What’s the Score?
The UK pickleball scene capped off the year with the Pickledilly Circus Winter Cup 2025, a tournament that showcased the growing depth of talent in the region. Held in Milton Keynes, the event featured fierce competition across Mixed and Ladies’ Doubles categories, drawing praise for its spirited atmosphere and high standard of play.
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The tournament was divided into Advanced (3.8+) and Intermediate (3.8-) divisions, ensuring competitive balance. In the Mixed Doubles Advanced category, the gold medal was claimed by Bhavika Gajipra and Bhanu Baweja, who navigated a tough field to finish ahead of silver medalists Tuesday Thompson and Tommy Power. Ruby Kaur and Adiveer Baweja rounded out the podium with bronze.
The Ladies’ Doubles Advanced bracket saw Helene Judge and Jennie Scott take top honours, displaying excellent teamwork to secure the gold. Ruby Kaur continued her successful weekend by adding a silver medal to her collection, partnering with Julia Diana Oprea. The Intermediate divisions were equally hotly contested, with Anja Macleod and Paul Booth winning Mixed Gold, and the team of Kisicka and Maria Rita Secci triumphing in the Ladies’ Intermediate.
Organisers praised the “fantastic moments on court” and the dedication of the players, noting that the event was a celebration of the community that has formed around the Pickledilly Circus club.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Events like the Winter Cup are the lifeblood of the sport’s international growth. While pro tours grab the headlines, the sustainability of pickleball in the UK relies on well-organised, tiered tournaments that serve the 3.8+ and intermediate player bases.
The presence of multi-medalists like Ruby Kaur suggests a developing hierarchy of talent within the local circuit. As the UK scene continues to mature in 2026, clubs like Pickledilly Circus will likely serve as the incubators for the next wave of players who will eventually challenge for European titles. The “excellent standard of play” reported indicates that the ceiling for British amateur pickleball is rising rapidly.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.