Good morning, pickleballers!
Thursday already, into the second week of the New Year which is crazy.
Before we get cracking with today’s pickleball news, the January issue of World Pickleball Magazine is now live and free to read. Explore global stories from Türkiye, Poland, Italy, Japan, India, Pakistan, and more, alongside wider coverage of governance, refereeing, and how the sport is developing worldwide.
If you enjoy it, please share it with your pickleball friends and communities. You can also follow @worldpickleballmagazine on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and many other major podcast platforms.
In the latest episode, which you can listen to below, Chris Beaumont speaks to the Picklebros about content creation and their journey in Pickleball.
Aussie Summer Slam: 2026 Tournament Season Kicks Off with Nationwide Action
Canberra, Australia – The 2026 Pickleball Australia tournament season is officially underway, promising a high-octane start to the year with a packed calendar of sanctioned events across the continent. Pickleball Australia has unveiled its January schedule, signalling a busy summer for competitive players eager to earn ranking points and titles immediately after the holiday break.
The action begins in earnest with “The SPIRIT” (Tier 1), scheduled to run from January 9th through the 11th, setting the tone for elite competition. Following closely is “Dink Fest,” another Tier 1 event taking place on the weekend of January 17th and 18th. The Australia Day long weekend will see a massive convergence of talent with two major tournaments running concurrently from January 23rd to 26th: “Paddles on the Murray” and the “Central Highlands Ballarat Tournament,” both categorised as Tier 1 events.
The month concludes with the prestigious “Hobart Grand Slam,” a Tier 2 event scheduled for January 31st and February 1st, rounding out an intense opening month. Officials are encouraging players and fans to stay engaged with the expanding circuit by following the official tournament calendar online, as elite Australian pickleball action prepares to sweep through venues right across the country.
5.0 Elites Dominate Day 2 at WPC Masters in Hainan
Hainan, China – High-level competition took centre stage on January 6, 2026, during Day 2 of the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Masters, where the 5.0 bracket saw dominant performances across age divisions. The day’s results highlighted the global depth of talent present in China, particularly in the coveted 5.0 skill categories.
In the Women’s Singles 19+ 5.0 division, Sarah Dennehy captured the gold medal, showcasing superior court coverage to defeat Katie Morris, who took silver, and Lam Ying Suet, who secured bronze. The Men’s 19+ 5.0 division was equally fierce, with Hong Kit Wong claiming the top spot on the podium. Bako Balint Gergo fought hard for silver, while Harrison Brown took home the bronze medal in a crowded field of young talent.
Experience reigned supreme in the 50+ brackets. Minh Le emerged victorious in the Men’s 50+ 5.0 category, winning gold ahead of silver medalist I Gusti Ngurah Alit Putra Haribawa and bronze winner Bo Ouyang. On the women’s side, Lin Mei Chuan secured the gold in the WS 50+ 5.0 division, holding off Pini Lee and Ingrid Lau.
While the 5.0 pros drew the spotlight, lower brackets also saw spirited play. Ingrid Lau, who took bronze in the 50+ 5.0, managed to snag gold in the Women’s 35+ 4.5 division. Additionally, Jianhao Lin won the Men’s 19+ 3.5 title, and Arthur Breton claimed gold in the Men’s 35+ 4.5.
Historic Debut: Ahmedabad to Host India’s First Exclusive Senior Pickleball Championship
Ahmedabad, India – In a landmark move for Indian sports, Ahmedabad is set to host the country’s first-ever exclusive senior pickleball event, the Indian Masters Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for the Republic Day weekend, January 24-26, 2026. Organised by the Gujarat State Pickleball Association (GSPA) in partnership with Dinkers Pickleball Academy, the tournament aims to celebrate inclusivity and provide a structured competitive platform for older athletes.
The event will feature men’s and women’s categories ranging from 30+ to 70+, covering singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats. Organisers anticipate over 300 participants from across the nation will compete for a substantial prize pool of Rs 11 lakh, along with valuable PWR 400 ranking points. Winners will also be awarded high-performance JOOLA Pro paddles and kits.
“Pickleball is a sport for a lifetime, and the Indian Masters is a tribute to that inclusivity,” stated Suryaveersingh Bhullar, president of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). He emphasized that the tournament is designed to prove that passion and fitness have no age limit. Aalap Sharma, GSPA general secretary, noted that the event creates a competitive environment for senior athletes who bring immense strategy and depth to the game.
Vallabh Shah of Dinkers Pickleball Academy confirmed that world-class facilities have been prepared to match the caliber of the athletes, establishing the Indian Masters as a potential flagship annual event on the Indian sporting calendar.
From “Tennis Snob” to Pickleball Addict: Maroon 5’s James Valentine Finds New Rhythm
Dallas, USA – Maroon 5 lead guitarist James Valentine has publicly traded his tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, admitting his obsession with the sport has overtaken his former athletic routine. In a recent interview conducted around his appearance at the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Valentine revealed he was once a “tennis snob” who played daily for 15 years before accidentally falling in love with pickleball.
“I never thought when I started playing pickleball that I would stop playing tennis, but eventually I did,” Valentine confessed. His conversion began during a Las Vegas residency where, unable to find tennis partners, he joined a high-level pickleball game and was instantly hooked. He now uses his platform to encourage other tennis loyalists to switch, citing Andre Agassi’s involvement as proof of the sport’s legitimacy.
Valentine sees a distinct parallel between the “flow state” achieved in music and pickleball. “There’s a moment in the middle of a song or when you’re in the middle of an amazing point where you just lose yourself… To me, that’s the best feeling in the world,” he explained.
Beyond recreational play, Valentine is deeply immersed in the pro scene, often waking up early after concerts to watch matches courtside. He has even shared the court with top pros like JW and Jorja Johnson, using the opportunity to learn from their resets and dinking strategies.
Power 50 Reveal: Influencers 41-45 Shape the Business and Governance of Pickleball
Austin, USA – The Kitchen has released the next instalment of its “Pickleball Power 50,” a ranking of the most influential figures in the sport, today unveiling honourees ranked 41 through 45. Following yesterday’s coverage of the bottom five, today’s list highlights the heavyweights driving the sport’s infrastructure, technology, and governance.
Leading this group at #41 is Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP) and DUPR. Kuhn is recognised as a central architect of the modern professional game and for establishing the sport’s first widely adopted global rating system. At #42 is John Kew, a YouTube paddle reviewer whose data-driven testing methodology heavily influences consumer purchasing decisions and market perception of new equipment.
Zane Navratil, a pro player and podcaster, claims the #43 spot due to his new role as president of the UPA Pro Player Committee, where he handles player advocacy and contract issues. Coming in at #44 are Tim and Ashley Owens, co-founders of Court Reserve, the platform essential for professionalising the operations of clubs and tournaments worldwide. Rounding out the group at #45 is Jorge Barragan, CEO of The Picklr, who commands influence through his massive indoor facility chain and ownership stake in MLP’s California Black Bears.
Anniversary Jackpot: US Open Pickleball Championships Opens 2026 Athlete Lottery
Naples, USA – The US Open Pickleball Championships has officially announced the dates for its 2026 Athlete Lottery, marking the start of the registration process for the sport’s most prestigious event. As the tournament celebrates its 10-year anniversary, organisers have opened the lottery window from January 14 to January 20, 2026.
This year’s event is poised to be a historic milestone, celebrating a decade of community, competition, and global growth in pickleball. To commemorate the anniversary, the tournament is planning enhanced fan engagements, special celebrations, and new athlete experiences throughout the week.
The lottery is open to all players wishing to compete, ranging from amateurs in junior and senior categories to wheelchair athletes and top-tier professionals from around the globe. Given the tournament’s reputation as the largest in the world, the lottery system ensures a fair entry process for the thousands of hopefuls looking to play on the famous courts in Naples.
Hollywood on the Court: Zac Efron Stuns with Skills and Style in Austin
Austin, USA – Hollywood star Zac Efron was spotted turning heads and dropping shots at the Urban Pickleball Club in downtown Austin this week. The actor, known for his roles in The Iron Claw and Baywatch, took to the rooftop courts shirtless, showing off a sculpted physique and surprisingly advanced pickleball skills.
Efron wasn’t just there for a photo op; he teamed up for doubles with Jack Munro, a former University of Texas collegiate player. Observers noted that Efron played the left side—a position usually reserved for the dominant player—and executed a “textbook” third-shot drop, proving he possesses genuine knowledge of the game’s mechanics.
The Urban Pickleball Club, a members-only venue known for attracting celebrities like Jonathan Van Ness and NBA star Victor Wembanyama, provided a scenic skyline backdrop for the match. Efron’s appearance, complete with a polished athletic look of slate gray shorts and a dark green tee (before the shirt came off), has generated significant buzz, with fans noting that his athleticism translates perfectly to the court.
Southern Surge: Hyderabad Spearheads Rapid Pickleball Growth in India
Hyderabad, India – Pickleball infrastructure is exploding across southern India, with Hyderabad emerging as the region’s fastest-growing hub for the sport. According to Visakh V.S., who oversees southern state affairs for the Indian Pickleball Association, the city has witnessed a staggering increase in court availability in just one year.
“There were only 30 to 40 courts by the end of 2024. By the end of 2025, we have about 300 to 400 courts,” Visakh revealed, highlighting a tenfold increase in infrastructure. He attributes this rapid expansion to the low barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, noting that the lightweight infrastructure and minimal real estate requirements make pickleball an attractive business venture.
The growth is not just in concrete and nets; the competitive scene is thriving. Visakh reported that weekly events featuring attractive prize money are becoming the norm, drawing in brands and sponsors. He believes the “organic” momentum seen in Hyderabad—driven by both economic and sporting sense—is a model that will soon replicate across the rest of the country.
Team Sypik Philippines Secures Home Base at Tela Park
Mandaluyong City, Philippines – Team Sypik Philippines has officially announced a strategic partnership with Tela Park Pickleball Centre, designating the venue as their Official Venue Partner. The announcement solidifies Tela Park’s role as the central hub for the team’s training and development.
Team Sypik expressed gratitude for the facility, describing it as a “key space for our growth” that provides a home for both community building and high-performance preparation. The team emphasised that this collaboration extends beyond hosting a single tournament, focusing instead on a long-term vision to “build the game, together”.
Located in the heart of the metro area, Tela Park Pickleball Center has become a significant location for the sport, now serving as the place where preparation meets purpose for one of the country’s prominent pickleball teams.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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