Arlberg Prizes, Asia Upsets & Win Like The Kawamotos
Good morning pickleballers!
Another 24 hours has passed us by and there's plenty of pickleball news from across the world.
Before you dive into all of that, catch up on the two European Championships podcasts that were recorded live in Rome, Italy (also available on iTunes and Spotify).
Done that? Cool - now you can crack on with the latest world pickleball news.
Arlberg Championship Sweetens Amateur Pool with New Team Format and Luxury Prizes
Arlberg Region, Europe – The APC 2025 amateur pickleball event has been completely redesigned this year, introducing a new and exciting team format for players competing alongside Europe’s best. Scheduled to run from September 18 to September 22, 2025, the amateur tournament, managed by the RTA Pickleball Tour, promises enhanced competition and significantly upgraded incentives.
Beyond the chance to play next to top European athletes, participants are vying for new prizes, including a two-night summer weekend getaway for three persons. The tournament takes place adjacent to the main "Arlberg Pickleball Championship," providing amateurs a unique proximity to world-class competition.
The pickleball action is extended with valuable training opportunities, as the event features Pickleball Clinics led by professionals Karolina Owczarek and Felix Grunert. These sessions are scheduled to take place just before the world-class tournament begins.
For those looking for high-altitude relaxation, the APC 2025 schedule includes unique leisure options. Wednesday is designated as a free day, allowing participants to go skiing or enjoy a special candlelight dinner. Guests can take the gondola up to 2,083 meters above sea level to experience a high-class dinner complete with live music and stunning views. The combination of competitive pickleball, professional instruction, and luxurious mountain recreation is set to make APC 2025 a memorable stop on the RTA Pickleball Tour.
Philippines Emerges as Pickleball Powerhouse: Zoleta and Raymundo Secure Gold in Bali
Bali, Indonesia – The Philippines has cemented its status as a rising force in Asian pickleball after the dominant performance of Bambi Zoleta and Patricia Raymundo, who captured the gold medal in the Women’s Doubles 19+ 4.5 category at the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) 2025 Tier 5.
The Filipino duo showcased undeniable talent throughout their golden run in Bali, proving they were hardly challenged. Their final match was a stunning display of domination, defeating the pair of Marine Demol and Mila Yatmi with an overwhelming score of 21-6 to secure the championship over the weekend.
Zoleta, whose background includes being a decorated soft tennis player and a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, views the victory as a significant milestone in her young pickleball career. Her success highlights the smooth transition that athletes can make from other racquet sports to pickleball. “We are incredibly happy and proud to give this gold medal to the Philippines. All our hard work and training paid off,” Zoleta remarked following the win.
Raymundo echoed the sentiment, emphasising the synergy that drove their performance. "It’s an amazing feeling to be a world champion. Bambi and I have great chemistry on the court, and we supported each other every step of the way,” she stated.
Zoleta and Raymundo are the latest Filipino athletes to achieve regional success, following in the footsteps of established players like Dino Jimenez and Anna Clarice Patrimonio. Their victory serves as clear evidence that the "Pearl of the Orient has a lot of" pickleball talent, and the global community should no longer "sleep on the Philippines".
Pickleball Power-Up Hits Hong Kong Mall: The ONE Hosts Month-Long Showcase Featuring Champs and Gear
Hong Kong, China – Pickleball fever has officially gripped Hong Kong, as The ONE, a prominent Tsim Sha Tsui landmark, has partnered with the Asia Aces Pickleball Academy (AAPA) to launch a major, month-long initiative: “The ONE X AAPA Pickleball Power-Up”. The showcase features action, clinics, a pop-up store, and contests, aiming to solidify the sport’s presence in the region.
A key highlight is the installation of a full-size pickleball court and check-in display at the UG2 Atrium, perfectly replicating an authentic playing environment. Pickleball champion Venise Chan and her team of professional coaches will host sessions and clinics on this standard court to help guests learn the fastest-rising sport.
AAPA Founder Chan Wing-yu explained the driving force behind bringing the sport to shopping malls: the hope of qualifying for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. He emphasised that the goal is for pickleball to be both a professional sport and a social activity easily integrated into daily life, sustaining the "pickleball craze".
Adding to the excitement is the Hong Kong debut of leading global brand PikPok Pickle. Their pop-up store, running until November 7th (11:00 AM to 9:00 PM) at the UG2 Atrium, sells high-quality rackets, fashionable sportswear, stylish accessories, and offers personalised customisation services. Guests can also participate in the "Pick a Ball!" contest by following the official social media accounts of the organisers, offering a chance to win a professional paddle by challenging their ball control and accuracy.
The initiative culminates with “The ONE X AAPA Pickleball Experience Day” on Sunday, October 19, 2025, running from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This special day offers free trial sessions available by appointment or limited on-site registration, further promoting the sport to Hong Kongers of all ages.
Brazilian Pickleball Heats Up: Campo Grande Hosts Biggest Tournament Yet as Liga Supremo Invests Heavily
Campo Grande, Brazil – Pickleball, the rapidly expanding sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is set for its most significant regional event yet, as the city hosts the Etapa Supremo 100 tournament this weekend. The competition, part of the Liga Supremo, will run from September 19 to 21 at the Arena Santo Gol in the Taveirópolis neighbourhood.
The tournament is set to showcase national talent, including Kym Sze, a multicampeão (multi-champion) this season, who is among the confirmed highlights. This is confirmed to be the most important pickleball event ever held in Campo Grande.
The Liga Supremo, which is pioneering a US-inspired model in Latin America, is in its inaugural season and has already demonstrated serious commitment, investing approximately R$1 million in organising events, salaries, and prize money across its first six stages in 2025.
Globally, pickleball’s popularity is skyrocketing, estimated to have about 30,000 athletes in Brazil and over 100 million worldwide. The sport’s appeal lies in its accessibility and low physical strain. Paulo Cantoli, CEO of Liga Supremo, noted that pickleball is fast to learn, with players able to "start hitting the ball in a few minutes". He also highlighted the advantage for older athletes, as the smaller courts minimise the displacement required compared to tennis.
The expansion mirrors global trends, particularly in the United States, where major figures like LeBron James (who acquired a Major League Pickleball franchise), Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Tom Brady, and Selena Gomez have embraced the sport. With pioneering events like the Supremo 100, Brazil is positioning itself at the forefront of this global racquet sports revolution.
American Pickleball Dominance Tested as PPA Tour Asia Lands in Malaysia for Panas Cup
Kuala Lumpur (Inferred), Malaysia – The PPA Tour’s international expansion continues this week with the Panas Malaysia Cup, bringing top US professionals face-to-face with the best players from the Far East. Stars like Ben Johns, Kaitlyn Christian, and Christian Alshon are among those travelling overseas, offering foreign players a critical opportunity to measure their game against the US tour’s elite. Competitors from countries such as Australia, China, and Vietnam are expected to participate.
Historically, US players have dominated these international events, but observers believe Singles offers the highest potential for an upset. In men’s singles, Christian Alshon and Tyson McGuffin are favoured, but non-American talent like Wong Hong Kit (Hong Kong), a former professional tennis player, is pegged as a significant threat. On the women's side, Australian players Andie Dikosavljevic, Nicola Schoeman, and Sahra Dennehy, along with the Netherlands' Roos Van Reek—who took gold at the Hong Kong Open in August—are poised to challenge US contenders.
The Doubles events present varied levels of unpredictability. Men’s doubles sees the powerful partnership of Johns and Alshon as the dominant top seed, while the pairing of Kim Eunggwon (South Korea) and Wong Hong Kit (Hong Kong)—who finished second at the Hong Kong Open—is an Asian duo to watch, expected to at least reach the semifinals.
Women’s doubles features a unique international flair, with many US tour players choosing international partners. The #1 seed pairs Anna Bright with the Netherlands’ Roos Van Reek, suggesting an unpredictable bracket where upsets are likely. Conversely, the Mixed Doubles draw appears highly predictable, with Anna Bright and Ben Johns (#1 seed) favoured heavily to claim the gold medal.
Despite the strong international presence, US-based players are widely predicted to sweep the medals. However, observers are keen to see if players from countries like China, known for their table tennis success, will begin to challenge the US dominance in pickleball.
Cricket Legend Cheteshwar Pujara Embraces Pickleball, Becomes Phorce Club Ambassador in Mumbai
Mumbai, India – Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran batsman who amassed over 7,000 runs across more than 100 Test matches, is channelling his competitive spirit into the fast-growing sport of pickleball. The 37-year-old was in Mumbai to officially join the revolution, announcing his role as the brand ambassador for Phorce club, a pioneering company dedicated to developing the pickleball ecosystem across India.
Pujara revealed his natural affinity for racquet sports, having played badminton and tennis since childhood. He now plays pickleball "competitively" because he doesn't like losing. Beyond the competitive element, he acknowledged the sport’s social advantages, noting his wife, Puja, mentioned that the activity helps bring family members together. Pujara pointed out that pickleball is not strenuous, making it ideal for "all kids, the elderly," and beneficial for social activity and family bonding.
Reflecting humorously on his career shift, Pujara quipped that his "bowler friends say they're happy I've retired, as they don't like bowling to me".
When considering an ideal pickleball doubles partner from his former team, Pujara picked R. Ashwin, stating he wants someone who makes fewer errors. Pujara noted that Ashwin is skilled in both badminton and tennis and is a highly competitive individual.
Though focused on his new sporting endeavour, the cricket legend also reflected on his past, citing Australian bowler Pat Cummins as someone who truly challenged him during his playing days. Pujara concluded by expressing hope that India will soon see pickleball medals won by its athletes. He also mentioned that he always wished he possessed the combined batting skillset of India's greats: Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive, Rahul Dravid’s cover drive, and Sourav Ganguly’s off-side play.
Amateur Athletes Compete for Record $25,000 Prizepool at The Kitchen Open Atlanta
Atlanta, USA – The Kitchen Open (TKO) Atlanta is preparing to host a landmark amateur tournament from October 24-26 at the ITP Training Academy, featuring what is being hailed as the largest prize in amateur pickleball history. The Open division winners will take home a staggering $25,000 in a winner-take-all format.
The annual amateur event, hosted by The Kitchen for the past three years, provides extensive competitive opportunities across various skill levels and age groups. TKO Atlanta will feature divisions based on age (open age and 40+), skill level (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and OPEN), as well as gender and mixed doubles.
Competitors are guaranteed significant playing time; all teams in every division will play a minimum of five games to 15 (using side-out scoring), which is equivalent to seven games to 11. Beyond the cash, every division winner will receive a custom JOOLA paddle and a TKO medal, with organisers promising the best prizes seen in pickleball. All participants will also receive a complimentary swag bag.
The high-stakes action will culminate with a Finals Party on Sunday, where spectators can watch the top Open division teams battle for the grand prize. Crucially, the winners of the Open Division will secure an automatic main draw entry into the prestigious PPA Tour World Championships in Dallas. Furthermore, winners of all other divisions will also receive entry into the Dallas event, providing a significant pathway for amateurs into world-class professional competition.
Inside the Kawamoto Blueprint: Strategic Positioning and Mental Toughness Propel Twins to First PPA Title
Cincinnati, USA – Pro pickleball twins Jade and Jackie Kawamoto finally claimed their first PPA Tour title at the Cincinnati Showcase earlier this month, employing several high-level strategies that allowed them to defeat top teams, including the formidable pairing of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright, and Jorja Johnson/Tyra Black.
The Kawamotos’ championship run was built upon three key pillars. The first was Adaptive Court Positioning. They excelled at covering the court, cutting off angles of attack, and maximising their defensive percentages. Crucially, they redefined the transition zone—often a dangerous area for players—by using it strategically to neutralise rallies and consistently place themselves in the best spot for their next shot.
The second strategy highlighted was Maximum Net Respect. The twins demonstrated how professionals almost never hit the ball into the net when they are in control of the shot. By simply keeping the rally alive, the Kawamotos trusted their defensive abilities to reset balls until the opponent either made an error or attempted an overly aggressive shot.
Finally, their mental fortitude shone through with a Next Shot Focus. The twins overcame massive deficits: they rallied from a 4-9 score in the deciding Game 3 of the semifinal, and in the best-of-five Finals, they lost the first two games before winning three straight to secure the championship.
This resilience stemmed from treating each rally independently, focusing entirely on the shot at hand. A prime example of this mental strength occurred at 6-6 in the pivotal Game 5 of the finals when Jackie missed a crucial shot into the net. Instead of dwelling on the error, Jackie immediately encouraged Jade, tapping her paddle to prevent the team from getting down. This immediate shift allowed them to regain momentum, win the next five points, and claim the match 11-7. Coaches recommend that amateur players learn to be the "Jackie" for their own teams, battling through unavoidable mistakes by focusing only on the next shot.