MLP Finals Shockers, Hong Kong Open Champions as Van Reek and Wong dominate

Good morning, pickleballers!

It's a new week and we are bringing you up-to-date with the latest world pickleball news.

But, before we do that - there are two podcasts you can catch up on in the last week.

In the first, Gordo and I go back to Telford, where the English Open took place earlier this month.

Join us as we bring you the stories from behind the scenes, the key matches and medals and more in this special episode.

Then yesterday, we talked about:

• The Burger King Cup in Japan
• The World Pickleball League on Tour in Hyderabad
• The new women-only pro league in India
• PPA Asia and their latest tournament in Hong Kong
• And what the latest DUPR update really means!

Here's the latest pickleball news!

Underdog Sliders Conquer MLP Premier Title, Defeating Top Seeds in Historic Run

New York City, United States – The Columbus Sliders, comprising Andrei Daescu, Parris Todd, CJ Klinger, and Lea Jansen, have clinched the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) Premier level title at the DoorDash MLP Finals in New York City, overcoming the New Jersey 5s with a 3-1 victory. This triumph caps an extraordinary postseason run, where the Sliders defeated the top three regular-season teams—the St. Louis Shock, 2024 champions Dallas Flash, and the New Jersey 5s—all within ten days.

The championship series was intense, with the first two matches decided by Dreambreakers. In the final match, New Jersey's Anna Leigh Waters and Meghan Dizon secured women's doubles, while Columbus's Daescu and Klinger dominated men's doubles. The turning point arrived in mixed doubles when Lea Jansen and CJ Klinger, fueled by a controversial call in a previous match, delivered a decisive 11-4 victory over Dizon and Noe Khlif. This set the stage for Parris Todd and Andrei Daescu to seal the championship, as they triumphed over Waters and Will Howells for the third consecutive time in the series.

Andrei Daescu was the undisputed star, compiling a remarkable 14-2 record in doubles throughout the playoffs, demonstrating near-unbeatable form against the league's elite pairings. His men's doubles partnership with CJ Klinger was particularly dominant, going undefeated with an 8-0 record in the postseason. Daescu’s performance in critical moments, often when his team was under pressure due to other match losses, cemented his status as a playoff MVP. He showcased extraordinary efficiency with his speedups, achieving a +3.4 Speedup Net Impact per game, the highest of any player that weekend.

Parris Todd, another key player, emphasised the team's underdog spirit, stating that being "chosen" by higher-seeded opponents only fueled their "David versus Goliath" mentality. The Sliders' victory was a testament to their collective belief, hard work, and ability to "click at the right time," as Daescu himself had predicted. This win marks the most impressive postseason feat in MLP's short history, while also delivering heartbreak to the New Jersey 5s, who lost their second consecutive final after holding a 1-0 lead.

Las Vegas Night Owls Soar to Challenger Title, Earn Premier Promotion for 2026

New York City, United States – The Las Vegas Night Owls have triumphed at the DoorDash MLP Finals in New York City, securing the Challenger level title and, more importantly, promotion to the Premier level for 2026. This victory marks a significant rewrite of their narrative after falling short in the 2024 Challenger quarterfinals.

In a dramatic final against the Nashville Chefs, Las Vegas found themselves trailing 2-1 heading into the crucial mixed doubles match. However, the resilient duo of Brooke Buckner and Pablo Tellez battled fiercely to overcome Nashville’s Ewa Radzikowska and Marshall Brown, forcing a decisive DreamBreaker. It was in this single-game playoff that the Night Owls, also featuring MLP rookie James Delgado and Zoey Wang, truly shone. They dominated the DreamBreaker with a commanding 21-9 scoreline, with Pablo Tellez delivering an especially impressive performance, outscoring Brown 7-1 in his rotation to establish an unassailable lead.

Night Owls coach Steve Deakin celebrated the achievement as "one of the most special moments" of his pickleball career, crediting his team's relentless effort and mental fortitude. The victory is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity, earning their spot among the Premier-level squads in the upcoming 2026 season.

Los Angeles Mad Drops Command $13M Valuation in Majority Stake Sale, MLP Continues Growth

Los Angeles, United States – Major League Pickleball (MLP) continues to demonstrate robust growth, as the Los Angeles Mad Drops franchise has sold a controlling stake at a significant $13 million valuation. The acquisition was made by Mad Drippin SPV, LLC, a Texas-based group led by Alex Geesbreght of PRAX Leadership, with strong professional and personal ties to the Greater Los Angeles area.

This transaction represents one of MLP's largest franchise deals since the 2024 MLP/PPA merger, further highlighted by the recent $16 million valuation of the expansion franchise Palm Beach Royals. The diverse ownership group of Mad Drippin SPV, LLC includes members with backgrounds in healthcare, professional sports team ownership, oil & gas, real estate, and family office management, indicating broad investor confidence in the sport's trajectory. The existing celebrity ownership group of the Mad Drops, featuring prominent figures like Drew Brees, Jayson Tatum, Josh Allen, Haley Jones, and Ryan Serhant, will remain involved.

The league’s 2025 season-to-date has shown remarkable year-over-year expansion across various business metrics. Highlights include sponsor revenue more than doubling, a 28% increase in ticket revenue, and exponential growth in digital engagement with social media impressions up 277% and YouTube views soaring by 156%. Total minutes viewed on Pickleballtv have also jumped by 105%, and linear TV telecast hours by 83%. Adding to their competitive edge, the Mad Drops recently acquired world No. 1 men's player Ben Johns, making him eligible for the 2026 season. These figures underscore MLP’s accelerating momentum and its increasing appeal to investors and audiences alike.

Collegiate Pickleball Takes Centre Stage: APP, NIRSA, Selkirk, USA Pickleball Unite for New Series

United States – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has launched a significant initiative to bolster collegiate pickleball, partnering with the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), Selkirk Sport, and USA Pickleball. This collaboration introduces the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, now the exclusive collegiate pickleball tour sanctioned by USA Pickleball.

The series will feature seven regional qualifiers across the country, culminating in the 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, Florida. A substantial $85,000 in prize money is at stake, with $5,000 awarded at each qualifier and a hefty $50,000 for the championship. The 2025-26 season is set to kick off on October 25-26 with a qualifier in Boise, Idaho, and will travel to Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey, before the national championships from March 6-8, 2026. Dominic Catalano, a 20-year pickleball veteran, will direct the series, with professional player Susannah Barr serving as College Player and Program Liaison.

Each partner plays a crucial role: NIRSA has designated the series as part of its Championship Series, recognising the sport’s growing presence on campuses. Selkirk Sport serves as the title sponsor, supplying equipment, offering sponsorship opportunities, and providing broadcast coverage via Selkirk Pickleball TV and APPTV on YouTube, which collectively attract over one million monthly views. USA Pickleball provides sanctioning, discounted student memberships, and equipment grants through its charitable arm, USA Pickleball Serves. The APP manages the series, contributes prize money, venues, and broadcast support, driven by a mission to expand pickleball on college campuses and establish it as a key component of the sport’s national growth strategy.

Delhi Lawyers Serve Up Community and Fitness at Inaugural Pickleball Tournament

Delhi, India – Pickleball is swiftly becoming the favourite pastime of Delhi’s legal community, bringing together junior and senior lawyers for fitness and camaraderie. The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) Pickleball Tournament, held at the Speed Up Club, has attracted over 290 participants, showcasing the sport’s booming popularity among the bar.

Lawyers have embraced pickleball as a welcome break from courtroom routines. Soumya Dubey noted that it allows colleagues to "meet for something other than law," fostering community spirit. Participants praised the sport for its dual benefits: it's a "good evening pastime" that enhances fitness and mental clarity, promoting agility and control without being overly strenuous.

Nancy Roy, an experienced tennis player, was initially sceptical but joined all three categories (singles, women's, mixed doubles) due to the tournament's scale. She quickly discovered pickleball to be "a fun sport" and appreciates its accessibility, particularly for those with injuries or busy schedules, as it’s less demanding than tennis. Younger lawyers like Satyam Raina echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sport’s easier learning curve compared to badminton or lawn tennis, which enables intergenerational play. He also valued its low-impact nature, preventing soreness and exhaustion, making it accessible for all ages. Tournament organiser Nitesh Mehra affirmed pickleball's status as an "upcoming sport" with a vibrant, fast game, expressing confidence it will "soon enter the Olympics".

PPA Tour Asia Continues with Sansan Fukuoka Open in Japan, Top Talent Converges

Fukuoka, Japan – The Sansan Fukuoka Open 2025 is set to electrify Itoshima, Japan, marking the third leg of the PPA Tour Asia from August 26 to 31, 2025. Following the Panas Malaysia Open and the recent Hong Kong Open, this tournament brings top international pickleball stars to challenge Asia’s best, with USD $70,000 in prize money and crucial PPA Tour Asia ranking points up for grabs.

The event boasts a strong lineup of talent from the United States. Connor Garnett, ranked No. 3 in PPA Tour singles with two gold medals, will be a formidable presence. He will be joined by Tyler Loong, ranked No. 20 in PPA Tour Men’s Doubles, who will partner with Garnett. The star power extends to the women’s field with Allyce Jones, the No. 8 Women’s Doubles player, who will team up with Garnett in Mixed Doubles and Pei Chuan Kao in Women’s Doubles.

Local talent is poised to put up a strong fight for the podium. A local wildcard entry in Mixed Doubles will feature the promising pairing of Daniel Moore and Kei Sawaki, offering a blend of experience and youth. Additionally, the formidable duo of Japanese star Kenta Miyoshi and Vietnam’s Sophia Tran will compete as a PPA Wildcard, promising exciting matchups. The idyllic beach paradise of Itoshima is ready to host this world-class pickleball action, further solidifying the sport's growing footprint in Asia.

Pickleball Fever Hits Belo Horizonte as Liga Supremo Hosts Major Latin American Stage

Belo Horizonte, Brazil – Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport globally, recently took centre stage in Belo Horizonte as the city hosted the Etapa Kondor da Liga Supremo, Latin America’s premier professional circuit. From August 22 to 24, 2025, over 160 athletes converged at the One Pickleball arena, offering free entry to an eager public.

The sport's global appeal is undeniable, with over 100 million players worldwide, and Brazil is rapidly catching up with 30,000 athletes and optimistic projections of reaching one million players in the coming years. A key to its success lies in its democratic and inclusive nature, accommodating players of all ages and genders. The smaller court size, lighter plastic ball, and reduced speed of play make it less demanding than tennis, allowing for quick learning and dynamic, low-impact matches suitable even for older individuals or those with injuries.

A major highlight in Belo Horizonte was the Liga Supremo debut of Joana Cortez, a multiple champion and former world No. 1 in beach tennis, who competed in doubles. Other Brazilian stars included Marcela Donatoni, the current "queen of the season," Eliza Rocha, Bernardo Andrade, and Kym Sze. International talent also featured prominently, with players like Martina Dodds (Chile) and Yerico Rubiños (Peru) participating. The Liga Supremo, inspired by the North American model, has already invested approximately R$ 1 million in its inaugural season, covering events, salaries, and prize money across five stages. Beyond the professional circuit, the event also included competitions for beginners and amateurs, all of which were streamed live on Liga Supremo's YouTube channel, further broadening pickleball’s reach.

Hong Kong Open 2025 Shines Light on Double Gold for Van Reek, Home Win for Wong Hong-kit

Hong Kong, China – The Hong Kong Open 2025 concluded with two standout athletes, the Netherlands’ Roos van Reek and hometown hero Jack Wong Hong-kit, each securing multiple medals in an electrifying display of pickleball. Van Reek achieved a golden double, clinching gold in both the Women's Singles and Women's Doubles categories. She dominated the Women's Singles final, defeating Hsieh Yu-chieh 11-2, 11-3, and, alongside partner Wei Ting Chieh, secured the Women's Doubles title with an 11-4, 11-3 victory over Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall and Yufei Long.

Jack Wong Hong-kit, spurred on by a roaring home crowd, staged a dramatic comeback in the Men's Singles final to capture the gold medal. He avenged a previous loss to Vietnam’s Giang Trinh, winning a hard-fought three-game battle 9-11, 11-4, 11-9, coming back from a 6-9 deficit in the decider. Wong Hong-kit also earned a silver medal in Men's Doubles with partner Kim Eunggwon, narrowly losing an epic three-game final (11-6, 9-11, 12-10) to Len Yang and Thomas Yu.

In a surprise turn of events in the Mixed Doubles, Robert Stirling and Aiko Yoshitomi emerged as champions, securing gold over Connie Lee and Giang Trinh with a straight-games victory of 11-1, 11-7. The success of these athletes further underscores the growing prominence of pickleball in Asia, with the PPA Tour Asia now looking ahead to its next stop, the Sansan Fukuoka Open in Japan, starting August 26, 2025.

Home Hero Wong Hong Kit Secures Dramatic Men's Singles Title at Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong, China – Hometown favorite Wong Hong Kit delivered an unforgettable performance at the Hong Kong Open 2025, clinching the Men’s Singles title on home soil on August 24. In a dramatic and emotionally charged final, Wong Hong Kit defeated Vietnam’s Giang Trinh 2-1, with scores of 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, successfully avenging a previous semifinal loss to Trinh at the Panas Malaysia Open.

The final was a close, intense battle, marked by Trinh’s efforts to move Wong Hong Kit around the court and force long rallies. However, Wong Hong Kit showcased incredible grit and resilience, staging remarkable comebacks from being 5-9 down in the first game and a crucial 6-9 deficit in the deciding game. The fervent cheers of the local crowd, shouting “jiayou,” provided the Hong Kong player with the energy needed to fight back and secure the victory.

Wong Hong Kit also competed in the Men’s Doubles final, partnering with Eunggwon Kim, but they narrowly lost to Len Yang and Thomas Yu in a three-game thriller (11-6, 9-11, 12-10), despite saving multiple match points. In the Men's Singles bronze medal match, Hoang Nam Ly recovered from an initial loss to defeat Hien Truong 2-1 (5-11, 11-7, 11-2). Wong Hong Kit’s singles victory is a major home triumph, signaling his growth as a top competitor and highlighting the rising talent in Asian pickleball.

Roos Van Reek Claims Women's Singles Gold at Hong Kong Open with Dominant Performance

Hong Kong, China – The Hong Kong Open 2025 witnessed a commanding display from the Netherlands’ Roos Van Reek, who clinched the Pro Women’s Singles title at the PPA Tour Asia event on August 24. Van Reek dominated her final match against Yu-chieh Hsieh, securing the championship in straight games with decisive scores of 11-2 and 11-3.

Van Reek's victory was characterised by her strong focus, precise shot-making, and consistent play, leaving her opponent struggling to respond. This win not only highlights Van Reek’s escalating status in international pickleball but also underscores the burgeoning depth of talent within the women’s game across Asia.

In the battle for the bronze medal, Yufei Long emerged victorious, defeating Hong Yi Wong in two close games, 12-10 and 11-7. Long's ability to perform strongly in critical moments secured her third place, further emphasising the competitive nature of the tournament. The Hong Kong Open continues to play a vital role in nurturing regional players and elevating the sport's profile in Asia.

Van Reek and Wei Secure Hong Kong Open Women's Doubles Title in Decisive Victory

Hong Kong, China – The duo of Roos Van Reek and Ting Chieh Wei delivered a dominant performance at the PPA Tour Asia Hong Kong Open 2025, capturing the Pro Women’s Doubles title on August 24. The pair secured a decisive victory in the championship match, defeating Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall and Yufei Long in straight games with scores of 11-4 and 11-3.

From the outset, Van Reek and Wei asserted their control, demonstrating strong teamwork and seamless coordination to secure the championship. Their commanding win added significant momentum to their careers and established them as a formidable force in the PPA Tour Asia series.

In the bronze medal contest, Sophia Nhi Huỳnh and Connie Lee showcased their prowess, overcoming Yu-Chieh Hsieh and Nicola Schoeman with scores of 11-7 and 11-1. Their strong showing secured third place and contributed to an exciting day of women's doubles action. The Hong Kong Open continues to be a crucial platform for highlighting rising talent and fostering competition in the region's pickleball scene.

Yu and Yang Clinch Men's Doubles Gold in Thrilling Hong Kong Open Final

Hong Kong, China – The PPA Tour Asia, Hong Kong Open 2025 culminated in a nail-biting Pro Men’s Doubles final on August 24, where Thomas Yu and Len Yang emerged as champions. They secured the crown after a close three-game battle against Eunggwon Kim and Hong Kit Wong, with scores of 11-6, 9-11, 12-10.

The championship clash was a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Yu and Yang started strong by taking the first game, but Kim and Wong fought back to win the second, setting up a tense deciding game. Ultimately, Yu and Yang maintained their composure in the crucial moments to clinch the title.

The bronze medal match saw George Wall and Joseph Wild deliver a commanding performance, earning third place with a straight-games victory over Mitchell Hargreaves and Harsh Mehta (11-5, 11-3). The Hong Kong Open 2025 successfully highlighted the increasing excitement for pickleball throughout Asia and showcased the high level of competition and rising talent, including local players, on the international stage.

Yoshitomi and Stirling Crowned Mixed Doubles Champions at Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong, China – The PPA Tour Asia, Hong Kong Open 2025 saw Aiko Yoshitomi and Robert Stirling crowned as the champions of the Pro Mixed Doubles on August 24. The dynamic duo showcased their dominance by defeating Connie Lee and Giang Trinh in straight games, with a convincing 11-1, 11-7 victory.

Yoshitomi and Stirling controlled the pace of the final match from the very beginning, delivering a powerful 11-1 win in the opening game. Despite a valiant effort from Lee and Trinh in the second game, Yoshitomi and Stirling maintained their focus to seal the match and claim the championship trophy.

In the bronze medal clash, Yufei Long and Eunggwon Kim secured third place, overcoming Xiao Yi Wang-beckvall and Armaan Bhatia in a close two-game battle, winning 11-8 and 11-9. This event underscored the global reach of pickleball and the intense competition within mixed doubles. The triumph for Yoshitomi and Stirling further enhances their growing reputation, while the performances of all medalists highlighted the rich depth of talent emerging from Asia, significantly boosting interest in the sport across the region.

Vishal Laungani Achieves Double Victory, Dominating PicklePulse 2025 in Thane

Thane, India – Vishal Laungani proved to be the undisputed star of PicklePulse 2025, held at Common Grounds in Thane, achieving a thrilling double victory in both the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles categories. Laungani’s exceptional performance culminated in a hard-fought Men’s Singles Final where he defeated Dhanvin Bhole with a score of 21–16.

The Men’s Singles final was characterised by high-intensity rallies, as Bhole pushed Laungani throughout the contest. However, Laungani's steady play and consistent execution ultimately gave him the decisive edge, thrilling the spectators. Following his triumph, Laungani attributed his success to rigorous "hours of practice, sacrifice, and belief in myself," underscoring the dedication required to reach the top.

Though Dhanvin Bhole finished as the runner-up, his unyielding fighting spirit earned significant appreciation from the crowd, ensuring the final lived up to its competitive hype. Laungani’s dual triumph at PicklePulse 2025, a PWR 50 event organised by JestX Sports, stands as a testament to his dominance and highlights the increasing strength and competitive spirit of pickleball in India.