What’s better than hanging out at your local pickleball court with your friends or teammates?
How about taking in – or even participating in – a tournament with hundreds of other pickleball fans?
Pickleball tournaments can be a haven for passionate players. They offer an up close and personal view of talented pickleball players, a peek at some of the best pickleball facilities in the world, and a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Whether you’re attending a professional tournament or entering one yourself, attending a tournament is a great way to meet other pickleball players, pick up some high-level pointers, and spend some time enjoying your favorite game.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite tournaments to attend or play in throughout the year. Grab your calendar and make note of these events for your next pickleball adventure.
PPA Tour: The Masters in January
Is your New Year’s Resolution to watch more pickleball? The Masters is here to help! Kick off the year with a pickleball vacation to the Professional Pickleball Association’s first Slam of the calendar year. The tournament, held in the Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage area, requires all players to wear white, making it unique among the other events on this list.
Spectators can watch the pros compete in men’s and women’s doubles and singles, as well as mixed doubles. After experiencing a professional tournament, you’ll be eager to follow more tour events. Other PPA Slam events include the Vizzy Atlanta Open in May, the CIBC Atlanta Slam in September, and the Lapiplasty UPA World Championship in Texas in November.
The Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships, April
This annual event in Naples, Florida (a.k.a. The Pickleball Capital of the World) is a must-visit for any pickleball fan. It’s open to all players, and you can earn a spot by entering the US Open Registration Lottery.
You can play doubles, mixed doubles, or singles. Players are divided by skill level, including junior, amateur, pro, and senior pro. If you win a spot, enjoy the feel of playing at East Naples Community, which has 60 courts and an incredible championship court.
If you find yourself on the sidelines instead of the court, grab a drink at the beer garden and listen to music from local artists, then head to the stands to watch the action.
Advil Targeted Relief MLP Mid-Season Tournament in July
Forget the MLB. In mid-summer, it’s all about Major League Pickleball. MLP hosted its inaugural mid-season tournament in late July in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The free event features all 22 MLP teams, providing a rapid introduction to the faces and storylines that keep professional team pickleball interesting!
This year, the tournament ran alongside the Beer City Open, which allows amateur players to secure a spot in the field through a lottery system.
USA National Pickleball Championships in November
As your pickleball game improves, set your sites on eventually earning a spot in the National Pickleball Championships. Hosted by USA Pickleball, this national tournament features the cream of the pickleball crop. This year, the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships will be held at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona.
There are professional and amateur brackets. Amateurs can earn a spot by winning gold at a Golden Ticket Tournament. Silver and bronze medalists also have an opportunity to register. Open lottery registration is available after golden tickets and silver and bronze medalists have had the chance to secure their spots.
APP Tour Majors in Miami, New York City, Southern California, and Fort Lauderdale, year-round
The Association of Professional Pickleball Players hosts tournaments throughout the country, including four majors in regions across the country. The 2024 schedule included majors in Miami in March, New York City in May, and Southern California in June. The final major of the year will take place in Fort Lauderdale in December.
These tournaments, which take place in desirable vacation locations at some of the largest facilities in the world, are great options for pickleball players looking for a fun trip that lets them watch professional-level pickleball.
Which Trip is On Your Pickleball Bucket List?
Attending or competing in a large tournament should be on every pickleball player’s bucket list. It’s a chance to play alongside pickleball pros, watch the sport at its highest level, and explore some of the most exciting travel destinations in the country.
Whether you’re hoping to earn a spot in a prestigious tournament or take a fun-filled trip with your pickleball-loving family or friends, these tournaments provide plenty of excitement and plenty of pickleball matches to watch! Which pickleball tournament from this list is on your bucket list?
