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.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down another busy week across the global pickleball landscape.

The show opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth of World Pickleball Magazine and its expanding global coverage of the sport.

From there, the hosts dive into the biggest stories on the professional circuit. The discussion begins with the PPA Tour action from the Newport Beach Open, analysing the key performances and storylines from one of the tour’s major early-season stops. The Professional Pickleball Association calendar continues to expand globally with events across North America, Asia and Australia.

Chris and Gordon also touch on the PPA Asia expansion, including the upcoming Hanoi Cup in Vietnam where top stars like Anna Leigh Waters are expected to headline the tour’s growing international presence.

The conversation then shifts to the business side of the sport, including tennis star Nick Kyrgios increasing his involvement in pickleball through investment and partnership with the rapidly expanding pickleball club operator The Picklr, highlighting the sport’s accelerating commercial momentum.

The episode also highlights grassroots innovation, including a hybrid inclusive pickleball tournament in the UK, demonstrating how the sport continues to evolve through new formats designed to bring different levels and communities together on court.

Finally, Chris previews key upcoming events on the international calendar, including details around the English Open Pickleball Championships, before finishing with a look inside the latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine.

Whether you follow the professional tours, the business of pickleball, or the sport’s growing grassroots movement, this episode connects the biggest developments shaping the global pickleball scene.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• PPA Tour action and results from the Newport Beach Open
• Expansion of the PPA Tour into Asia
• Nick Kyrgios’ increasing investment in pickleball
• Innovative hybrid pickleball tournaments in the UK
• English Open Pickleball Championships updates
• The latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and conversations with the players, coaches and leaders driving pickleball’s global rise.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with Jack Munro, the #1 ranked male player on the APP Tour, to discuss his rise to the top of professional pickleball.

Jack shares the story behind his journey through the competitive ranks, detailing the training, mindset, and strategic evolution that helped him reach the number one position on the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour. From early breakthroughs to navigating the pressure that comes with being the player everyone is chasing, this conversation offers rare insight into life at the top of the professional game.

Chris and Jack also explore the current state of the APP Tour, the level of competition across the professional circuit, and how the global growth of pickleball is shaping opportunities for elite players. The discussion includes Jack’s approach to singles and doubles strategy, maintaining consistency across tournaments, and what it takes to stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Whether you follow the APP Tour closely or want to understand what it takes to become the world’s top-ranked pickleball player, this episode delivers an inside look at elite performance and the future of professional pickleball.

Topics covered include:

• Jack Munro’s journey to #1 on the APP Tour
• Training, mindset, and elite player preparation
• The current state of the APP professional circuit
• Strategies for staying at the top of the rankings
• The future of professional pickleball

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping pickleball around the world.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with one of the breakout stories of the season: Matthew Barlow, the 72nd seed at the PPA Mesa Cup who stunned the draw by advancing all the way to the men’s singles semi-finals.

Matthew shares the inside story of his remarkable run, detailing the matches, mindset shifts, and tactical adjustments that carried him deep into one of the most competitive events on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. From underdog status to centre-court spotlight, this conversation explores what it takes to compete against top-ranked professionals when expectations are low and pressure is high.

Chris and Matthew also discuss preparation at the elite level, the mental resilience required to win back-to-back upsets, and what this breakthrough result means for Matthew’s future on the PPA Tour.

Whether you follow professional pickleball rankings, love an underdog story, or want insight into high-performance singles strategy, this episode delivers a compelling look at one of the standout performances from the PPA Mesa Cup.

Topics covered include:

• Matthew Barlow’s semi-final run at the PPA Mesa Cup
• Upset victories and tactical adjustments in men’s singles
• Mental resilience in professional pickleball
• What a deep tournament run means for rankings and career momentum

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

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down a packed weekend across the global pickleball landscape.

The discussion opens with full analysis of the PPA Mesa Cup, including key results, standout performances, and what the tournament means for rankings and momentum on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. Chris and Gordon examine the evolving competitive picture as the season gathers pace.

The episode also celebrates Gordon’s success on the Queensland Pickleball Tour, offering insight into the growing strength of the Australian scene and what regional tours are doing to elevate player standards across the Asia-Pacific region.

Off the court, the hosts explore a significant development for collegiate pickleball: the NCPA securing a broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV. The move signals another step forward for media exposure, commercial growth, and the sport’s expanding presence on major streaming platforms.

From professional tour action to grassroots and collegiate expansion, this episode connects the dots across the sport’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Topics covered include:

• PPA Mesa Cup results and analysis
• Professional Pickleball Association tour developments
• Queensland Pickleball Tour highlights
• NCPA broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV
• The growth of collegiate and international pickleball

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news, analysis, and conversation from across the world of pickleball.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with Estee Widdershoven, the first Belgian player to be signed to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour—a landmark moment for Belgian and European pickleball.

Estee shares her journey from discovering pickleball to reaching the professional ranks, offering insight into the training, mindset, and sacrifices required to compete on the world stage. The conversation explores what her PPA signing means for the growth of pickleball in Belgium and across Europe, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing international players entering the American-dominated professional circuit.

Chris and Estee also discuss the evolving global pathway in pickleball, the rising standard of European competition, and how breakthrough moments like this can inspire the next generation of players across the continent.

Whether you follow professional tours, international development, or the future of European pickleball, this episode provides a compelling look at a historic step forward for the sport.

Topics covered include:

• Estee Widdershoven’s signing with the PPA Tour
• The rise of pickleball in Belgium and Europe
• Training, mindset, and life as an emerging professional
• Global pathways into professional pickleball

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