Good morning, pickleballers!
It’s another week and days have passed since we last brought you the latest pickleball news.
Fear not! We have plenty for you to get into today.
The WPM weekend was all about the start of the PPL in England – and the team we sponsor, Pure Pickleball, got off to an exceptional start, winning their first match against Lloyd Attrill (the magazine’s Gear Guru) and the Pickleball Store on a DreamBreaker.
North London Storm, last season’s champs, brought us back down to earth – beating us 5-1 in the second fixture but boy, were some of the matches really close.
It was an excellent first round – bring on Bolton in September.
As ever, if you want to listen to the Day’s Deep Dive you can – otherwise keep scrolling for all the pickleball news from the weekend.
CNPL Western Split Delivers Thrilling Battles and Shifting Fortunes in Burnaby
Burnaby, Canada – The 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Western Split, held from July 19-20, 2025, at IPOP (Inclusive Place of Pickleball) in Burnaby, British Columbia, showcased intense competition, remarkable comebacks, and shifting standings among Canada’s top pickleball teams. The weekend featured dominant performances from the Vancouver Owls, determined efforts from the Prairie Pronghorns and Detroit-Windsor Drive, and a challenging series of matches for the Northern Lights.
Vancouver Owls Maintain Undefeated Reign – The Vancouver Owls had a stellar weekend, extending their unbeaten streak and solidifying their position as a top contender. On Saturday, July 19, the Owls, featuring Anna Dyachenko, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Caelan Sampson, and Christina Chin, delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over the Northern Lights. They continued their winning ways later that day, securing a 3-1 triumph against the Prairie Pronghorns. The Owls’ momentum carried into Sunday, July 20, where they once again swept the Northern Lights 4-0 with players like Anna Dyachenko, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Christina Chin, and Eric Fought. Later, they clinched a strong 3-1 victory over the Detroit-Windsor Drive, with Anna Dyachenko, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Caelan Sampson, and Christina Chin leading the team. The Owls’ ability to perform under pressure and maintain consistent control was evident throughout the weekend, securing their perfect 4-0 record by July 20.
Prairie Pronghorns Clinch Crucial Wins – The Prairie Pronghorns also had a strong showing, securing multiple victories that boosted their standing. On Saturday, July 19, the Pronghorns, including Antoaneta Toskova, Brad Chapman, Chris Alain, and Kim Layton, achieved a nail-biting 3-2 win against the Detroit-Windsor Drive in a five-game thriller. The same day, they edged out the Northern Lights in a tight 3-2 match with Antoaneta Toskova, Brad Chapman, Kim Layton, and Mikaël Gaumond on the court. On Sunday, July 20, the Pronghorns continued their impressive run by dominating the Northern Lights with a 3-1 victory, securing the first three games. Later that day, they faced a tough challenge against the Vancouver Owls, ultimately falling 3-1, and another tight 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Owls. Despite the losses to the Owls, the Pronghorns maintained a record of three victories by the end of the weekend.
Detroit-Windsor Drive’s Weekend of Close Contests – The Detroit-Windsor Drive experienced a series of closely contested matches. On Saturday, July 19, the Drive lost 3-1 to the Northern Lights. Later that day, they engaged in a thrilling five-game match against the Vancouver Owls, ultimately losing 3-2 despite a solid start. The Detroit-Windsor Drive, represented by players such as Alexis Contratto, Jonas Dähler, Natalie Araya, and Wesley Gabrielsen, then faced the Prairie Pronghorns in another close 3-2 loss. However, on Sunday, July 20, the Drive, with a lineup of Alexis Contratto, Audrey Yeung, Evan Hollinsky, and Wesley Gabrielsen, managed to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Northern Lights in a nail-biting finale, marking their third win in the Western Split. Their weekend concluded with a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Owls.
Northern Lights Face Challenging Matches – The Northern Lights had a difficult weekend with varied reported records across the sources. On Saturday, July 19, the team, featuring players like Danielle Boss, Joel Pelletier, Lucas Wong, and Marie-Christine Salvas, secured a 3-1 win over the Detroit-Windsor Drive, which one source states brought their total wins in the Western Split to three. However, they then suffered two close losses on the same day: a 3-2 defeat to the Prairie Pronghorns, after which they were reported to hold two wins, and a decisive 4-0 sweep by the Vancouver Owls, which left them with a 0-4 record according to another report. On Sunday, July 20, the Northern Lights faced further challenges, losing 3-2 to the Detroit-Windsor Drive and suffering another 3-1 defeat to the Prairie Pronghorns, after which one source stated they had one win. They were also swept 4-0 by the Vancouver Owls again on Sunday, with another source indicating they were still searching for their first win. Despite these conflicting win counts, the Northern Lights demonstrated spirit in their matches.
The CNPL Western Split provided high-quality matches for fans at the Burnaby arena, highlighting the skill and energy of the players as teams fought for top positions in the league standings.
IPTPA Expands Global Reach with New Vietnam Office
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), recognised globally as a leading pickleball coach certification body and “a cradle of champions,” has officially opened its representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This strategic move aims to professionalise pickleball coaching in Vietnam by introducing the IPTPA’s globally-recognised coach certification system and setting new benchmarks for training, competition, and community building.
Vietnam was chosen as the IPTPA’s new location due to its rapidly expanding pickleball landscape, which saw an astonishing 152% growth in 2024 alone, with over 16 million frequent players now active on the courts. Ceci Bao Thu, Representative of IPTPA Vietnam, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the growth of both players and coaches nationwide, acknowledging that while pickleball in Vietnam is still in its early stages compared to the U.S., it is experiencing strong momentum.
During the signing ceremony with local partners, IPTPA President and Founder Seymour Rifkind outlined ambitious plans, including the establishment of a pickleball training centre in Vietnam. This future centre is envisioned to feature indoor courts, a central competition venue, classrooms, and a professional coaching team. Rifkind emphasised the social benefits of pickleball, stating, “Pickleball builds community, builds family. It has the physical fitness, the mental fitness, and social fitness,” and expressed his long-term goal to “see pickleball in the Olympics”.
The IPTPA’s entry into Vietnam is expected to enhance pickleball education, diversify events, and increase engagement across the Vietnamese pickleball community. Holbrook Vietnam is among the key partners committed to supporting the IPTPA’s mission to strengthen coaching education and player development in the country. Looking ahead, the IPTPA plans to host major events such as the Asia IPTPA Coaches Cup and the Vietnam IPTPA Coaches Cup, providing platforms for skill development, experience exchange, and regional collaboration.
India Shines on International Pickleball Stage with Multiple Medals in Asia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Da Nang, Vietnam – Indian pickleball athletes have demonstrated exceptional prowess on the international stage in 2025, securing a remarkable collection of gold, silver, and bronze medals across three major tournaments held in Malaysia and Vietnam. Their impressive performances underscored the rising standard of Indian pickleball and are expected to inspire the next generation of players.
At the Grand Rally International Tournament in Malaysia, Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma was a standout, clinching the gold medal in the Open Men’s Singles and adding a bronze in the Open Men’s Doubles. Tejas Mahajan also made significant contributions, earning gold in Men’s Doubles, a silver in Men’s Singles, and playing a pivotal role in the Indian team’s gold medal win in the Team Event. India’s success in Malaysia continued at the WPC Grand Slam, where Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma once again secured a gold medal in the Open Men’s Singles, while Kuldip Mahajan added to the country’s tally with a bronze medal in the same category.
Indian university athletes distinguished themselves at the Asian Pickleball University Championship in Da Nang, Vietnam. The women’s doubles pair of Vrushali Thakare and Anuja Maheshwari earned a silver medal. Vrushali Thakare further excelled by pairing with Vanshik Kapadia to win a gold medal in Mixed Doubles, while Anuja Maheshwari and Mayur Patil secured a bronze medal in the same category.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Association, lauded the athletes for their dedication and outstanding achievements, emphasising that their success on international platforms serves as a significant inspiration for aspiring Indian pickleball players. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to help them achieve further excellence and elevate India’s status in the global pickleball community. These strong results across various categories and international events highlight pickleball’s growing momentum in India.
Hong Kong’s Jack Wong Hong-kit Eyes Triple Crown at Home Open
Hong Kong, China – Hong Kong’s premier pickleball player, Jack Wong Hong-kit, is setting an ambitious goal for his home debut at the Hong Kong Open 2025: to achieve a Triple Crown by winning gold medals in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Kai Tak Arena from August 21 to 24, 2025, marking the first time such a significant pickleball tournament will be played in Hong Kong.
A former tennis player, Wong Hong-kit expressed excitement about the tournament coming to his hometown, though he remains focused on delivering his best performance regardless of the environment. For the men’s doubles event, he has chosen to partner with South Korea’s Kim Eunggwon, while his younger sister, tennis player Cody Wong Hong-yi, currently ranked 367th in the world, will be his partner for mixed doubles.
Hong-kit anticipates competing in all PPA Tour Asia events this year, noting that the tour will attract some of the best players, including those from the United States, which will ensure competitive fields. The Hong Kong Open 2025 is classified as an “Open” stop, representing the lowest tier on the PPA Tour Asia, with the “Grand Slam” being the highest. Despite the tough competition, Hong-kit is hopeful for success on his home turf and aims to demonstrate the fighting spirit of Asian players, challenging the notion that top international players can easily secure wins against them.
Chicago Coach Sets New World Record with Largest Pickleball Lesson for Kids
Chicago, USA – On Monday, July 15, 2025, Coach Mark Miller of the Chicago suburbs made history by setting a new world record for the largest pickleball lesson, gathering an astounding 444 children aged 3 to 12 for his “Munchkin Program”. The event, held in the northern suburbs of Chicago, was organised in partnership with the professional pickleball team Chicago Slice, a top Major League Pickleball (MLP) team.
Miller’s achievement significantly surpassed his own previous record, which involved over 300 children last year, demonstrating the escalating popularity of pickleball among younger demographics. Nine-year-old participant Evelyn Macon encapsulated the appeal of the sport, remarking, “It’s really fun because it’s also kind of like tennis, and you can play with the other people, and you can get to know them”.
The record-breaking lesson aimed to do more than just introduce children to the game; it sought to ignite a passion for pickleball, inspiring some to consider pursuing the sport more seriously. Maddie Moeke, a Chicago Slice player, expressed optimism that such events could lead children to aspire to careers in the MLP, similar to how kids dream of joining the NBA or NFL.
The Munchkin Program’s core mission is to introduce pickleball to young children in an enjoyable and accessible manner. Coach Miller intends to expand the program into the City of Chicago, with a particular focus on reaching children in underserved communities. The event underscores pickleball’s explosive growth, with the Sports and Fitness Industry Association reporting nearly 20 million pickleball players in 2024, a substantial 45% increase from the previous year. This surge in youth engagement, coupled with professional support, positions pickleball as a burgeoning sport with a promising future for aspiring young athletes.
PPA Tour Asia Heads to Vietnam for Open, Welcoming Home Inaugural Champion Trinh Giang
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The PPA Tour Asia has announced that its fourth tour stop, the Vietnam Open, will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 4 to 7, 2025. This event marks a significant homecoming for Trinh Giang, the Vietnamese champion who dazzled crowds in Malaysia with his distinctive “cat-and-mouse style and fleet footwork,” earning him the gold medal in men’s singles at the inaugural Panas Malaysia Cup.
Vietnam’s emergence as a pickleball hotspot is a key factor in hosting the event, with the country experiencing an astonishing 152% growth in 2024 alone and boasting over 16 million frequent players, making it the fastest-growing territory for the sport in Asia. The Vietnam Open will serve as the final leg of a busy three-tournament swing for the PPA Tour Asia, which kicks off with the Hong Kong Open (August 21-24, 2025) and is immediately followed by the Sansan Fukuoka Open in Japan (August 26-31, 2025).
The momentum for this swing builds on the success of the Panas Malaysia Cup, where Trinh Giang’s victory was complemented by other standout performances. India’s Vanshik Kapadia nearly achieved a Triple Crown, securing the Men’s Doubles title with countryman Harsh Mehta and Mixed Doubles gold with Australia’s Nicola Schoeman. UPA Asia Trailblazers Yufei Long and Jamie Wei also dominated the women’s events, with Long winning Singles and Wei capturing Doubles gold alongside USA’s Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall. The PPA Tour Asia features a tiered tournament structure including Slam, Cup, and Open events, with points contributing to the PPA Tour Asia Rankings. The Vietnam Open promises to be a highly anticipated professional pickleball moment for the region.
Coachella Valley Scorpions Overcome Injuries, Maintain Second Place in NPL Standings
Kansas City, USA – The Coachella Valley Scorpions successfully maintained their second-place position in the National Pickleball League (NPL) standings, despite battling a series of injuries during a challenging 2-2 weekend showing in Kansas City from July 11 to 13. The team now holds a 9-3 record, sitting just one game behind the league leaders from Seattle.
The weekend began with a significant setback as player Brandi Zaslansky was unable to compete due to a worsening elbow injury, forcing the women’s matches to be played without a substitute. In their opening match against the Princeton Bruisers, the Scorpions split the gender matches but ultimately lost the team contest 8-4.
However, the Scorpions demonstrated resilience in their next match against the defending champions, Boca Raton Surge, securing a convincing 9-3 team victory. This win was spearheaded by Marcin Rozpedski and Cord Robbins, who achieved a 2-0 victory in their men’s gender match. The win was bittersweet, as Cord Robbins injured his foot during a mixed match, raising concerns about his availability for subsequent games.
On Sunday, despite rain and humid weather, and against initial fears, Cord Robbins was cleared to play. The Scorpions faced a tough 7-5 loss to the Columbus Hotshots, once again splitting gender matches but faltering in mixed matchups. They concluded their weekend in Kansas City with a decisive 8-4 win over the Kansas City Stingers, dominating five of six gender matches, with Cord Robbins and Kara Williams clinching the team victory.
Standout individual performances for the Scorpions included Drew Slacum and David Katz, both finishing with a 5-1 record, and Natalie Hill, who went 6-2 for the weekend. The Coachella Valley Scorpions will look to continue their title hunt when they next compete in Austin, Texas, on August 9-10.
Major League Pickleball Dallas Heats Up: Mad Drops Eyeing Title with Ben Johns, Flash Seek Home Court Advantage
Dallas, USA – The Major League Pickleball (MLP) Dallas event is set to ignite competition from July 24-27, 2025, at Pickler Universe – Carrollton, with all eyes on the newly formidable Los Angeles Mad Drops following their acquisition of pickleball “GOAT” Ben Johns. The Mad Drops, currently 6th in the standings with a 14-5 record, are aiming for quick chemistry with Johns to maintain their playoff position and avoid the play-in round. This event marks their final regular-season appearance.
The Dallas Flash, holding a strong 16-2 record and sitting in 2nd place, will seek to leverage their home court advantage and “Flash Mob” mentality for a strong finish to their regular season. Their dominant women’s duo, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black, will be looking to regain their top form after some stumbles. A potential playoff preview is anticipated when the Flash face the new-look Mad Drops on July 27.
Other premier teams in action include the New Jersey 5s (12-3, 3rd place), who recently acquired Noe Khlif from Miami, raising questions about captain Zane Navratil’s playing time. The St. Louis Shock, leading the league with an impressive 18-1 record, will aim to hold their top spot away from their home arena, with their final regular season match against the New Jersey 5s on July 27 promising a star-studded affair.
The Carolina Hogs debut a new roster, with their playoff chances appearing minimal. The NY Hustlers hope to avoid last place, while the Phoenix Flames seek upsets, though Genie Bouchard will not be playing. The SoCal Hard 8s, a “fun to watch” team gaining valuable experience, will look for wins. The Texas Ranchers will feature Kaitlyn Christian’s promising debut in their home state, aiming to climb the standings.
Notably, no Challenger teams will compete in Dallas, as they will conclude their regular season in Utah. Fans can catch all the action live on Pickleballtv.
Pickleball GOAT Ben Johns Traded to LA Mad Drops in Historic MLP Deal
Los Angeles, USA – In what is being hailed as the biggest trade in Major League Pickleball (MLP) history, the LA Mad Drops have acquired pickleball “GOAT” Ben Johns from the Carolina Hogs in a significant trade plus cash deal. This move signals the Mad Drops’ “all-in” commitment to contending for a title in 2025.
The complex transaction involved two trades:
- Trade 1: The Carolina Hogs sent Ben Johns and Etta Tuionetoa to the LA Mad Drops in exchange for Brandon French (claimed on waivers by LA Mad Drops to replace Quang Duong) and Danna Funaro, plus cash considerations.
- Trade 2: The LA Mad Drops then traded Etta Tuionetoa to the Utah Black Diamonds for Mehvish Safdar and additional cash considerations.
The Hogs’ decision to trade Johns, for whom they previously invested heavily, appears to be motivated by an opportunity to recoup major funds and a recognition of their slipping roster’s championship potential. Johns himself may have requested the trade in pursuit of a more competitive environment. The acquisition by the Mad Drops, led by owner Zubin Mehta and coach Athena Trouillot, directly addresses a significant gap left by the termination of Quang Duong’s contract.
Ben Johns boasts a remarkable MLP track record, having won four MLP titles across various teams in 2021 and 2023. With Johns, the new LA Mad Drops starting lineup features a formidable roster: Ben Johns, Catherine Parenteau, Hunter Johnson, and Jade Kawamoto, complemented by substitutes Mehvish Safdar and Wesley Burrows. This lineup is expected to field two all-star mixed-doubles pairs (Johns/Parenteau and Johnson/Kawamoto) and strong gender doubles combinations. Johns, Johnson, and Parenteau are also renowned singles players, adding to the team’s versatility. Currently holding 6th place, the Mad Drops are now considered legitimate championship contenders and will debut their new powerhouse roster at MLP Dallas next week.
In a related development, the Utah Black Diamonds, currently 9th in the Premier standings, made their first significant cash investment by acquiring Etta Tuionetoa. Their revamped, predominantly Utah-based lineup of Connor Garnett, Tyler Loong, Etta Tuionetoa, and Allyce Jones is expected to boost their playoff chances and cohesion, especially as they prepare to host an MLP event from July 31–August 3. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hogs, now 11th, appear to be retooling their roster for 2026 after trading key players.
Philippines to Host PPA Tour Asia Tournaments at New Helios Pickleball Complex
Pasig City, Philippines – The Philippines is set to become a major hub for professional pickleball in Asia, as UPA Asia and Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to host multiple PPA Tour Asia tournaments at the forthcoming Helios Pickleball complex in Pasig City starting in 2027. This landmark agreement coincided with the groundbreaking ceremony for the state-of-the-art facility.
Helios Pickleball is being designed as the premier pickleball venue in the region, boasting 25 professional-grade pickleball courts, including a stadium court built to international standards. Beyond the courts, the 17,500-square-meter complex will also feature a gym, a sports clinic, various dining options, and two levels of basement parking, making it a comprehensive destination for athletes and fans.
Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, hailed the event as a pivotal moment, stating, “We will look back on this day as the day when everything started. Not just in the Philippines but the revolution of pickleball in Southeast Asia, in Asia, and the globalisation of the sport”. Kim Lapus, President of Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the PPA’s support and the prospect of hosting international tournaments at a purpose-built facility of this calibre.
The venue is explicitly designed to host major international pickleball events, with Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation serving as the event promoter. This initiative aligns with Robinsons Land Corporation’s broader strategy to develop new spaces focused on sport, entertainment, and recreation, promoting an active and wellness-driven lifestyle. The immediate goal is to bring a major PPA tournament to Manila as soon as the facility is ready in 2027, with ongoing engagement with the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and local clubs to build excitement. The signing ceremony was witnessed by key figures including Tom Nguyen, CEO of Asia Pacific for JOOLA, and Ramon Rivero, Chief Strategist and Head of Sustainability at Robinsons Land Corporation.
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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