What’s the Score?
The Fédération Pickleball France is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, officially opening registration for the 8th edition of the National de Pickleball France. Scheduled for the spring weekend of April 17-19, 2025, the tournament will be hosted in the southern city of Draguignan. Organisers are preparing for a massive influx of competitors, with 250 players expected to battle across 11 courts. The event promises a mix of high-level competition and festive community spirit, categorised by the organizers as three days of “play, show and passion”.
Hit it deeper!
The tournament structure has been designed to test the versatility and endurance of the participants over a gruelling three-day schedule. The action commences on Friday, April 17th, with the intensity of Singles matches for both men and ladies. This format ensures that the most physically demanding category kicks off the weekend while players are fresh.
Saturday, April 18th, shifts the focus to teamwork with Ladies’ and Men’s Doubles. The weekend culminates on Sunday, April 19th, with Mixed Doubles, a category that often draws the largest crowds due to its dynamic nature and social appeal.
A key feature of this year’s National is the setup of the venue itself. Among the 11 competition fields, the federation has designated a “central field”. This implies a move toward a more spectator-friendly experience, likely reserved for marquee matchups and finals, mimicking the “show court” atmosphere seen in professional tennis and major international pickleball events.
Players wishing to participate are being directed to the RAQT platform to secure their spots, with expectations that the 250 slots will fill quickly given the growing popularity of the sport in France.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The continuity of this event—now in its 8th edition—speaks volumes about the health of pickleball in France. While the U.S. market dominates the headlines, the Fédération Pickleball France has been quietly building a sustainable, organised ecosystem.
Hosting a national tournament with 250 players and a dedicated “central field” demonstrates that European pickleball is moving past the “recreational meetup” phase and into a structured, competitive era. The decision to hold the event in Draguignan, rather than just rotating through Paris, also shows a commitment to spreading the sport regionally. This tournament serves as a barometer for the sport’s European growth: organised, passionate, and increasingly professional.
