Competing on the PPA Tour comes with a major perk: global travel. And for many American pros, some of the most exciting stops on the calendar are the PPA Asia events.

Rising talent Jamie Wei has a particularly strong connection to that circuit.

“PPA Asia is so fun. I love playing those events,” said Wei. “I played all the tour stops last year.”

She’s also taken note of how quickly the series is evolving.

“I think what they’re doing is so impressive. They’re obviously new, but they’ve got like 10 stops this year and their events are great. They can look at PPA in the US and see what they’ve done right and change what they’ve done not so great, which is awesome,” explained Wei. “But how they’re able to get the locals involved and how they can go to so many different countries over there and navigate everything so well, it’s impressive. I’m very grateful for them. And pickleball is so big over there. It’s growing so much.”

For Wei, the connection goes beyond just enjoying the events.

Born and raised in Taiwan, she began her professional journey through the UPA Asia Trailblazers program, an initiative designed to develop top talent across the region. The program included coaching from Collin Johns and a two-year UPA Asia pro contract.

“It was a wild ride with lots of ups and downs,” noted Wei. “But I’m so grateful for the experience and what pickleball has brought into my life.”

So far this year, Wei has captured two women’s doubles gold medals at PPA Asia events alongside Long Yufei—wins that carry extra meaning for her. Although she stepped away briefly to compete in the U.S. for MLP’s Chicago Slice, she’s eager to return overseas and continue building on that success.

At the same time, a growing number of U.S.-based pros are making the trip to compete in PPA Asia events. For many, it’s more than just tournament play. They’re extending their stays to explore new cities, experience local cuisine, and cross destinations off their bucket lists.

Wei has embraced the role of tour guide, showing fellow pros like Lacy Schneemann, Tina Pisnik, and Liz Truluck around her home region. On one trip, she and Schneemann even extended their travels to Vietnam, with Wei later returning the favor by giving Schneemann a full tour of Taiwan.

“Japan is my favorite. I love all Asian food, but Japanese food is some of the best in my opinion, so of course that’s why I love it. It’s so clean there and it’s incredibly beautiful,” said Wei. “I also love Vietnam. Coming from Taiwan, the prices in Vietnam are amazing. Last year, I got my hair washed and a hair massage for $10. And I love getting my nails done there because I can get the craziest designs, full extension, and it’ll cost $20. I’m constantly asking myself, ‘Am I in heaven?’”

To read more about Wei’s pro journey, read here. And to keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.