The mixed doubles tandem of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns crushed through Etta Wright and Christian Alshon to finish atop the podium .
to the teenager who could get customized sneakers done , to the guy in his mid-30s wanting a guys trip ,” said Russell . “ We really wanted something for every single age , activity level , interest level … all of it . We wanted people to walk away from Worlds with 20 stories to tell , and the programming on Pickleball Boulevard made that a possibility .”
The Pickleball Central store and demonstration court were main attractions as well .
Store manager Maxwell Cowley says the buzz around tournament merchandise and equipment was undeniable .
“ People always want memorabilia , and they want the chance to try out new paddles and talk to an expert . There was all that energy and excitement of going into this pickleball Disneyland gift shop , but it was combined with different interactive activities on our demo court to drive traffic and bring people over . That just elevated the experience ,” said Cowley .
“ This was a level we haven ’ t had before . There were people lining up to play games like Fill Santa ’ s Stocking and Deal or No Deal , and to meet players like Anna Leigh Waters , Connor Garnett and Collin Johns for autograph signings and photos . It was electric energy . Once people got a taste for it , they didn ’ t want it to end .”
That encapsulated the general feeling up and down Pickleball
PHOTO BY PPA TOUR
Boulevard from the first match to the last .
It ’ s no surprise that the PPA ’ s social media accounts like Facebook , Instagram , TikTok and YouTube were firing on all cylinders with the fervor on-site reaching a fever pitch during the seven-day extravaganza . About 1,000 posts generated an astounding 28 million impressions and 510,000 interactions from fans across the globe .
It ’ s safe to say that Worlds was a towering home run . And the best is yet to come .
“ In true PPA fashion , 2025 is going to blow 2024 out of the water ,”
PHOTO BY PPA TOUR concluded Russell . “ That ’ s the story of the PPA . Conversations have already started to find new ways to make Worlds the ultimate experience for every pickleball fanatic . We want people to mark this week off their calendar a year in advance because they just can ’ t wait to get back .”
For more information , visit worlds . unitedpickleball . com . •
Matt Cudzinowski is the chief editor of Pickleball . com . He previously served as the editorial manager and beat reporter for the NHL ’ s Montreal Canadiens , before joining the PPA Tour as a public relations associate . Matt has also held a media and public relations position with Golf Canada , and a broadcasting and production role with Montreal ’ s all-sports radio station , TSN 690 .
Scan to read more articles on Pickleball . com .
Michael Loyd ’ s improbable singles run culminated in a Championship Sunday appearance .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | MAGAZINE 43