Gail Emms ‘McEnroe’, Scorpions’ NPL Title, Johns Upset

Good morning, pickleballers!

Another week is nearly in the rear-view window, and we have lots of the latest pickleball news for you.

Olympic Medallist Gail Emms Embraces Pickleball Persona: 'The John McEnroe of Pickleball'

Surrey, England – Olympic badminton medallist Gail Emms, who has recently transitioned into the world of pickleball, guarantees readers a mention of the fast-growing sport in her new autobiography, Grit and Goose Feathers. Emms, who was enjoying a pickleball trip in Spain on the book’s release date, teased that this is just the beginning, noting, “It tees it up nicely for the next book, doesn’t it? I’ve done my book about badminton, so the next book will be about pickleball”.

Emms described the book as a good representation of her personality, covering emotional, funny, and sports content, designed to make readers laugh and cry while truly getting to know her. She also spoke candidly about the vulnerability involved in putting a book out.

However, fans who have watched her play for Surrey Smash in the Premier Pickleball League already have a strong sense of her fiery personality. Emms proudly stated that she believes she is "the first person in pickleball history to get two paddle abuse warnings in their first ever match!". She recalled that the first warning came in a comedy moment after a long rally when she threw her paddle down in frustration after hitting the net, prompting the referee to declare "Paddle abuse!" despite everyone laughing.

The second warning arrived shortly after when a ball hit the hand she was holding the paddle in, causing her to drop it instantly. Emms argued that the second incident was an accident, but the warning stood. As a result of these incidents, she has earned a new, famous nickname: “So I am the John McEnroe of pickleball now!”. Fans can catch Emms in action soon, as she is scheduled to partner Kirsty Robertson in the women’s doubles 4.5 15/35 and Anthony McElvaine in the mixed 4.5+ 35+ categories at the English Nationals next week.

Vince Vaughn Celebrates as Coachella Valley Scorpions Claim First NPL Championship Title

Seattle, USA – Actor, writer, and producer Vince Vaughn celebrated the success of his team, the No. 2 seeded Coachella Valley Scorpions, after they won the 2025 National Pickleball League (NPL) championship. The Scorpions, of which Vaughn has been the majority owner since July 2024, claimed their first NPL crown by defeating the No. 1 seeded and host Seattle Tsunami with a dominant 7-2 score over the weekend.

Vaughn, known for comedic roles in films such as Old School and Wedding Crashers, offered high praise for the team. "Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Scorpions on winning the 2025 NPL Pickleball Championship! Well played!" Vaughn said, adding that the players brought "teamwork, dedication and fun to the court all year".

The victory was the "culmination of two years of hard work of building this franchise," according to Kim Jagd, the Scorpions’ star player, co-owner, and general manager. Jagd specifically congratulated the team, staff, and ownership group—including Vaughn, Rob Zwemmer, Ruth Ann Poppa, and Don Zuker—for executing their shared vision.

NPL CEO Rod Davis also acknowledged Jagd's pivotal role, crediting her for effective roster construction and recruitment efforts. Davis remarked that Coachella proved to be the best team in a season marked by "incredible parity," where any team could defeat any other on a given day. Vaughn also gave a special congratulations to Jagd for her "lights out coaching and playing".

Ben Johns Upset, Waters Pushed as PPA Rate Vegas Cup Sees Round of 16 Thrillers

Las Vegas, USA – The round of 16 at the Rate Vegas Cup delivered explosive results on Thursday, confirming that easy matches are a thing of the past in professional pickleball. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats as top seeds battled through challenging opponents.

In the women's singles bracket, Anna Leigh Waters (AL Waters) faced a tough challenge from local Vegas favorite Lara Giltinan. Waters narrowly squeaked out a victory in game one, 13-11, after battling off a game point, before securing the second game 11-3. Waters admitted she hadn't scouted Giltinan, saying, "She moved very well, she had great passing shots... she played amazing in that first game".

Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Ben Johns, who entered the tournament as the surprising No. 7 seed, faced a shocking upset. Johns started strong in men's singles, taking game one 11-2 against Gabriel Joseph. Throughout the event, Johns debuted a different style of play, choosing to stay back and "pummel groundstrokes," a move Parris Todd, commentating alongside Drew Fellios, called unusual for Johns. Todd speculated that this new strategy might be influenced by the Life Time ball, which plays bouncier and more forgiving, potentially boosting the efficacy of groundstrokes. Despite his initial aggression, Joseph made a massive run, taking the next two games 11-2 and 11-5 to eliminate Johns.

The event also reignited an existing rivalry between Zane Ford and Federico Staksrud, who had previously clashed at the LT Open just days prior over a paddle testing delay. Staksrud logged his latest victory against Ford in three games: 11-5, 9-11, 11-5. Additionally, Jaume Martinez Vich secured a major win, coming from behind to defeat Chris Haworth—who was aiming for a third consecutive triple title—in a match showcasing Vich's "unreal physical athleticism" (3-11, 11-9, 11-9). Play continues Friday with the quarterfinals in all three divisions.

Global Pickleball Ascent Confirmed: World Cup in Florida to Host Record 68 Nations

Fort Lauderdale, USA – The 2025 Pickleball World Cup is poised for a monumental showing of international growth, scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 2 at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This marks the first time the tournament, founded by siblings Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses, will be hosted in the United States. The event, which began with just 14 participating countries in 2023, has exploded in size and quality. Organizers are now expecting an unprecedented 68 nations to participate in the open division, 52 in the senior division, and nearly 10 countries in the new junior division. Hercilio Cabieses admitted they were stunned by the pace of growth, expecting 68 countries to take over five years.

The host facility, The Fort, features 43 courts and the world’s first-ever pickleball stadium. The founders emphasized that bringing the tournament to the U.S. this year was essential to showcase how far international players have advanced since the sport began taking off globally. The World Cup provides critical "proof of concept" that pickleball could potentially be a good fit for the Olympics one day. Six continents will be represented at the event, including 22 nations from Europe and 20 from North America and the Caribbean.

National teams are finalizing their preparations ahead of the massive competition. Bermuda is sending a team for its second consecutive World Cup appearance, carrying momentum as the reigning Caribbean champions. The Bermuda contingent includes nine new players, signaling the remarkable growth of the sport on the island. The elite men’s team, captained by Gavin Manders, is grouped with Egypt, Bosnia, and Saudi Arabia, while the seniors face China, Serbia, and Trinidad & Tobago. Bermuda's senior team previously advanced past the group stage and won the round-of-16 match against Mexico last year.

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is also sending its first official national contingent, which includes Under-16 Juniors, the Open category, and the Seniors 50+ team. IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar will take on dual roles, serving both as the association’s chief executive and as the captain of the Seniors 50+ team. Bhullar views the contingent as validation that India’s holistic growth model is succeeding, positioning the country as "a competitive force in the making" on the world stage.

Courtside Safety Boost: UPA-A Partners with AED.US to Offer CPR Training at World Championships

Farmers Branch, USA – The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A), the governing body for both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, has partnered with AED.US to dramatically boost safety standards at major events. This partnership will bring hands-on CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training sessions to players and fans attending the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in Farmers Branch, Texas.

In collaboration with Safe Life and GoRescue, these interactive sessions are designed to empower attendees to act confidently and effectively if someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest on or near the court. Jason Aspes, President of UPA-A, stressed the vital nature of immediate bystander action, noting, “If someone goes down on court, those first few seconds can mean the difference between life and death. We want every player and fan to be ready to act”.

The training sessions, open to all registered coaches, players, and fans, will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the championships. GoRescue, a nationally recognized leader in cardiac emergency preparedness, has successfully trained over 72,000 individuals in 2025 alone.

Since May 2025, AED.US has supplied the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED—one of the world's most widely used defibrillators—to every PPA tournament, ensuring life-saving technology is available courtside at all events. Crucially, at the conclusion of each tournament, the AED is donated to the facility, creating a "lasting legacy of protection". The partnership emphasizes a commitment to making pickleball not just the fastest-growing sport in America, but also a safe one for all participants.

Dinks and Diplomacy: Pickleball Fosters Friendship During Indra-2025 Military Drills

Bikaner, India – Indian and Russian troops found a surprising medium for building solidarity and mutual understanding during the joint Indra-2025 military exercise: pickleball. The drills, focused on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and modern warfare, ran from October 7 to October 15 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

The sport, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, offered the soldiers a welcome and refreshing break from the intensity of their field exercises. Alongside football, basketball, and billiards, pickleball was a standout recreational activity. Mixed Indo-Russian teams enthusiastically engaged in friendly matches, learning and laughing together on the court.

Officials observed that these recreational exchanges are crucial for strengthening the personal bonds that underpin professional military cooperation, as the friendly competition successfully helped bridge language barriers. This initiative highlighted pickleball's rising popularity, demonstrating its reach not only among civilians but also within global military circles. Such informal activities reflect a growing cultural exchange between the two nations.

The successful inclusion of pickleball during the drills may encourage both countries to further promote racquet sports as tools for fitness, coordination, and support among troops. The Indra series of exercises has a long history, dating back to 2003, and this recent iteration marks a notable resumption after the series was suspended following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

Tokyo Welcomes First Pickleball Park at Iconic MIYASHITA PARK in Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan – Pickleball is making a dynamic entry into Japan’s capital with the announcement of the country’s first "Pickleball Park," set to open at the iconic MIYASHITA PARK in Shibuya. The initiative is a joint promotion by TBS Holdings, Inc. and Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., who have collaborated to grow the rapidly emerging sport since April 2024.

The event, officially named “SIW2025 PICKLEBALL PARK in MIYASHITA PARK,” will be a special feature during SOCIAL INNOVATION WEEK 2025 (SIW2025). The park will run for eight days, starting October 27, 2025, and concluding on November 3, 2025, with a dedicated special pickleball court installed in the multi-purpose sand sports area on the fourth floor of the landmark park. This will be the first pickleball event ever hosted at MIYASHITA PARK, a location synonymous with Shibuya’s youth culture.

Operating under the guiding principle of “Watch, Play, Connect,” the Pickleball Park aims to offer a novel urban sports experience. Visitors are invited to watch professional matches, participate in friendly games, and actively engage with the burgeoning pickleball community. The venue is envisioned as a dynamic hub that facilitates interaction between various groups, including professional athletes, companies, and students, thereby creating new opportunities for community, health, and collaboration through sport. Entry to the event is free.

Lucknow Masters Ignites City's Pickleball Scene with Dominant Wins and Record Turnout

Lucknow, India – The Lucknow Masters, an Indian Pickleball Association-sanctioned PWR 50 tournament, kicked off with intense rallies and spirited performances at Pickle Pro, marking a milestone for the city's burgeoning pickleball culture. The tournament showcased dominant forces in the opening matches on Thursday.

In Men’s Singles Group A, Farhan proved unstoppable, sweeping aside all competitors with convincing victories, including an 11-1 rout of Aditendra and an 11-8 triumph over Sameer. Group C saw a similar showing of strength, with Prateek Tyagi dominating his matches, winning 11-1 against Rutik and 11-2 against Karan Singh. While Tanmay commanded Group B with crushing 11-0 and 11-2 wins, Rutik provided an upset in Group C by stunning Karan 11-7. In Men’s Doubles Group E, the duo of Anujay and Tanmay were particularly formidable, winning all three of their group stage matches, highlighted by an 11-0 victory over Aditendra and Aryan.

The success of the event is largely attributed to the dedication of organizers Anshul and Adheesh, who are driving the sport's growth in the city. Adheesh noted that while pickleball in Lucknow may not yet rival the popularity seen in larger cities, the local response has been "heartening". The Lucknow Masters is the largest tournament ever held in the city, projected to host 80 to 90 players and roughly 200 matches over four days. Anshul added that this event features the "best level of competition and number of players ever seen in Lucknow". The organizers are offering a "national-level experience," complete with live streaming for families and enthusiasts, and a significant prize pool of one lakh rupees—the largest in Lucknow so far.

Sarawak Crowned Sports Tourism Hotbed as MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam Attracts 800+ Players

Kuching, Malaysia – The MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam, organized by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), concluded as a resounding success, affirming Sarawak’s status as a key sports tourism hub. Held from October 13 to 19, 2025, at Pikabol, Kuching, the week-long event attracted an immense field of over 800 players and 26 teams.

The tournament drew significant international attention, with participants representing ten countries, including the Philippines, India, Japan, the United States, and Indonesia. The winners competed for a substantial cash prize pool of up to MYR100,000.

The success of the Grand Slam was underscored by the presence of YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Sarawak, at a special “Meet & Dink” appreciation session. This attendance symbolizes the unwavering commitment of both local and national governments to position Sarawak as a vibrant sports tourism destination.

MATTA President Nigel Wong stated that the Grand Slam was envisioned to utilize sports tourism's power to promote Malaysia as a hub for active and wellness living. Wong emphasized that pickleball is "more than just a sport," viewing it as a celebration of movement, a bridge between generations, and a driver of community through travel. The massive logistical effort was supported by numerous governmental and industry partners, including the Sarawak Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia, and the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Wong declared that the tournament "marks the birth of a new tradition" and is "just the beginning of something truly special," suggesting that next year's event is expected to be even larger.

Voices from The Fort: DeHeart and Koszuta Go 'Mic'd Up' to Reveal AARP Open Strategy and Trash Talk

Fort Lauderdale, USA – Fans received a rare look into the competitive strategy and candid court conversations of professional pickleball players Ryler DeHeart and Kyle Koszuta during a special "Mic’d Up" segment at the AARP Open. The feature, which took place at The Fort in October, provided a fascinating insight into the dynamics of a pro match.

The segment aimed to answer questions frequently asked by fans, focusing on the tactical discussions that occur mid-match, who handles the role of "smack talker" between the partners, and which player typically carries the team. Additionally, the feature offered a look at the often-overlooked challenge of managing gear and equipment amidst the intense Florida humidity.

DeHeart and Koszuta brought fans directly onto the court, revealing how strategy is communicated in real-time during professional play. 

PPA Tour Unveils High-Stakes Greater Zion Cup for 2026 at Utah’s Black Desert Resort

Southern Utah, USA – The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) has announced a significant expansion to its 2026 calendar, unveiling the new Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort. Partnering with Greater Zion, the PPA is establishing this tournament as one of only five Cup events on the Carvana PPA Tour, designating it as a high-stakes fixture for top players globally.

The Greater Zion Cup will offer a massive 1,500 ranking points, substantially higher than the 1,000 points typically offered at Open events, immediately positioning it as a key competitive stop for professionals aiming to climb the global rankings.

The event will debut concurrently with the opening of 21 new, state-of-the-art pickleball courts at Black Desert Resort in Spring 2026. Designed by Swabeck Architecture, the courts are set among Southern Utah’s dramatic lava fields and striking red rocks, promising an immersive playing environment. The venue will feature a Championship Court capable of seating 1,000 spectators, with future phases planning to add eight more courts. These facilities will also be equipped with advanced technology for movement assessment, swing analysis, and ball tracking, alongside VIP seating.

Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour, expressed enthusiasm, calling Southern Utah a "very special place" for the Tour. Brittany McMichael, Director of Greater Zion, hailed the announcement as a "milestone moment" for the region, noting that the new facility's breathtaking setting makes it the ideal home for the event.

Pickleball Bets Big: UPA Announces Exclusive Multi-Year Prediction Market Deal with Polymarket

USA – The United Pickleball Association (UPA), which oversees the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), has announced a landmark multi-year agreement with Polymarket, making the platform the exclusive prediction market provider for the organization. The partnership grants Polymarket exclusive access to official proprietary data from both the PPA Tour and MLP, along with the rights to use official league logos, marks, and designations across its products.

The collaboration is expected to integrate Polymarket across PPA Tour and MLP events through co-branding consumer activations, media rights, and streaming. MLP Commissioner Samin Odhwani expressed excitement, calling Polymarket the "fastest growing brand in the predictions market space" ahead of its U.S. launch. Odhwani noted that prediction markets have proved to be an excellent fit for pickleball, observing a "significantly increased volume" placed on these platforms compared to previous sportsbook partners.

Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, emphasized that the focus is on creating experiences that prioritize fans, noting that prediction markets add a new level of engagement for those who wish to be more involved in the action.

Both the PPA Tour and MLP have demonstrated tremendous growth in 2025. MLP generated record-breaking metrics, including an 84% growth in ticket revenue, a 37% bump in total attendance, and sponsor revenue that more than doubled 2024’s total. The PPA Tour also saw a 125% jump in social media impressions and a 98% increase in minutes viewed on Pickleballtv. Polymarket, founded in 2020, recently received a strategic investment of up to $2 billion from Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Pickle Yard Launches Team Philippines to Elevate National Pickleball Talent

Parañaque, Philippines – In a major development highlighting the rapid growth of pickleball in the Philippines, The Pickle Yard in Parañaque has formally launched its first-ever roster: Team Philippines. Members of the select team—carefully handpicked to represent the country—signed their contracts on October 15, 2025, in a move designed to provide organized and comprehensive support to Filipino picklers.

The Pickle Yard framed the initiative as more than just assembling a team, but as initiating a "movement" that will serve as the standard-bearer for the "unyielding Filipino spirit" and talent. The inaugural Team Philippines roster includes Ric Santos, Bambi Zoleta, Kim Saraza, Meds Sarasa, Gee Serino, Ken dela Cruz, Chloe Saraza, Carlo Lagrana, Pat Raymundo, and Von Saraza.

Two key members, Zoleta and Raymundo, are already familiar figures in the regional pickleball scene, having recently teamed up to win gold in the Women’s Doubles 19+ 4.5 category at the World Pickleball Championship 2025 Tier 5 in Bali, Indonesia. Zoleta and Raymundo will lead the team as they work to make a significant mark in the rapidly expanding international world of pickleball.

The Pickle Yard aims to fulfill the ambitious goal of placing the Philippines on the international pickleball map by establishing meaningful pathways for players to compete at the sport’s highest national and international levels. Utilizing its dedicated venue, the organization seeks to simultaneously develop athletes and build the community through global partnerships, awareness campaigns, and training, ultimately growing a lasting pickleball ecosystem.

Pickleball Australia Adopts US Paddle Testing Tech to Ensure Fair Play Down Under

Australia – Pickleball Australia (PA), the country's peak governing body for the sport, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Pickle Pro Labs (PPL) of Boca Raton, Florida, to implement a standardized, nationwide paddle testing system. This landmark move will see Australia become one of the first countries outside the United States to adopt this system, beginning in early 2026 across all sanctioned leagues and tournaments.

At the heart of the initiative is The Go-No-Go (GNG) machine, a portable compliance testing tool inspired by devices used at professional U.S. events. The GNG objectively measures paddle deflection, or face stiffness, to quickly identify counterfeit, illegally modified, or excessively worn paddles that might grant an unfair performance advantage. The testing is crucial for mitigating the effects of Accelerated Break-In (ABI)—a process where paddles gain extra power or speed after heavy use.

Brendan Lee, Executive Officer for Pickleball Australia, stated that the partnership directly addresses member concerns about "paddle integrity," ensuring a fair and safe playing field at all levels of competition. Tim Joiner, CEO of PPA Tour Australia, emphasized the necessity of testing at the elite level, where small advantages can drastically alter a match. Joiner noted that standardized testing helps preserve the game's spirit while still supporting innovation.

PA, which represents over 22,000 financial members and 350 affiliates nationwide, plans to eventually make the testing service available to local clubs. Lee noted that extending the service to clubs promotes transparency, fairness, and safety, thereby strengthening trust in the sport overall.

UPA-A Cracks Down on Illegal Paddles: Repeat Offenders Face Fines Up To $50,000

USA – The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has dramatically escalated its penalties for manufacturers whose paddles fail on-site testing, threatening repeat offenders with suspensions, removal from the approved list, and fines potentially reaching $50,000. This crackdown follows the implementation of new regulations on September 1, 2025, aimed at establishing higher performance standards for power and spin in professional play.

Despite these regulations, nearly two months later, some paddle models used by professionals continue to fail on-site compliance testing by producing more spin than legally allowed, leading to their immediate removal from play. The UPA-A confirmed that paddles from six separate manufacturers have already tested outside the allowable spin threshold.

The UPA-A’s system tracks certified paddles via a unique model number, guaranteeing that any paddle carrying that number is identical in construction and performance to the original version that passed certification. Paddles are failing if their surface roughness exceeds 25% of the original certified reading, or if the surface material or finish differs from the approved version.

To enforce accountability, the UPA-A will launch a new Paddle Compliance Protocol starting in January 2026. Quarterly, the UPA-A will randomly select three brands and purchase five paddles of a chosen model from independent retail channels. If two or more of those paddles fail subsequent testing, the manufacturer will receive a Notice of Non-Compliance. While a first offense currently incurs a $1,000 fine in 2025, penalties will sharply increase in 2026. Crucially, a third violation will trigger an investigation that could result in substantial consequences, including suspensions, removal from the certification list, and fines up to $50,000.

Critics Slam Fort Lauderdale’s $30 Million Pickleball Bet as Padel Dominates Global Growth

Fort Lauderdale, USA – Commissioner Steve Glassman's aggressive investment in public pickleball infrastructure, including the $30 million complex known as The Fort at Snyder Park, is drawing heavy fire from critics who argue the city is chasing a fading trend. Glassman has been personally championing these projects, even advocating to replace public basketball courts at Bahia Mar with more pickleball courts, an action local residents have condemned as an "elitist land grab".

Critics argue that the spending demonstrates misplaced civic priorities, especially as the city battles constant flooding, decaying infrastructure, and skyrocketing rents. One local advocate commented, “Thirty million dollars for pickleball, while sewer pipes collapse and housing prices skyrocket... It’s like the city’s playing games while Rome floods”.

Glassman defended the investment by citing pickleball as the country's fastest-growing and most accessible sport. However, global data suggests that the international racquet sport landscape has pivoted. Padel, a fast-paced hybrid of tennis and squash, is currently the fastest-growing racquet sport worldwide, boasting 25 million players across 110 countries. By contrast, the U.S. pickleball scene, while still large domestically (around 19.8 million players in 2024), has reportedly plateaued internationally.

Padel is increasingly viewed as the next premium sport, backed by celebrity investors like LeBron James and Lionel Messi. Developers in key U.S. markets are already shifting focus to padel facilities. Critics worry that The Fort, built exclusively for pickleball, risks becoming a costly monument to a trend that is already peaking. They contend that investing such significant taxpayer money into a single-trend sport is risky, lamenting that Fort Lauderdale failed to adopt a broader view to build multi-use courts that could adapt to future trends.