Brazil Invests Big in Pickleball with Etapa Supremo 100 Tournament
What's the Score?
Pickleball is surging in Brazil, highlighted by the upcoming Etapa Supremo 100 tournament, running from September 19 to 21 in Campo Grande. This competition, part of the pioneering Liga Supremo, is considered the most important pickleball event ever held in the city. The Liga Supremo, inspired by the US professional model, is backing its inaugural season with significant capital, having invested approximately R$1 million across its first six stages in 2025. The growth reflects the sport's global appeal, which is drawing major US celebrities and athletes.
Hit it deeper!
The Etapa Supremo 100 will take place at the Arena Santo Gol, located in the Taveirópolis neighbourhood. The event is poised to feature some of Brazil's premier talents, including Kym Sze, who is highlighted as a multicampeão (multi-champion) this season. Pickleball itself is defined as a racquet sport that strategically combines elements drawn from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played using lighter, ping pong-like racquets and a plastic ball with holes, on a smaller court similar to a badminton court with a low net.
The sport’s rapid expansion is evident in the numbers: globally, pickleball is estimated to have over 100 million athletes, with approximately 30,000 athletes currently in Brazil. Paulo Cantoli, CEO of Liga Supremo, explains that the sport’s inherent accessibility is a major factor in this growth. He notes that pickleball is fast to learn, allowing players to "start hitting the ball in a few minutes". Furthermore, the shorter duration of matches and the specific court dimensions offer a crucial benefit for older age groups, as the smaller courts minimise the displacement required when compared to playing tennis.
The Liga Supremo’s commitment to growing the sport in Latin America is substantial. The league is operating in its inaugural season, structured upon a model inspired by the success of US pickleball. Their significant financial investment of around R$1 million has been allocated to covering expenses such as event organisation, athlete salaries, and prize money distributed across the six stages held so far in 2025.
The Brazilian scene mirrors the trajectory of the sport in the United States, where its accelerating popularity has attracted notable figures. Celebrities and elite athletes, including LeBron James (who purchased a Major League Pickleball franchise), Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Tom Brady, and Selena Gomez, have all been drawn to the movement. By successfully hosting large, well-funded events like the Etapa Supremo 100 and utilising a robust league structure, Brazil is demonstrating its pioneering role in bringing the global pickleball revolution to Latin America.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The investment of R$1 million by the Liga Supremo underscores Brazil’s seriousness in developing a sustainable, professional pickleball ecosystem. By adopting the US-inspired model and showcasing national stars like Kym Sze, Brazil is aiming beyond mere recreational participation; it is fostering a competitive league structure that can propel its 30,000 athletes onto the world stage. The success of the Campo Grande tournament validates CEO Cantoli's view that the sport’s twin pillars—rapid learning curve and low physical strain, especially appealing to older athletes—make it globally irresistible, attracting investment and star power both regionally and internationally.