The Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships was a resounding success.

From the pros showcasing their elite talent on the sport's biggest stage, to thousands upon thousands of amateurs enjoying the game they love, to the incredible sights and sounds along Pickleball Boulevard, PPA Worlds sets the standard for tournaments across the globe.

“This is the most special event of the year. The whole world comes together, you see everyone, you meet everyone. It really puts into perspective how big pickleball is and the growth that has happened in PPA and MLP,” said Roscoe Bellamy. “The UPA in general has done such a good job. I’ve talked to [PPA Tour Founder and CEO] Connor Pardoe a fair amount and I get to see how hard that guy’s working behind the scenes, along with the rest of his team. They’re putting so much into these events, and this is the best yet.”

Pickleballtv broadcaster Michelle McMahon is certainly in agreement there.

“It just keeps getting bigger and better. This matches what a World Championship tournament should look like,” she praised. “From Pickleball Boulevard, the organization of it, the concerts, the celebrities, even the walkouts with the players, it’s so big and grand. It’s just unmatched.”

The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown headlined by Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was a treat, of course, as was recording artist Mat Kearney's memorable performance on the FLIGHT by Yuengling Stage leading into a magical weekend of spectacular pickleball on Natures Sunshine Championship Court.

“I’ve spent most of my career in professional sports, and Worlds is the marquee pickleball event of the year. Everything about this place just screams professional,” said JOOLA's Chief Experience Officer, Gordon Kaye. “Pickleball Boulevard, the food, the atmosphere, the elite matches, this is what pickleball could and should be. It’s just incredible.”

Anna Bright shared similar thoughts about the event.

“Worlds is really amazing. It’s impressive how every single year it’s just bigger, better, and grander. We’re really feeling that this year playing on Championship Court,” she said. “The celebrity pro-am was super incredible, and you can just feel the energy walking about Pickleball Boulevard. You can really just feel the palatable excitement for pickleball. It’s really special.”

Championship Court MC, Matt Graifer, has worked hundreds of professional events, so he knows something exceptional when he sees it.

“Worlds is incredible,” he mentioned. “I’m always fascinated with how low-key and nonchalant the pros and athletes seem to be, especially at the level they’re competing at and the status that they have. You see things like Anna Leigh Waters attending the ESPYs and those are the kinds of things that are going to put a spotlight on a global scale and see the star quality.”

This also marked the 100th tournament in PPA Tour history.

The milestone was especially meaningful for Pardoe. 

“Did I ever think we were going to get here? Absolutely. I was a big believer right from the beginning. You look around and see this event that we do here, whether it was the first year or the third year, a couple of times a day you pinch yourself,” he said. “But one thing’s for sure, I didn’t think that it was going to grow this fast, this quick, so five years has been amazing.”

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