IRT 2026 Gateway City Pro/Am Recap

What a way to end the season.

The KWM Gutterman Gateway City Pro/Am delivered everything racquetball fans could have hoped for. Upsets, breakthrough performances, dramatic tiebreakers, and a champion who proved why he belongs among the world's elite.

After a Round of 16 that went exactly according to seeding, the tournament exploded in the quarterfinals.  But it was great seeing Junior National players DJ Mendoza and Cole Sendrey playing in a pro event - Mendoza needed a tiebreaker to beat his junior national doubles partner to advance.

The #1 seed, #2 seed, and #4 seed all fell in the quarterfinals as players battled for one final title before the season came to a close.

Eduardo Portillo stunned World No. 1 Kane Waselenchuk in a thrilling tiebreaker. Rodrigo Montoya ended the incredible run of Jhonatan Flores. Adam Manilla earned his first career victory over Jake Bredenbeck on the IRT Tour. Andres Acuna continued his dominant play with a convincing win over Andree Parrilla.

International Racquetball Tour

By the time Saturday arrived, the bracket looked completely different than anyone expected.  Portillo beat No. 5 Montoya to make his third final of the season.  Acuna beat Manilla to make his second career final.

In the end, it was Andres Acuña who stood above the field.

Acuna defeated Eduardo Portillo 15-7, 15-12 in the finals, showcasing the conditioning, power, and shot-making that have made him one of the best players in the world. The victory gives Acuña his second IRT title of the season and secures the Year-End No. 3 ranking.

International Racquetball Tour

Meanwhile, Kane Waselenchuk officially finishes the season as the Year-End No. 1 player in the world for the 16th time in his legendary career.

The Gateway City Pro/Am was the perfect ending to one of the most exciting and unpredictable seasons we've seen in years.

The Final Rankings are Set

With the conclusion of the Gateway City Pro/Am, the 2025-26 season officially comes to an end.

At the top of the rankings stands Kane Waselenchuk. Despite the quarterfinal loss in St. Louis, Kane finishes as the Year-End No. 1 player in the world for the 16th time in his remarkable career.

Sixteen Year-End No. 1 titles is one of the most impressive accomplishments in professional sports and further cements Kane's place among the greatest athletes the game has ever seen.

The season also saw five different tournament winners:

• Kane Waselenchuk

• Conrrado Moscoso

• Andres Acuna

• Jake Bredenbeck

• Jhonatan Flores

The depth of talent across the tour produced one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons in recent memory.

Want more details?  Visit IRT 2026 Gateway City Pro/Am Recap – Pro Racquetball Stats Blog