In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont and co-host Gordon Watson break down another fascinating week across the global pickleball landscape, from emerging tours in Asia to major industry developments.

The conversation opens with discussion around the D-Joy Tour and the rapid rise of pickleball in Vietnam, including insights from recent conversations with top European player Ben Cawston and the significance of Vietnam being announced as a future host of the Pickleball World Cup. Chris and Gordon explore what this means for the sport’s expansion into Southeast Asia and how new markets are accelerating pickleball’s global reach.

Attention then turns to the UK, where English Open registrations are set to open, sparking a wider discussion around the increasing cost of entering pickleball tournaments and what that means for accessibility, participation, and the long-term health of the competitive scene.

The episode also highlights one of the more unique growth stories in North America, with churches in Quebec being converted into indoor pickleball facilities, reflecting the ongoing demand for court space and the creative solutions emerging to meet it.

Finally, Chris and Gordon address a significant industry development, discussing Gamma filing for bankruptcy and what the news could signal for the pickleball equipment market, brand competition, and the broader business landscape of the sport.

From grassroots innovation to global expansion and industry shake-ups, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s continued growth worldwide.

Topics covered include:

• D-Joy Tour and pickleball growth in Vietnam
• Vietnam announced as a future Pickleball World Cup host
• English Open registrations and tournament entry costs
• Quebec churches converted into pickleball facilities
• Gamma bankruptcy and its impact on the industry

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball around the world.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with one of the most dominant forces in global pickleball right now: Ben Cawston, the RTA European No. 1 in Men’s Doubles, reigning European Champion, and one of the fastest-rising players in the sport.

At just 23 years old, Ben has already built a remarkable sporting résumé. A former World No. 1 in rackets and the youngest Rackets World Champion in over a century, he transitioned into pickleball in 2023 and has since taken complete control of the European scene. Alongside his partner Théo Platel, he remains unbeaten in Europe, with 17 European Pro gold medals and a record-leading 5.807 DUPR rating, the highest of any player competing on the continent.

In this conversation, Ben breaks down his dominant 2026 season, including recent gold medal performances in Vienna, Rome, and Barcelona, and explains the tactical chemistry behind his unstoppable partnership. He also reflects on his unique sporting background, from tracking 185mph rackets shots to becoming one of the most feared players at the pickleball kitchen line.

The discussion then expands to the global stage. Ben shares insights from competing on the PPA Tour, his experience in PPA Asia, and his role as a star international player in the World Pickleball League. He also analyses his narrow loss to top American pros at the Hangzhou Open, offering a clear view of how close Europe’s best are to breaking through at the highest level.

From European dominance to global ambition, this episode provides a rare look at one of the sport’s most fascinating crossover athletes and what the future of international pickleball may look like.

Topics covered include:

• Ben Cawston’s dominance in European pickleball
• Partnership success with Théo Platel
• RTA rankings and DUPR performance metrics
• Transition from rackets world champion to pickleball pro
• Competing on the PPA Tour and PPA Asia
• World Pickleball League and global expansion
• Tactical insights into elite doubles play

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and innovators shaping pickleball worldwide.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont and co-host Gordon Watson break down a packed week across the global pickleball scene, covering tour action, international developments, and one particularly heated debate.

The episode opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on, before diving straight into the latest professional action. Gordon shares insight from the PPA Sydney event, analysing standout performances and what the results mean for the APAC region. The discussion then shifts to the PPA Texas Open, where extreme wind conditions, triple crown success, and unpredictable matches created one of the most talked-about events of the season.

A major talking point follows, as Chris reacts strongly to a proposal suggesting that top PPA doubles pairs should be split up to create a more competitive field. The debate explores competitive balance, player dynamics, and what makes elite pickleball compelling to watch.

Beyond the pro tours, the episode expands into the international game. Chris and Gordon cover developments from WPC Asia, the opening of bidding for the Pan American Pickleball Games, and the continued growth of infrastructure with a new dedicated pickleball centre in Auckland.

The conversation also looks ahead to major global events, including confirmed dates and host city speculation for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup, as well as the evolving structure of the Caribbean Championships, which are adopting a World Cup-style format.

From tour-level drama to global expansion, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s rapid growth worldwide.

Topics covered include:

• PPA Sydney and APAC tour developments
• PPA Texas Open and extreme playing conditions
• Debate over splitting top PPA doubles pairs
• WPC Asia updates
• Pan American Pickleball Games bidding process
• Auckland’s dedicated pickleball facility
• 2026 Pickleball World Cup planning
• Caribbean Championships format changes

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball around the world.