2025 Major Tournament Calendar
Here are the can't-miss tournaments of 2025. These are the events where Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and all the top pros will be competing for massive prize pools. Mark your calendar.
| Event | Dates | Location | Prize Pool | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPA Desert Ridge Open | Jan 9-12 | Phoenix, AZ | $150,000 | Pro |
| APP Atlanta Metro Open | Jan 24-26 | Atlanta, GA | $125,000 | Pro |
| PPA Newport Beach Shootout | Feb 13-16 | Newport Beach, CA | $200,000 | Pro |
| APP Texas Open | Mar 6-9 | Austin, TX | $175,000 | Pro |
| PPA Miami Open | Mar 27-30 | Miami, FL | $225,000 | Pro |
| USA Pickleball Nationals | Apr 17-20 | Indian Wells, CA | $300,000 | Pro/Amateur |
| APP New York City Open | May 15-18 | New York, NY | $250,000 | Pro |
| PPA North Carolina Open | Jun 5-8 | Charlotte, NC | $150,000 | Pro |
| Tournament of Champions | Jul 10-13 | Orlando, FL | $400,000 | Pro |
| US Open Pickleball | Oct 16-19 | Naples, FL | $500,000+ | Pro/Amateur |
| APP Tour Championships | Nov 6-9 | TBD | $300,000 | Pro |
| PPA Tour Finals | Dec 11-14 | Las Vegas, NV | $350,000 | Pro |
Professional Tours: PPA vs APP
The two major professional tours - PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) and APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) - are locked in an arms race for dominance. Both are throwing money at prize pools, signing exclusive player contracts, and competing for TV deals.
PPA Tour: The Heavyweight
The PPA is currently the bigger name, largely because they signed Ben Johns and several other top players to exclusivity deals. Their 2025 season features 20+ tour stops with total prize money exceeding $5 million.
Why the PPA matters: They have the biggest names, the highest prize pools, and the best television coverage (CBS Sports, ESPN+). If you're watching pickleball on TV, it's probably a PPA event.
Their signature event, the PPA Tour Finals in Las Vegas, is essentially the championship of professional pickleball. The top 16 players from the year compete for $350,000 and ultimate bragging rights.
APP Tour: The Challenger
The APP is scrappier but growing fast. They focus on more amateur-friendly "open" tournaments where anyone can register and compete alongside the pros (in separate divisions, obviously).
Why the APP matters: If you want to play in a real tournament with pros on-site, APP events are more accessible. They also feature some top players who didn't sign PPA exclusivity deals.
The APP's crown jewel is the APP Tour Championships, which brings together their top performers for a season-ending showdown.
Which Tour is Better?
For watching? PPA has the edge - more star power, bigger production value. For playing? APP is more beginner-friendly with open divisions. Honestly, both are great. The competition between them is making both tours better and pushing prize money higher every year.
The Major Championships: Pickleball's Grand Slams
Pickleball doesn't have "Grand Slams" officially, but certain tournaments carry extra prestige. Win one of these, and you're pickleball royalty.
US Open Pickleball Championships (Naples, FL - October)
This is the big one. The US Open in Naples is to pickleball what Wimbledon is to tennis. Over 3,000 players compete across dozens of divisions, from 19-and-under juniors to 80+ seniors, from 2.5 skill level beginners to open pro divisions.
Prize pool: $500,000+ (and growing every year).Why it's special: The venue is incredible - custom-built pickleball stadium complex. The atmosphere is electric. And if you win gold at the US Open, that's your legacy cemented.
I've attended twice, and it's a pilgrimage every serious player should make at least once. You'll see legends, rising stars, and fellow addicts from all 50 states.
USA Pickleball National Championships (Indian Wells, CA - April)
Hosted at the same Indian Wells Tennis Garden that hosts a major ATP/WTA event, this tournament has serious prestige. It's sanctioned by USA Pickleball (the sport's governing body), which gives it official weight.
What makes it unique: This tournament crowns national champions in age and skill divisions recognized by USA Pickleball. Win here, and you can legitimately call yourself a national champion.
Tournament of Champions (Orlando, FL - July)
The TOC is invite-only for the top-ranked players in the world. Think of it as pickleball's all-star game, except they're actually competing for $400,000.
Why it rocks: Only the best of the best qualify. The format is unique - modified to maximize entertainment. It's also held indoors with stadium seating, making it a spectacle.
Amateur & Regional Tournaments
Want to compete but not ready for the pros? There are thousands of amateur tournaments every year.
How to Find Local Tournaments
Check these resources:
- Pickleballtournaments.com: The master calendar. Filter by state, skill level, and date.
- USA Pickleball sanctioned events: Official tournaments that count toward your UTPR rating.
- Facebook groups: Most regions have local pickleball groups posting tournament info.
- Your local club: Many clubs host weekend round-robins and mini-tournaments.
What to Expect: Entry Fees and Skill Ratings
Amateur tournaments typically charge $30-$80 per event (you can register for multiple divisions like men's doubles, mixed doubles, etc.). Prize packages are usually medals, trophies, or pickleball gear - not cash.
Skill ratings: Most tournaments divide players by skill (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+). Be honest about your level. Sandbagging (playing down a level to win easily) is frowned upon and will get you kicked out.
How to Watch Pickleball Tournaments
Live pickleball is surprisingly addictive to watch. Here's how to tune in:
YouTube: The Free Option
Most major tournaments stream matches live on YouTube for free:
- PPA Tour YouTube: Live streams of championship matches
- APP Tour YouTube: Full tournament coverage
- The Dink YouTube: Highlights, recaps, player interviews
PickleballTV: The Netflix of Pickleball
For $12.99/month, you get every major tournament live and on-demand, plus original shows, player documentaries, and instructional content. If you're serious about following the pro scene, it's worth it.
ESPN+ and CBS Sports
Major events are increasingly broadcast on mainstream sports networks. The PPA has a deal with CBS Sports Network, and ESPN+ streams select tournaments.
Attending Tournaments in Person: What to Expect
I've been to a dozen tournaments, and every one has been a blast. Here's what you need to know.
Tickets and Entry
Most tournaments are free to spectate. Yes, free. Just show up. Some bigger events (like the US Open) charge $10-$20 for premium seating or championship Sunday, but general admission is usually open.
Player Meet & Greets
Unlike tennis or golf, pickleball pros are incredibly accessible. You can walk up to Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters between matches, get a photo, and have them sign your paddle. It's surreal how approachable everyone is.
Vendor Villages
Every major tournament has a vendor area where companies demo their latest paddles, shoes, and gear. You can test before you buy, which is huge. I've bought half my paddles this way.
Pro Clinics
Many tournaments offer paid clinics where you can hit with pros for 1-2 hours. Prices range from $50-$150. Worth every penny if you're serious about improving.
Top Tournaments by Category
Not all tournaments are created equal. Here's my breakdown of the best events by what you're looking for.
| Category | Best Tournament | Why Attend |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Prize Money | US Open Pickleball | $500K+ total purse, biggest payouts in the sport |
| Best Atmosphere | PPA Tour Finals (Las Vegas) | Vegas energy, stadium setting, championship drama |
| Most Accessible Location | APP NYC Open | Manhattan location, public transit access, tourist destination |
| Best for Amateurs | USA Pickleball Nationals | Dozens of age/skill divisions, everyone can compete |
| Best Spectator Experience | Tournament of Champions | Indoor stadium, close-up viewing, top-16 players only |
| Best Weather | PPA Newport Beach Shootout | Southern California in February = perfection |
Gear Up for Tournament Season
Whether you're competing or spectating, having quality gear makes a difference. Check out our Ultimate Paddle Buying Guide to find the perfect paddle, or browse our equipment reviews for tournament-ready gear.
Conclusion: The Best Year Ever for Pickleball Tournaments
2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year in pickleball history. Prize pools are skyrocketing, venues are selling out, and the level of play keeps getting better. Whether you watch online, attend live, or compete yourself, there's never been a better time to be a pickleball fan.
My personal must-watch list for 2025:
- US Open (October) - The crown jewel, non-negotiable
- Tournament of Champions (July) - Best-of-the-best showcase
- PPA Tour Finals (December) - Vegas drama, championship stakes
Mark your calendar, book your travel, and get ready for an incredible year of pickleball. See you at the courts.