Canada's Pickleball Pilgrimage: The Guelph Open Beckons Players Nationwide with Prize Money on Offer
What's the Score?
The Guelph Open Pickleball Tournament is scheduled to take place from June 6 to June 8, 2025, at Real Pickleball Guelph in Ontario. This tournament is part of the True North Pickleball Tour and will feature various divisions for players of all ages and skill levels. It is a Pickleball Canada-sanctioned event (pending) that will use the CTPR system for player rankings, with results contributing to players' DUPR ratings. Participants must be current members of Pickleball Canada. The tournament will include men's and women's doubles in different age groups (50+, 60+, 70+) and mixed doubles in a broader range of age groups (19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+). Open divisions will offer prize money, and matches will be officiated as much as possible, using the Franklin X40 as the official ball.
Hit it deeper!
The Guelph Open Pickleball Tournament, billed as the "Ultimate Showdown for Players Across Canada," is set to be held at Real Pickleball Guelph in Ontario from June 6 to June 8, 2025. This event is a significant stop on the True North Pickleball Tour, indicating its importance within the Canadian pickleball circuit. The tournament is designed to be inclusive, offering multiple divisions that cater to a wide spectrum of participants, regardless of their age or skill level. As a Pickleball Canada-sanctioned event (pending official approval), the tournament will adhere to established standards and utilize the Canadian Tournament Player Rating (CTPR) system to determine player rankings. Furthermore, the results of the matches will be integrated into the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system, which is increasingly becoming a standard for rating pickleball players globally. To be eligible to compete, all players must have a valid and current membership with Pickleball Canada, and their membership number will be required during registration on pickleballtournaments.com.
The tournament will feature a diverse range of events, primarily focusing on doubles play. Men's and women's doubles competitions will be organized into specific age brackets: 50+, 60+, and 70+ divisions, allowing for competition among players of similar age and experience. Mixed doubles events, which pair a male and a female player on each team, will have an even broader range of age categories: 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, and 70+, providing more opportunities for participation across different age demographics. Notably, the open divisions within the tournament will feature prize money, adding a competitive edge for higher-level players. Efforts will be made to have all matches officiated to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules. The official ball selected for all matches in the Guelph Open is the Franklin X40, a well-regarded ball in the pickleball community known for its consistent performance. The tournament director reserves the right to make adjustments, such as combining events if necessary due to registration numbers, and participants should be aware that matches may potentially start as late as 5 PM. Regarding refunds, a full refund, minus a $10 administration fee, will be available to players who withdraw before May 31, 2025. However, no refunds will be issued after this date, even in cases of injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, so participants need to be mindful of this policy. Practical details for attendees include free parking available at Real Pickleball Guelph, located at 346 Edinburgh Rd N, Unit 7-8, Guelph, ON. The organizers aim for the Guelph Open to be both a competitive and community-focused event, providing an exciting experience for both players and spectators. Registration for the tournament opens on April 1, 2025, and will close on May 31, 2025.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Guelph Open Pickleball Tournament stands out as a significant event in the Canadian pickleball landscape, evidenced by its inclusion in the True North Pickleball Tour and its sanctioning by Pickleball Canada (pending). By offering a wide array of divisions based on age and skill level, the tournament promotes inclusivity and caters to the diverse Canadian pickleball community. The integration of the CTPR and DUPR ranking systems underscores the event's commitment to standardized and recognized player evaluations, which is crucial for the sport's continued development and player progression. The presence of prize money in the open divisions will likely attract higher-level competitors, enhancing the overall competitive atmosphere. Furthermore, providing essential logistical details like the official ball, refund policy, parking, and venue information ensures a well-organized and transparent event for participants. The Guelph Open's blend of competitive play and community involvement positions it as a key event for fostering pickleball enthusiasm and showcasing talent across Canada. Its success will likely contribute to the ongoing growth and recognition of pickleball as a prominent sport in the country.