Global Pickleball Boom: Tournaments Beyond the U.S.

Pickleball’s meteoric rise has transcended backyard courts, evolving into a global sporting phenomenon. No longer confined to North America, the game now boasts sprawling international circuits, major tournaments, and burgeoning leagues—uniting players across continents and cultures.

A Worldwide Expansion

Pickleball is taking root in over 70 countries with more than 36 million players globally  Countries like Canada, Australia, India, the Philippines, and several European nations are now staging prestigious events, drawing both grassroots participants and elite competitors.

In Canada alone, more than 1.5 million people play monthly, and memberships grew 57% from 2022 to 2024 Meanwhile, the number of courts in India surged to 500, with 50 000 players emerging in just a year 

International Tournaments to Watch

• Tanzania Pickleball Open—recently welcomed 350 players from 16 countries, emerging as the most diverse tournament in the region 

• English Open Pickleball Championships—held in Nottingham, this tournament symbolizes Europe’s growing pickleball scene 

• Bangkok International Open, Italian Open in Rome, Australian Open in Brisbane, and Dubai Pickleball Open exemplify the sport’s expanding presence 

Professional tours are also crossing borders, with the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) launching its first tournaments outside the U.S.—scheduled in Melbourne, Mumbai, Toronto, and additional stops in Asia and Europe for 2025 

Global Leagues and Federations

Countries are establishing national leagues with international aspirations. Australia’s National Pickleball League (NPL) features 18 teams competing for significant prize pools and is part of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) circuit. India, emerging as a pickleball hotspot, now hosts the Picklebay India Tour and is preparing inaugural pro-tier events. In the Philippines, the Philippine Pickleball Federation has secured official recognition and surpassed 13 000 members and 211 clubs.

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) saw a 30-country increase in membership, now reaching 61 nations. Meanwhile, the newly formed Pickleball World Cup—debuting in 2024—will feature an inaugural Americas qualifier in Cancun and an African qualifiers sequence .

Infrastructure and Investment

Major pickleball associations, including the APP and UPA, are organizing a doubling of international event schedules in 2025 across Australia, Europe, Asia, Canada, and India. The PWR World Series, beginning in March 2025, will feature Middle East events offering $1.5 million in prize money, and $15 million in total prize purses.

High-profile tournaments, like the 2024 World Pickleball Championships in Lima (with 32 nations and 500+ athletes), were livestreamed globally and spotlighted pickleball’s inclusion pathway for multi-sport events like the 2027 Pan American Games and the Olympics.

Challenges and Opportunities

As pickleball scales globally, maintaining competitive integrity, governance, and consistent infrastructure will require coordinated efforts. Emerging federations, certifications, and broadcast deals aim to standardize competition. Moreover, corporate sponsorships from major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Red Bull are fueling the momentum.

The Road Ahead

Pickleball’s global footprint is rapidly expanding—spurred by international tournaments, global leagues, and national federations. The sport’s blend of accessibility and competitive intensity ensures its appeal across demographics and regions.

Players, promoters, and fans worldwide stand at the cusp of a pickleball renaissance, where international competition, media coverage, and grassroots momentum converge. As pros and amateurs alike serve, volley, and dink across diverse landscapes, pickleball’s transformation from a backyard pastime to a global sporting juggernaut is unmistakable—and far from finished.