APP Final Rankings Set 2026 Stage as PPA Masters and WPC Málaga Loom
Good morning, pickleballers!
Wow, another week underway again. What did you get up to pickleball-wise over the weekend? Personally, momentary trumpet blow, our Midland Outlaws team picked up silver medal in the English Northern League Finals Day. It went to a dreambreaker and everything, before our opponents nicked it 21-19. A top day, very proud of our team. Struggling a bit today though!
Before we get cracking with today's pickleball news, the January issue of World Pickleball Magazine is now live and free to read. Explore global stories from Türkiye, Poland, Italy, Japan, India, Pakistan, and more, alongside wider coverage of governance, refereeing, and how the sport is developing worldwide.
If you enjoy it, please share it with your pickleball friends and communities. You can also follow @worldpickleballmagazine on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and many other major podcast platforms.
In the latest episode, which you can listen to below, I speak to the Picklebros about content creation and their journey in Pickleball.
Here's the latest pickleball news from around the world.
“Perfection is Overrated”: Koszuta and DeHeart’s Gritty Run Defines APP Fort Lauderdale Narrative
Fort Lauderdale, USA – In the high-stakes world of professional pickleball, the prevailing wisdom often suggests that flawless execution is the only path to the podium. However, following a dramatic run at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, pro player Kyle Koszuta is challenging that narrative, asserting that resilience often trumps perfection.
Koszuta, who partnered with Ryler DeHeart for the event, offered a candid reflection on their journey to Championship Sunday. Despite facing extreme heat and humidity that tested their physical limits, the duo managed to navigate a gauntlet of close calls. “There were multiple moments where we could have lost,” Koszuta admitted, noting that they survived match points in the second round, quarterfinals, and semifinals.
The pair’s success was built not on error-free pickleball, but on their ability to extend points and reset rallies when under pressure. Koszuta emphasised that top teams force opponents to win a point multiple times, a strategy that requires immense patience and mental fortitude. Their semifinal match encapsulated this grit, featuring rain delays, soaked equipment, and a razor-thin third game where both sides faced match points before Koszuta and DeHeart advanced.
Although they ultimately fell short of the title, Koszuta viewed the tournament as a lesson in team chemistry and decision-making. He highlighted that constant communication "reduced brain power" needed for individual processing, keeping them synced in crucial moments. While the pair jokingly claimed they would never play together again immediately post-match, they conceded a reunion remains possible, leaving fans with a memorable example of how scrapping for survival can be just as effective as playing perfectly.
Desert Dynasty: Palm Springs Set to Host 2026 PPA Masters at Historic Mission Hills
Palm Springs, USA – The 2026 professional pickleball calendar is poised for an electrifying kickoff as the Carvana PPA Masters powered by Invited returns to the scenic Mission Hills Country Club. For the past three years, this prestigious event has served as the season opener, offering a "Wimbledon-like feel" with its crisp white attire contrasting against the lush green courts of the desert.
As players descend on Rancho Mirage, history is on the line for several of the sport's biggest names. World number one Anna Leigh Waters enters the tournament with a formidable record; she has not lost a match at the Masters since the event moved to Mission Hills in 2023. Waters is aiming to secure her fourth consecutive Triple Crown at this specific venue, a feat she will attempt with a new paddle sponsor, having recently switched to Franklin.
On the men’s side, Federico Staksrud is chasing his own slice of history, looking to reach his fourth consecutive PPA Masters men’s singles final. He enters the 2026 draw as the defending champion and the number two seed. Meanwhile, Ben Johns, who ended his legendary partnership with brother Collin Johns with a gold medal at the 2025 season finale, will look to continue his dominance. Johns has won the last three men’s doubles titles in Palm Springs and seeks a fourth straight victory, this time alongside new partner Gabe Tardio.
The Masters has traditionally been a site for major debuts and shake-ups. The 2024 edition saw the formation of the "Girlies"—Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher—who took silver in their debut, and the entry of tennis stars like Genie Bouchard and Donald Young into the pro ranks. With main draw action commencing on January 13, fans are eager to see if 2026 will deliver similar fireworks.
Florida Atlantic University Triumphs at APP Collegiate Qualifier as Road to Championship Heats Up
Boca Raton, USA – The future of pickleball was on full display in the Sunshine State this week as collegiate teams battled for supremacy at the APP Selkirk Collegiate Florida Qualifier. In a testament to the growing depth of talent at the university level, the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Pickleball Club emerged victorious, claiming the top spot on the podium.
The event, which serves as a direct pathway to the upcoming APP Collegiate Championships, saw fierce competition among Florida’s top schools. While FAU took home the gold, the Florida State University (FSU) Pickleball Club put up a strong fight to secure second place with their "Gold" team. The University of Florida (UF) Club Pickleball rounded out the top three, taking the Orange medal, while the University of Central Florida (UCF) placed fourth.
The APP celebrated the energy and skill of the student-athletes, noting, "The kids can play," as they congratulated the teams advancing to the next stage. The collegiate circuit now turns its eyes westward, with the next qualifier scheduled to take place in Texas from January 24th to 25th, as more schools vie for a chance to compete for the national title.
APP Tour Releases Final 2025 Pro Standings Following Historic Season Conclusion
Chicago, USA – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has officially closed the book on the 2025 season, releasing the final professional standings that determine the year-end hierarchy of the tour. The announcement, made on January 9, 2026, marks the definitive conclusion of a competitive year that saw significant growth and evolution for the organisation.
"The countdown is over," the APP declared in their release, inviting fans and players to review where the pros stack up after the final points have been tallied. The release of these standings follows the season-ending 2025 GEICO APP Tour Championships, where historic performances helped shape the final rankings.
While the full statistical breakdown details the specific point totals for every competitor, the release serves as a crucial bridge to the 2026 season. The tour is already looking ahead, with a robust calendar that includes upcoming stops in the United States and international events such as the 2026 APP Kuala Lumpur Open. As players review their final positions, the focus now shifts to the 2026 APP Tour evolution, which promises bigger impact and an enhanced platform for professional players moving forward.
Registration Opens for WPC Series Málaga Open at Iconic Martín Carpena Arena
Málaga, Spain – The international pickleball circuit is setting its sights on the Costa del Sol as registration officially opens for the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series Málaga Open. Organisers are calling on players to secure their spots immediately to take advantage of early pricing before fees increase.
Scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 1, the tournament promises to be a marquee event on the European calendar. The competition will be hosted at the prestigious José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace, a venue renowned for hosting top-tier sporting events. This location offers players a chance to compete on "the biggest stage of international pickleball".
Beyond the prestige of the venue, the tournament offers critical opportunities for athletes to demonstrate their skill level and accumulate points for the world ranking. With the sport continuing its rapid global expansion, the Málaga Open represents a key stop for European and international players aiming to climb the leaderboard in 2026.
Samuel and Split-Age Duo Shine as Team 16 Pickleball Power Play Concludes in Chennai
Chennai, India – The courts at the Go Play Sports Hub were alive with intensity as the PWR200 Team 16 Pickleball Power Play 2026 came to a thrilling conclusion on January 11. Sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the tournament's final day showcased high-calibre talent across multiple divisions, crowning new champions in singles and doubles categories.
In the Men’s Open Singles, Rashein Samuel delivered a masterclass in precision and shot selection. Facing Vishwajit Tirumurti in the final, Samuel dominated the court, securing the title with a decisive 15–3 victory that left little doubt about his form. The Men’s Intermediate Doubles final saw Tej Charanraj and Loki Jack claim the championship by defeating Suraj Krishnan and Suneel Shankar 15–9, utilising controlled rallies to outmaneuver their opponents.
The day's most dramatic action occurred in the Men’s Doubles Split Age category. In a nail-biting finish, the team of Sidhraj and Vishnu edged out Abhishek and Ganesh with a score of 15–14. The match was a point-for-point battle, decided only by the winners' composure under extreme pressure. Additionally, the Men’s 30+ Doubles title went to Kevin and Danish, who defeated Sai Siddarth and Prajnesh 15–8. This event underscores the growing footprint of the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system in India, which continues to standardize competition from the district to the national level.