enterprises

The International Defensive Pistol Association is pleased to announce that IDPA China Official will be sponsoring the 2026 IDPA National Championship Presented by JP Enterprises match.  

“IDPA is very pleased to renew our partnership with IDPA China”, said Joyce Wilson, IDPA Executive Director. “They have been a vital partner in spreading IDPA in China and we welcome them once again in sponsoring the IDPA US National Championship.” 

The 2026 IDPA National Championship match is scheduled for Sept. 24-26, 2026, at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, OH.

The Tier 5 Championship will host approximately 400 shooters who compete in 14 stages over three days of competition as they run through a variety of intense defensive situations. 

The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts a membership of more than 23,000, including members in 75 foreign countries. Visit https://www.idpa.com/ to learn more.

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