Montreal Lions Dominate CNPL Central as Canada’s Young Stars Rise
What's the Score?
The recent 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split showcased a high level of competition and the emergence of exciting young talent. The reigning Season 2 champions, the Montreal Lions, demonstrated commanding form by winning all six of their matches. While the Lions stood out, the event highlighted that all teams are competitive, setting the stage for a wide-open race for the CNPL title, with the upcoming Eastern Split as the next major event.
Hit it deeper!
The Central Split of the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) proved to be a thrilling showcase of the sport's growth and competitive depth in Canada. Held over a recent weekend, the event featured top Canadian teams battling it out in front of enthusiastic fans, who witnessed what is described as some of the best pickleball action seen in the country.
The intensity of play was high from the very first match, with teams engaging in hard-fought contests featuring exciting moments, close scores, and extended rallies. This level of competition, combined with the high energy from both players and spectators, underscored that pickleball is experiencing rapid growth and advancement across Canada.
A particularly encouraging aspect of the 2025 Central Split was the significant introduction and strong performances of fresh young talent making their debuts in the CNPL. Players such as Max Wild, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Stevie Petropouleas, Jacob Bolkowy, Audrey Yeung, and Jada Bui stepped onto the league stage for the first time. Their impressive play indicated that they are individuals who will be important future stars to monitor within the Canadian pickleball scene.
Among the established teams, the Montreal Lions, who were the champions in Season 2, exhibited complete dominance during the Central Split. They achieved victory in every single one of their six matches, cementing their status as a top contender. Notably, the Lions' roster includes Stevie Petropouleas, who, with his debut, earned the distinction of becoming the youngest player in CNPL history. While the Lions' performance was undoubtedly the most commanding, the tournament results also showed that the level of competition across the league is strong. Specific results highlighted include Toronto United Pickleball Club securing two 4-0 wins, the Prairie Pronghorns bouncing back with a 3-1 victory, and the Vancouver Owls and London Smash Pickleball Club also having standout moments. Despite the Lions' undefeated run, the fact that many matches across the split were close contests suggests that the competition for this year's CNPL title remains wide open.
Pickleball enthusiasts across Canada can now look forward to the next event on the calendar, the 2025 CNPL Eastern Split. This upcoming tournament is scheduled to take place on June 7-8, 2025, at the Royal Westcourt Social Club in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec. Fans have the option to purchase tickets to attend the event in person. For those unable to be there live, all matches will be broadcast on the Game+ Network, the official broadcaster of the CNPL, available across various platforms including cable, satellite, IPTV, and streaming services like FUBO.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The 2025 CNPL Central Split delivered a powerful message about the state of pickleball in Canada: the sport is thriving, competitive, and successfully cultivating new talent. The Montreal Lions' flawless performance underscores their status as the team to beat, but the emergence of young stars across multiple teams signals a bright future and ensures that the established teams will face increasing challenges. The high level of competition seen throughout the split suggests that predicting the ultimate CNPL champion is difficult, making the rest of the season, starting with the Eastern Split, incredibly compelling. Canada's pickleball scene is clearly on an upward trajectory, marked by strong league play and promising new players.