Top Pro Pickleball Tournaments To Watch: The Ultimate Guide

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports, is captivating audiences with its fast-paced rallies, a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and an expanding roster of professional tournaments. 

As the sport’s popularity grows, several top-tier tournaments are emerging as must-watch events for pickleball enthusiasts. Here are the top professional pickleball tournaments to keep on your radar in 2024.

1. The Carvana PPA Tour

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour is the premier series of pickleball tournaments, attracting the top players in the sport from across the globe. Also, the PPA Tour hosts over 25 events annually, with a mix of singles and doubles play for men and women. 

These tournaments offer high-stakes prize money and the chance for players to earn crucial ranking points, making them a favorite among professionals and fans alike.

Some of the most anticipated events in the 2024 season include:

PPA Masters

Known for being one of the most prestigious pickleball events, the PPA Masters typically sees the top names in pickleball battle it out for a significant prize purse. The tournament showcases world-class talent and nail-biting matches.

PPA Championships

Held annually, the PPA Championships is one of the largest events on the tour, featuring high-level competition across multiple categories, including men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

Each tournament on the PPA Tour is broadcast live, allowing fans from around the world to catch all the action as it unfolds. You can expect thrilling matches, especially during later rounds when top-seeded players face off against each other​. 

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2. Major League Pickleball (MLP)

Major League Pickleball is a team-based professional pickleball league, that brings a new and exciting format to the sport. 

Instead of individual play, teams of four (two men and two women) compete in a series of mixed doubles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and singles matches. The unique format, combined with high-profile team owners and star athletes, makes MLP events highly entertaining and dynamic.

Some of the standout events for 2024 include:

MLP Kansas City

One of the marquee stops on the MLP calendar, this event attracts top teams and is known for intense, high-energy matches. The mix of team play adds a different layer of strategy and excitement.

MLP Las Vegas

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, MLP Las Vegas offers both great competition and fan-friendly events. The setting in Las Vegas adds a level of glitz and glamour, making it a popular stop on the tour.

MLP’s emphasis on team play and its fast-paced, point-by-point format ensures that every match is a must-watch. 

3. USA Pickleball National Championships

As one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in pickleball, the USA Pickleball National Championships are a must-watch for any fan of the sport. 

Held annually at the renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, this event gathers top talent from the United States and around the world.

In 2024, the Nationals are expected to bring even more competition, especially as pickleball’s popularity continues to soar. Players compete in various divisions, including professional, amateur, and senior categories, showcasing a wide array of talent.

The event’s highlights include:

Pro Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals

These matches are always a showcase of incredible athleticism, featuring intense rallies and sharp net play. The singles finals draw huge crowds, with fans eagerly watching as top pros vie for the coveted championship title.

Mixed Doubles Finals

One of the most exciting divisions, mixed doubles matches often feature dynamic teamwork and electrifying exchanges.

With thousands of participants and spectators, the USA Pickleball Nationals is not just a tournament but a celebration of the sport. The event is broadcast live and provides ample opportunity for fans to interact with their favorite players​. 

4. APP Tour (Association of Pickleball Professionals)

The APP Tour is another major professional pickleball series, offering players of all levels a chance to compete on a national stage. In addition, the tour features over 30 events, including pro, amateur, and senior divisions, ensuring that the entire pickleball community is represented.

Some of the key events in the 2024 APP Tour include:

APP Mesa Open

Known for its intense competition, the Mesa Open is one of the tour’s premier events, attracting top-tier talent and offering significant prize money.

APP New York City Open

Hosted in the heart of New York, this event brings together some of the best players in the sport for a week of competitive play. The urban setting adds a unique element to the tournament, making it a fan favorite.

The APP Tour provides live streaming of its major events, allowing fans to follow the action from anywhere. 

5. Pickleball Slam

The Pickleball Slam is an exhibition-style tournament featuring some of the biggest names in sports, often from outside the pickleball world. Held in high-profile venues, these events bring a mix of entertainment and serious competition.

In 2023, tennis legends like Andre Agassi and John McEnroe participated in the Pickleball Slam, attracting significant media attention. With its mix of celebrity appeal and competitive play, the Pickleball Slam is an exciting event that pickleball fans won’t want to miss in 2024.

While the Pickleball Slam may not carry the ranking points of traditional tournaments, its entertainment value and star power make it a must-watch event for anyone interested in pickleball​. 

6. The Tournament of Champions

The Tournament of Champions is another must-watch event for pickleball fans, offering a high level of competition and a prestigious title. As one of the sport’s “majors,” the Tournament of Champions features top-ranked players competing for one of the biggest prize purses in pickleball.

Held in Brigham City, Utah, this tournament stands out for its competitive field and its importance in the pickleball calendar. Players must qualify for the event, ensuring that only the best of the best take the court.

The combination of high stakes and a top-notch playing field ensures that every match at the Tournament of Champions is worth watching. 

7. International Pickleball Open

As the sport expands beyond North America, international tournaments like this one are becoming increasingly important in determining the global pickleball rankings.

Held in various locations across the world, the International Pickleball Open features both singles and doubles play, with divisions for professionals and amateurs. 

In 2024, the International Pickleball Open is expected to continue drawing a strong international field. This makes it one of the top tournaments to watch for fans interested in the global growth of the sport​. 

Must Watch Pro Pickleball Tournaments

With its rapidly growing popularity, pickleball has become a sport that attracts both amateur enthusiasts and professional athletes. The range of professional tournaments in 2024 offers something for every fan, from high-stakes championship events to team-based competitions and international matchups. 

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