The Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA) kicked off its 2024 season with an exhilarating Championship Event held on September 19th, drawing record crowds and showcasing thrilling pickleball action. The South East Asia Surge made history by clinching victory in Event One, triumphing over the highly-rated Fast Fours in an intense 3-1 final on the Gold Coast. The Surge displayed exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament, overcoming the formidable Western Vipers in the semifinals, thanks to standout performances from international star Shelby Bates and rising talent Emilia Schmidt. In the final, the Surge's strong start in women's doubles laid the groundwork for their success, despite an initial loss in men's doubles. They ultimately secured the championship by winning both mixed doubles matches. Surge captain Pei Chuan Kao praised her team's determination and focus, noting their belief in one another despite the tough competition. The MLPA, in partnership with the Pickleball Australia Association, is set to elevate the sport further in 2024 with a lineup of six events and a substantial $700,000 prize purse. Plans for 2025 promise an even more competitive season with over $1 million in prize money across multiple event tiers.

The DUPR Collegiate Florida Super Regional, held on September 21-22 in Port St. Lucie, featured 22 teams and 88 student-athletes. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) emerged as champions, becoming the first repeat winners in collegiate tournament history. They dominated the finals against the University of Florida (UF), showcasing their potential as a powerhouse in collegiate pickleball. The tournament also saw teams like Florida State University and the University of Miami earning bids for the upcoming National Championship. The excitement continues with the Virginia Beach Super Regional starting September 28, featuring 17 schools and 35 teams.

Meet Noe Khlif, the newest member of Miami Pickleball Club! Hailing from France, Noe shares his inspiring journey from discovering pickleball in a Chicago gym to competing at the professional level, including being drafted into Major League Pickleball. While balancing a full-time auditing job, he's passionate about the sport's social vibe and looks forward to furthering his career. With aspirations to win major titles, Noe is excited about the growth of pickleball and ready to shape his future in the sport.

Dominate your next pickleball tournament with our proven training strategy. Many players struggle with fatigue and inconsistent performance during the tournament season, which leads to early losses and frustration. The physical and mental demands of multiple matches can be overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can maintain peak performance throughout the season. Our partners at AIM7 have built a step-by-step plan to boost your tournament success. Learn how to build stamina, optimize your weekly schedule, and recover effectively. They also created a weekly training calendar so you can start winning more matches today.