The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships delivered on all fronts: massive participation— with players from 47 states and 20 countries— high-level competition, and a picturesque host city.
The Pinnacle of Competitive Excellence
The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships delivered on all fronts: massive participation— with players from 47 states and 20 countries— high-level competition, and a picturesque host city.
Tby DREW WATHEY photos by BRUCE YEUNG, USA PICKLEBALL
The USA Pickleball National Championships brings together all divisions— age groups, amateurs, and pros. It’ s a celebration of the breadth of the sport. Qualifying is rigorous( via Golden Ticket tournaments) so players know they’ ve earned their spot.
On the pro side, the prize purse is meaningful— over $ 225,000 across singles, doubles and mixed. Whether you’ re playing your first major bracket or watching the top pros, it’ s a place where the“ How I got here” stories meet“ What’ s next” ambition.
This year’ s championships took place at the Barnes Tennis Center in beautiful San Diego, California, Nov. 15 – 23. Unfortunately, rain delayed initial rounds of play, so some of the early action was canceled. But the spirit of pickleball— community, competition, fun— prevailed.
Once the clouds parted, the tournament began to take shape as the organizers condensed schedules and changed the format of numerous games to single elimination.
Overall, the 2025 Nationals delivered on nearly all fronts: massive participation, high-level competition, some very good matches, and a picturesque host city that added extra appeal.
“ This year’ s Nationals was more than a championship, it was a gathering and celebration of community, passion, and possibility,” said USA Pickleball Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer Jose Moreno.“ We watched athletes of all backgrounds and generations connect through a shared love of the game. The energy on the courts, the enthusiasm from the stands, and the camaraderie shared between players told a unified story that pickleball is for all.
“ At USA Pickleball, we’ re committed to building on this momentum,” added Moreno,“ expanding access, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that every player— whether they’ re competing for a title or playing their first match— feels connected and inspired to keep growing with us.”
One up-and-coming player is Sofia Sewing. The 26-year-old from Miami, Florida, who played collegiate tennis for the Hurricanes before joining the pro ranks, began playing pickleball just one short year ago.
Back in 2017, Sewing reached the Junior Wimbledon Championships and decided to turn pro later that year. However, knee issues forced her to move on to pickleball
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