Professional Competition Results: Champions of 2024
Each division of the tournament featured top-tier talent, with players battling for the coveted title of PPA Tour champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Men’s Singles: Federico Staksrud took home the Men’s Singles championship title, defeating a determined Michael Loyd in a match that was both powerful and precise. Staksrud's court coverage and relentless focus made him a fan favorite throughout the week, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s most dynamic players.
Women’s Singles: Anna Leigh Waters once again proved why she is considered one of the leading forces in women’s pickleball. Facing off against Kate Fahey, Waters demonstrated her sharp tactical abilities and signature backhand, securing her place as the Women’s Singles champion. Her performance at this event only adds to her already impressive record on the PPA Tour.
Men’s Doubles: The Men’s Doubles title was claimed by the dynamic duo of Riley Newman and Hayden Patriquin. Their synchronization and impressive volley exchanges dazzled audiences, and their victory further establishes them as one of the strongest doubles teams in the sport.
Women’s Doubles: Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright emerged as the Women’s Doubles champions, showcasing incredible teamwork and resilience as they defeated some of the sport’s toughest competitors. The duo’s ability to adapt their strategy mid-game and deliver powerful returns kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Mixed Doubles: Teaming up with the talented Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters was unstoppable in Mixed Doubles. Their shared experience and seamless communication on the court helped them secure the Mixed Doubles title, solidifying Waters’ reputation as an exceptional all-around player and further building Ben Johns’ legacy as one of pickleball’s greatest.
These champions not only left Dallas with titles but also solidified their places as stars of the sport. Each game drew large crowds, with fans cheering for their favorite players and witnessing the high level of athleticism that is propelling pickleball onto the national stage.
Deep Eddy Vodka Celebrity Pickleball Showdown
The Deep Eddy Vodka Celebrity Pickleball Showdown added an extra layer of excitement to the week, bringing out big names from the sports and entertainment worlds to show off their pickleball skills. Held on November 7, the event attracted sports legends and brought even more spectators to Brookhaven Country Club, where the crowd got a front-row view of NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, NFL’s former quarterback Tony Romo, and a variety of other celebrities and athletes.
Dirk Nowitzki, known for his towering presence on the basketball court, adapted surprisingly well to the pickleball court, thrilling fans with his competitive spirit and unexpected skill. Romo, a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, didn’t disappoint either. Known for his agility, he delivered an impressive performance and kept the crowd energized with his witty commentary and friendly banter with Nowitzki and other players.
The Celebrity Showdown was a huge hit with fans and served as a testament to the growing appeal of pickleball among athletes from various sports. Events like this help draw attention to the sport, bring in new fans, and show just how accessible and fun pickleball can be for players of all levels.
A Platform for Amateurs: Thousands Compete in the Amateur Brackets
One of the most unique aspects of the Lapiplasty® Pickleball World Championships was its accessibility to amateur players. Over 300 brackets allowed for a broad range of skill levels, providing thousands of amateurs with the opportunity to compete in the same venue as their professional heroes. For these amateur players, competing at Brookhaven alongside pros in one of pickleball’s biggest tournaments was a dream come true. Pickle for Pay was thrilled to engage with some of these amateurs, hearing about their personal journeys in pickleball and the excitement of being part of a major event.
The amateur segment of the championships highlights pickleball's inclusivity and the sport’s appeal to players of all ages and backgrounds. Many amateur participants mentioned that they had discovered pickleball only recently, underscoring the rapid growth and popularity of the game across the United States.
Engaging Fan Experiences and Record Viewership
Throughout the week, fans had opportunities to immerse themselves in pickleball culture on the grounds of Brookhaven. The event offered live music, food vendors, a shopping area along Pickleball Boulevard, and interactive experiences that allowed fans to try out paddles, meet players, and even join clinics. The energy was infectious, with people sharing their favorite moments, cheering for close matches, and joining in spontaneous pickleball games around the venue.
The PPA also reported record viewership for their broadcasts, with matches airing on ESPN and the Tennis Channel. The Deep Eddy Vodka Celebrity Pickleball Showdown attracted the highest-ever viewership for a PPA Tour event on ESPN, with an audience of over 390,000 tuning in to see the action. The increasing media presence reflects pickleball’s explosive growth and the PPA Tour’s success in promoting it to a mainstream audience.
Reflecting on a Memorable Week with the Pickle for Pay Team
Attending the Lapiplasty® Pickleball World Championships was a memorable experience for the Pickle for Pay team, who connected with fans, pros, and fellow supporters of pickleball from around the country. Seth Bloom, a driving force in our mission to promote pickleball, engaged with the pickleball community to better understand what fans and players hope to see as the sport grows. Whether it was discussions with pros on potential rule changes or conversations with fans about favorite match highlights, the event allowed us to deepen our ties with the pickleball community and share insights on how Pickle for Pay can continue contributing to the sport’s future.
For the team, being part of such a grand celebration of pickleball was inspiring and reinforced our commitment to helping the sport reach even greater heights. We are excited to bring back fresh ideas to help fuel pickleball’s growth and to continue supporting the community that makes this sport so unique.
The Future of Pickleball Is Brighter Than Ever
The Lapiplasty® Pickleball World Championships underscored the immense potential of pickleball, not only as a competitive sport but as a community that brings together people from all walks of life. Events like these are key to pickleball’s rapid growth, inspiring players and fans alike to participate in and promote this dynamic game. With exciting matches, celebrity participation, record-breaking viewership, and engaging fan experiences, it’s clear that the future of pickleball is promising.
The Pickle for Pay team is already looking forward to the next major event and will continue working to promote the game we love. From all of us, thank you to the PPA Tour, Brookhaven Country Club, and the entire pickleball community for making this event such an unforgettable experience.