Good morning, pickleballers!
It’s Monday once again and this week, our February magazine really goes into production mode. It’s going to be another top edition, I can assure you.
Before you dive into today’s pickleball news, have a listen to our latest podcast.
In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Gordon Watson and I dive deep into one of the most anticipated moments in professional pickleball: Season Two of the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
We preview what’s ahead for WPBL Season 2, set for January 24 to February 8, 2026, at Jio World Garden in Mumbai, India. We discuss the league’s expansion and global significance as teams prepare to battle it out in one of the sport’s most ambitious franchise competitions. With players from around the world drafted into city-based teams and a festival-style fan experience planned, this season is shaping up to be a milestone for pickleball’s growth and global profile.
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Here’s the very latest pickleball news from around the world.
Lakeville Gold Rush: New Champions Rise and Legends Bid Farewell at PPA Minnesota
Lakeville, USA – The Carvana Championship Sunday at the Pickleball Central Indoor National Championships delivered high-stakes drama, crowning first-time partners and marking the end of a singles era for one top competitor.
In a stunning conclusion to the men’s doubles bracket, the top-seeded duo of Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio overcame illness and a massive deficit to defeat Hayden Patriquin and Christian Alshon in a five-game epic. After falling behind 2-8 in the deciding fifth game, Daescu and Tardio executed a furious run to win 12-10, securing their third title together. The victory marks a significant career milestone for 20-year-old Tardio, who is now set to overtake Ben Johns for the number one spot in the PPA Tour men’s doubles rankings.
In mixed doubles, Tyra Black and Christian Alshon swept the top seeds Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin to capture their first career PPA mixed doubles titles. Despite reports that this would be their final tournament as a partnership, Alshon noted that their success might force a reconsideration of their split.
Meanwhile, Parris Todd struck gold in women’s singles, redeeming a close loss from 2024 by dominating Lea Jansen 11-5, 11-5. However, the victory was bittersweet for fans, as Todd announced she plans to step away from singles competition to focus on doubles for the foreseeable future,. In the men’s singles field, Hunter Johnson claimed his seventh career title by snapping Chris Haworth’s winning streak with a decisive straight-games victory. Rounding out the gold medal count, the powerhouse team of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright secured their 16th partnership title in women’s doubles.
Hungarian Pickleballers Storm the Podium with Multiple Medals at Czech Open
Prague, Czech Republic – The Hungarian pickleball delegation made a resounding statement this weekend, collecting a trove of medals across various divisions during the individual competition day at the Czech Open Pickleball Championships.
Local reports highlighted an excellent performance from the visiting Hungarian squad, which saw players secure top honours in several age and skill brackets. Leading the charge were three gold medalists: Christian Kászoni dominated the 19+ 5.0 division, Mark Saint-Andrássy claimed the top spot in the 35+ 5.0 category, and Tarr Sandor secured victory in the 50+ 4.5 bracket.
The medal haul did not stop at gold. Anna Rupf fought her way to a silver medal in the 19+ 4.5 division, adding to the team’s impressive tally. The team also saw strong bronze medal finishes from Attila Szabolcsi in the 50+ 4.5 category and Esther Horváth in the 50+ 3.5 division.
The depth of the Hungarian talent pool was further evidenced by several close finishes just off the podium. Tibor Darabont, Attila Szabolcsi (competing in a second bracket), and Geza Black all secured commendable 4th place finishes in their respective divisions. The successes in the individual events have set high expectations as the tournament transitions into the doubles competition, where same-sex pairs will clash for the remaining titles.
Courtroom Chemistry: Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru Dazzle at Pickleball Event
Mumbai, India – The intersection of Bollywood glamour and athletic enthusiasm took centre stage this week as actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru turned heads at a local pickleball tournament.
The celebrity couple, who recently tied the knot in a private ceremony in late 2025, became the centre of online buzz after paparazzi captured them arriving at the venue. Dressed in coordinated athletic attire, the pair appeared relaxed and cheerful, posing for photographers before taking to the court as a doubles team. Social media users were quick to praise their on-court chemistry, noting their natural rhythm and shared enthusiasm despite a few missed shots.
This public appearance marks a continuation of the couple’s growing affinity for the sport; they have been previously spotted engaging in matches around the city, using the game as a way to unwind from their demanding schedules. Professionally, the duo shares a strong collaborative history, having worked together on acclaimed projects such as The Family Man Season 2 and Citadel: Honey Bunny. Their professional bond eventually blossomed into a romance, leading to their wedding attended by a close circle of family and friends.
While Samantha prepares for the release of her gritty family drama Maa Inti Bangaaram, this lighthearted outing offered fans a glimpse into the couple’s personal life. The viral video of their match not only highlighted their coordination but also underscored pickleball’s growing status as a favored pastime among India’s entertainment elite.
Chris 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 all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.