The vibrant and growing pickleball community will gather once again for the highly anticipated Défi des Brayons 2024 from October 18 to 20. Hosted at the Pavillon Sportif in Edmundston, New Brunswick, this tournament promises competitive play, camaraderie, and a celebration of the sport that’s sweeping across Canada. Sanctioned by Pickleball Canada, the event has quickly become a hallmark of the regional pickleball calendar, drawing players from various skill levels and age groups.
The Défi des Brayons, now in its second edition, will offer all seasoned and novice players an opportunity to showcase their skills in a friendly yet fiercely contested environment. Last year’s medalists will be granted pre-registration privileges, ensuring the highest level of competition.
A Growing Tournament with New Twists
One of the major highlights of this year’s event is the introduction of the Split-Age Doubles category. This unique format will see pairs made up of one player aged 49 and under and the other aged 50 and above, adding a new dynamic to men’s and women’s divisions. This category will make its debut on October 18, giving players a fresh tactical challenge, combining the energy of youth with the experience of seasoned veterans.
Competition Format
The pickleball tournament will feature a round-robin format, followed by a single-elimination phase for the top teams. Games will range from 15-point showdowns for smaller categories to the classic 11-point matches for larger pools. Finals will be decided by the best-of-three format, adding excitement as players compete for gold, silver, and bronze.
Categories will be split by skill level and age, ranging from 3.0 to 4.5+. Players must register in the appropriate skill bracket, with a rule in place to ensure a maximum 1.0 rating difference between a player’s CTPR and their event level. The competition is open to players across several age groups, with categories for 44 and under, 45-59, and 60 and above.
A Community Event
The tournament is about more than just fierce competition—it’s a community gathering, a showcase for the growing sport of pickleball, and a chance to see old friends and meet new ones. Players will converge on Edmundston, ready to enjoy the town’s warm hospitality while making use of the eight indoor courts at the Pavillon Sportif.
Registration and Logistics
The registration fee for the event is CAD $65 for the first event, with an additional $15 for each subsequent category. All participants must be active members of Pickleball Canada to compete. For those still considering signing up, registration remains open until October 5, although spots are limited.
Players can expect four guaranteed matches per event, with court conditions set for high-level play on synthetic/acrylic surfaces. Games will be officiated to ensure fair play, and the tournament ball of choice will be the Onix Fuse Orange, renowned for its durability and performance in indoor conditions.
Building on Momentum
Pickleball’s rapid growth in Canada has been fueled by events like the Défi des Brayons. Last year’s edition set the stage, and with expanded categories and more participants expected, the 2024 event is shaping up to be even bigger.
With players competing across various skill and age brackets, the tournament represents a melting pot of pickleball enthusiasts coming together for one common goal: to enjoy and celebrate the sport they love.
Event Details
- Date: October 18-20, 2024
- Venue: Pavillon Sportif, Edmundston, NB
- Registration Fee: CAD $65 (additional categories CAD $15)
- Pre-registration: Medal winners from the 2023 edition can register starting July 26.
- Age Categories: 44 and under, 45-59, 60 and above, Split-Age.
News in Brief: Défi des Brayons 2024
The Défi des Brayons 2024, sanctioned by Pickleball Canada, will take place from October 18-20 at the Pavillon Sportif in Edmundston, NB. This growing tournament offers a competitive yet community-focused atmosphere for players of all skill levels. New this year is the Split-Age Doubles category, combining players aged 49 and under with those 50 and above.
The event will feature round-robin play followed by elimination rounds, with categories based on skill and age. Registration is CAD $65, and players must be Pickleball Canada members. The tournament promises a dynamic celebration of pickleball in Canada.
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