Pickleball tournaments are taking the USA by storm in 2025, transforming a backyard game into a competitive spectacle that’s got everyone talking! From pro showdowns to amateur battles, the pickleball events calendar is packed with action, drawing over 142 sanctioned tournaments in 2024 alone. With 19.8 million players in 2024—a 45.8% leap from 2023—these pickleball championships are buzzing with energy. Whether you’re a player ready to swing or a fan eager to cheer, here’s your guide to the top pickleball tournaments to watch in the USA this year. Let’s serve up the excitement
Why Are Pickleball Tournaments a Big Deal?
Pickleball events are where the sport’s magic happens. The Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships alone drew 2,600 players from 47 states in 2024, generating a $3.6 million economic impact. These tournaments showcase elite talent, inspire new pickleball players, and offer prize pools as high as $225,000. From packed courts to live streams on ESPN and PickleballTV, pickleball trends 2025 are all about community, competition, and fun. Posts on X highlight the hype, with fans raving about events like the US Open in Naples. Whether you’re chasing a pickleball match or just love the vibe, these USA court sports events are unmissable.
Top Pickleball Tournaments to Watch in 2025
Ready to dive into the pickleball championships? Here are the must-see pickleball tournaments for 2025:
- Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships (November 15-23, San Diego, CA): The pinnacle of pickleball events, this tournament moves to Barnes Tennis Center in 2025, expecting over 2,600 players across junior, amateur, and pro divisions. With a star-studded lineup and live streaming on QVC+ and HSN+, it’s a showcase of USA pickleball talent. Gold medalists from Golden Ticket events earn priority registration, making it ultra-competitive.
- Minto US Open Pickleball Championships (April 26-May 3, Naples, FL): Dubbed the “Biggest Pickleball Party in the World,” this event drew 3,250 players from 31 countries in 2024. Open to all skill levels, it features a Junior Championship and pro matches on Zing Zang Championship Court. Tickets sell out fast, so check usopenpickleball.com.
- Carvana PPA Tour Events (Nationwide): The PPA Tour hosts 25 stops in 2025, from Atlanta (May 12-18) to Meridian, ID (May 30-June 1). Pros like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters dominate, with matches streamed on PickleballTV and ESPN. Check ppatour.com for the full schedule.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) Events: MLP’s team-based format is a fan favorite, with 11 events in 2024 and a new 30-court arena opening in Utah in 2025. The Orlando season opener (April 24-27) kicks off with teams like the Orlando Squeeze. Watch on PickleballTV or attend for vibrant team energy.
How to Watch or Join the Action
Can’t hit the pickleball courts? Here’s how to stay in the pickleball match:
- Stream Online: Catch pickleball tournaments on Fox Sports, ESPN, QVC+, or the PPA Tour’s YouTube channel. Follow @USAPickleball or @MajorLeaguePB on X for live updates and streaming links.
- Attend in Person: Tickets for the Nationals start at $20, while US Open tickets require a lottery (January 31-February 4). Book via usapickleballnationals.com or ppatour.com for PPA events.
- Compete Yourself: Amateur brackets welcome all levels. Register through Pickleball Den for the US Open or win a Golden Ticket at events like the APP Dallas Open (October 2024) to qualify for Nationals.
- Gear Up: Equip yourself with tournament-ready pickleball equipment from Selkirk, Amazin’ Aces, or Kona. Amazon offers deals on paddles and pickleball gear to boost your game.
The 2023 Nationals saw 2.6 million viewers on ESPN and PickleballTV, and 2025 viewership is expected to grow 200% [Ref:]. Whether you’re spectating or playing, pickleball events are a slam dunk.
The Community Behind the Tournaments
Pickleball tournaments aren’t just about competition—they’re about connection. The pickleball community thrives at events, with players bonding over shared passion. USA Pickleball Serves, the charitable arm, will host community initiatives at the 2025 Nationals, like court installations for underserved areas]. X posts show fans hyping up local events, like the Greensboro Golden Ticket tournament (May 28-June 1). From juniors to 80+ players, USA court sports bring people together, making every pickleball match a celebration.
Celebrities are jumping in too. The 2023 Nationals featured a Deep Eddy Vodka Celebrity Showdown with Dirk Nowitzki and Scottie Scheffler, drawing 3,000 fans [Ref:]. Expect more star power in 2025, adding to the pickleball trends 2025 buzz.
What’s Next for Pickleball Tournaments?
The future of pickleball tournaments is bright. With the sport eyeing Olympic inclusion, new venues like the Utah MLP arena are elevating USA pickleball. The pickleball market is projected to hit $9.1 billion by 2034, driven by tournament growth and infrastructure. Innovations like UTR Pickleball Ratings (UTR-P) are making competitions fairer, with ratings for all players. As pickleball championships expand, 2025 is the year to jump into the action—whether you’re watching, playing, or cheering from the sidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the biggest pickleball tournaments in 2025?
The Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships (San Diego, November) and Minto US Open Pickleball Championships (Naples, April-May) are the top pickleball events, alongside PPA Tour and MLP events nationwide.
2. How can I qualify for the Biofreeze National Championships?
Win a gold medal at a Golden Ticket tournament, like the APP Dallas Open, to earn priority registration for the 2025 Nationals. Check usapickleball.org for events.
3. Where can I watch pickleball tournaments online?
Stream pickleball matches on Fox Sports, ESPN, QVC+, HSN+, or PickleballTV. The PPA Tour’s YouTube channel also broadcasts select event.
4. Are pickleball tournaments open to amateurs?
Yes! Events like the US Open and Nationals offer amateur brackets for all skill levels. Register via Pickleball Den or qualify through Golden Ticket events.
5. How much are tickets for pickleball tournaments?
Tickets start at $20 for the Nationals, while US Open tickets require a lottery. PPA Tour events offer grounds passes and championship court tickets.
Your Turn!
Which 2025 pickleball tournament are you most pumped for? Are you hitting the pickleball courts or cheering from the stands? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your plans on social media with #Pickleball2025. Let’s keep the pickleball community buzzing!