🏆 Ace Cup Triumph in Bhopal, India
At the inaugural Ace Cup Pickleball Championship in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, rising stars dominated the courts. Aditi Matta claimed two titles in women's and mixed doubles (partnering with Utkarsh Dubey), and finished runner-up in women’s singles. Utkarsh dazzled with wins in men's singles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles.
This event involved over 100 participants and highlights pickleball's rapid growth in India, with local heroes stepping onto the international stage.
🎾 APP Great Lakes Open Set for Midland, MI
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is bringing the heat to Michigan with the inaugural Great Lakes Open, happening August 13–17, 2025 at the Greater Midland Tennis Center. With a $100K prize pool and national TV coverage, this indoor/outdoor tournament is a “Golden Ticket” event for USA Pickleball Nationals.
Amateurs and pros compete side by side, creating a truly inclusive experience for all levels of players and fans alike.
📺 PPA & MLP: League Expansion & Rankings
The PPA Tour continues to broadcast more matches and update player rankings weekly. Big names like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Catherine Parenteau are dominating the standings.
Meanwhile, Major League Pickleball (MLP) launched its 2025 season with events in Orlando and Columbus, featuring “Saturday Night Pickleball” showcases. Team power rankings are heating up, with the New Jersey 5s leading the pack.
🌍 Global Growth: Governance & International Events
Big changes are underway as the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and World Pickleball Federation (WPF) prepare to merge into one governing body by mid-June 2025. The newly unified organization will likely be headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The World Pickleball Cup is also expanding rapidly, with new qualifiers announced for Cancun and other global regions.
📌 Quick Hits & Equipment News
- Pickleball.com is now the go-to platform for real-time scores, tournament updates, and gear news.
- USA Pickleball has reinstated the ProKennex 11mm Black Ace LG paddle to its approved list.
- Lighting upgrades are being rolled out nationwide through a new partnership with Musco Sports Lighting.
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes Open | Aug 13–17, 2025 | APP event, Golden Ticket qualifier |
| PPA Tour Events | Jun 16–22 | Orange County Cup |
| MLP Weekend Showcases | Apr & May | Orlando and Columbus |
| World Pickleball Cup | Dec 2025 | Cancun regional qualifiers |
🌱 What This Means for You
- Players: Golden Ticket events give aspiring pros a chance to shine.
- Fans: Prime-time TV matches make watching more accessible and exciting.
- Industry: Unifying federations and global tournaments show long-term growth potential.
For more updates and gear reviews, check out our blog.
