What’s the Score?
The 2026 PPA season has erupted into action with a two-pronged attack on both coasts. The PPA Challenger Series in Punta Gorda, Florida, hosted 396 players and delivered a series of shocking upsets and emotional milestones. Simultaneously, the tour’s elite have descended upon Palm Springs for the Carvana PPA Masters, where high-stakes draws feature World No. 1 and No. 2 talents navigating a massive Round of 64.
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In Florida, the narrative was dominated by 46-year-old veteran Ewa Radzikowska, who secured women’s doubles gold with Tammy Emmrich. Following her victory, Radzikowska announced that 2026 would be her final year of professional play, vowing to “go all out with no regrets”. The Challenger event also highlighted the sport’s youth movement, as 14-year-old Camden Chaffin and partner Juan Benitez saved four match points to win the men’s doubles gold in a 13-11 thriller. Other gold medalists included Seone Mendez (Singles), George Rangelov (Singles), and the pair of Paula Rives and Christopher Crouch in mixed doubles.
As the Challenger winners celebrated, the focus shifted to the PPA Masters in Palm Springs. The draws have placed top seed Hunter Johnson and Anna Bright/James Patriquin in the spotlight, while World No. 2 Gabe Tardio debuted his new partnership with Vietnamese brand Facolos. Notable matchups include JW Johnson facing Tama Shimabukuro and Jessie Irvine taking on E. Elenga Satuala. The Masters is also the first look at new season partnerships, such as Schneemann/Daescu and the Kawamoto/Bar pairing, as they battle through a field of over 60 seeds,.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The PPA ecosystem is firing on all cylinders. By running the Challenger and Masters series back-to-back, the tour is creating a relentless “grind” that separates the truly elite from the pack. Chaffin’s comeback and Radzikowska’s retirement tour represent the two poles of the sport: a bright, youthful future and a respectful nod to the veterans who built the foundation. The 2026 season is clearly about depth, endurance, and the global expansion of gear and talent.
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.