“ I just love this game and I love this sport.”
Amateurs of all ages— from kids to seniors— also reveled in the opportunity to compete on pickleball’ s biggest stage, many traveling long distances to take part in the event.
Chris Olson, the Minnesotabased content creator behind the Pickleball Studio YouTube channel, appreciated everything Worlds had to offer. Competing in 5.0 men’ s and mixed doubles, he soaked in the wonderful atmosphere.
“ My overall impression of Worlds was great. For me, it’ s all about seeing old friends and meeting new people, which [ is where ] the event does a great job. Worlds has definitely improved every year, and I think it’ s one of the three major events that people should try to attend annually,” praised Olson, a paddle and gear review specialist.
“ My favorite memory was probably a three-game match I had on an indoor grandstand court. There was good energy and good competition, and playing on a large, lit court was a lot of fun.”
Two-time World Series champion Hunter Pence and former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker also put their amateur pickleball skills on display and embraced the festival environment.
“ Tough to beat pickleball, family, and friends,” wrote Pence via Instagram(@ hunterpence) in a heartfelt post to commemorate his trip from California.“ First tournament in the books and an unforgettable experience!”
Decker earned silver in 4.0 men’ s doubles with partner Shelton Wicks after traveling from Tennessee.
“ Shelton’ s doubles partner dropped out, so he asked me to play, and I’ m thankful that he did. This is my first tournament, and it’ s an
FEDERICO STAKSRUD AND HAYDEN PATRIQUIN DEFEATED JW JOHNSON AND CJ KLINGER ON CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY TO EARN THE GOLD MEDAL IN MEN’ S DOUBLES.
WORLD NO. 1 ANNA LEIGH WATERS COMPLETED HER 38TH CAREER TRIPLE CROWN AT BROOKHAVEN TO BECOME THE PPA TOUR’ S ALL-TIME LEADER IN GOLD MEDALS.
38 TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE. COM