Sydney’s Growth, Brazil’s Championship, Celebrity Events & Major Tournaments

Good morning, pickleballers!

Friday once again.

Before we get going with the pickleball news from the last 24 hours, June's World Pickleball Magazine is OUT NOW.

125 pages of pure pickleball goodness, you really should check it out - we've been told it's easily the best pickleball magazine on the market. Click on the cover below to see what is in this month's issue.

We also have the latest World Pickleball Podcast for you to enjoy.

If you want today's world pickleball news in audio, listen to the Deep Dive.

 

And if you love to read, we have all the global pickleball news for you in report form.

Sydney's SIWPC: From Humble Beginnings to 450 Members Strong – The Club Forging a Path of Inclusion & Competitive Excitement Down Under

Sydney, Australia – The Sydney Inner West Pickleball Club (SIWPC), founded in 2022 as a not-for-profit initiative, has experienced explosive growth, now boasting a membership of 450 as of May 2025, with 170 new members joining in just the past six months. This remarkable expansion is attributed to the club's core values of inclusion, acceptance, and respect, fostered by a dedicated team of passionate volunteer committee members and hosts.

SIWPC offers a diverse range of daily sessions catering to all skill levels, from Beginner plus to Super Advanced, ensuring a clear pathway for player development. The club is a pioneer in Australia, hosting the annual Rainbow Pickleball Championship tournament, which is sanctioned by Pickleball Australia, and was the first to offer Rainbow sessions specifically to encourage the LGBTQI+ community while welcoming all members.

Beyond social play, SIWPC fuels competitive spirit with its SIWPC Cup, featuring a substantial prize money pool; the inaugural January 2025 Cup offered $3500. Regular Round Robin and DUPR tournaments are incredibly popular, alongside weekly beginner classes and coaching clinics led by some of Australia’s top players. Operating across three main venues, with plans for a fourth, SIWPC is not just a club, but a thriving community where members connect through the sport.

Brazil's Pickleball Cradle: Governador Valadares Set to Host 3rd Latino Americano Championship, Welcoming 300+ Athletes and Solidifying Its Pioneering Legacy

Governador Valadares, Brazil – This city, known as the pioneering heart of pickleball in Brazil, is set to host the third edition of the Latino Americano de Pickleball on August 15, 16, and 17, 2025. Organized by the Brazilian Pickleball Association, with support from the Governador Valadares City Hall, Minas Gerais Pickleball Federation, and World Pickleball Federation, the event anticipates welcoming over 300 athletes from various states and countries.

The Brazilian Pickleball Association, headquartered in Governador Valadares, was established in 2019, following the sport's introduction to the city in 2018. This rapid development has solidified Minas Gerais' status as the pioneering state for the sport, boasting top-tier facilities. Pickleball, described as an inclusive sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is easy to learn and enjoyable for all ages and physical conditions, making it one of the most inclusive sports globally. Governador Valadares offers extensive infrastructure, including the Valadares Pickleball Clube with eight covered courts and the Sociedade Recreativa Filadélfia with five courts. The championship underscores the sport's booming popularity and Governador Valadares' crucial role in its widespread adoption across Brazil.

A-List Aces! Max's Hacks Serves Up Victory Over The Pitt in Star-Studded Roland-Garros Pickleball Paddle Royale, Featuring Tennis Legend Andy Roddick & NFL Icon Terrell Owens

Venice Beach, California – In a dazzling celebration of Roland-Garros 2025, Max hosted a star-studded celebrity pickleball event on Wednesday at Venice Beach, California. The "Pickleball Paddle Royale" pitted teams from Max Originals Hacks and The Pitt against each other, with Hacks emerging victorious in the lighthearted showdown.

Representing Hacks were Paul W. Downs and Robby Hoffman, while Katherine LaNasa and Shawn Hatosy played for The Pitt. Though The Pitt initially took an early lead, the tables turned when tennis legend Andy Roddick stepped onto the court as a substitute for Hoffman, who was a first-time pickleball player, shifting momentum in Hacks' favour. The excitement escalated further when former NFL star Terrell Owens joined the game, making it a three-on-three contest.

The event captured the elegance of Roland-Garros with a Paris-inspired setting, offering guests signature mocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and even lessons from professional pickleball players. Hosted by sports commentator Kay Adams, the Paddle Royale highlights pickleball's growing appeal among celebrities and media brands, suggesting a future ripe with more high-profile events.

MLP Drops a Bombshell: July 4th Event Relocates to NYC! Meanwhile, Mad Drops & Black Diamonds Deliver Stunning DreamBreaker Upsets at Daytona Beach

New York, USA – Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced a significant schedule shift, relocating its anticipated July 4th event from Washington, D.C., to Randall's Island Park in New York City. Hosted by the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, this move aims to capitalise on America's Independence Day excitement and introduce the rapidly expanding sport to a wider urban audience. The event promises elite matchups, fan experiences, and a festival-like atmosphere, complete with fireworks on and off the court.

Meanwhile, the MLP action is already red-hot at MLP Daytona Beach. The Los Angeles Mad Drops (6-4, 17pts) delivered a stunning upset, handing the previously undefeated St. Louis Shock (8-1, 24pts) their first loss of the 2025 season via a DreamBreaker. The Mad Drops showcased their strength, particularly with top-ten PPA Tour singles players Hunter Johnson and Quang Duong dominating the DreamBreaker segment.

Adding to the upsets, the Utah Black Diamonds (5-6, 15pts) achieved the biggest upset of the season so far, defeating the New Jersey 5s (8-3, 24pts) also in a DreamBreaker. Despite falling behind early, Utah rallied through strong mixed doubles play from Allyce Jones/Connor Garnett and Genie Erokhina/Tyler Loong, with Garnett and Loong sealing the win in the DreamBreaker. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Utah, who finished at the bottom of the Premier level in 2024.

Rota's Reballution Cup Kicks Off, Drawing Global Pros & Setting the Standard for High-Stakes Tournament Success

Rota, Spain – The highly anticipated Reballution Cup has commenced in Rota, firmly establishing itself as a pinnacle event in European pickleball. Launched in 2022 as a true success story, the tournament has experienced massive growth, pioneering expanded tournament days, a greater variety of events, and attracting participants from all over the world. Notably, the Reballution Cup is renowned for its substantial prize money, a key factor in drawing top talent.

While Rota may not be Spain's most famous tourist spot, it has become a household name for European pickleball enthusiasts, with a visit considered almost mandatory for elite players. This year's competition is no exception, boasting a loaded bracket that includes numerous players in the 40+ categories who would be strong contenders in Open divisions elsewhere. The tournament's enduring success stems from a strong collaboration between organisers, the city of Rota, and local businesses, especially hotels, creating a mutual benefit. The courts are graced by global professionals such as US pro William Sobek and top-ranked senior pro Marcello Jardim, promising exceptionally high-level play and showcasing shots rarely seen in Europe. The Reballution Cup exemplifies a new standard for high-stakes, globally attractive pickleball events.