Lake Stevens pickleball Tournament Registrations: In picturesque Lake Stevens, Washington, anticipation mounts for the upcoming third annual Lake Stevens Classic pickleball tournament, slated to unfold from July 11th to 14th at the Cavelero Mid High School courts on 8220 24th St. SE. With sunny weather forecasted and temperatures hovering around a pleasant 80 degrees, players are gearing up to compete in one of the region’s most anticipated pickleball events of the summer.
The tournament, organized by the Oakley Pickleball Club, caters to players of varying skill levels, employing the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system to categorize participants into divisions ranging from 3.0 to Open. Each division mandates specific DUPR rating points, ensuring competitive parity across the board.
Competition kicks off with the over 55 men’s and women’s doubles divisions on Thursday morning at 10 a.m., followed by the over 55 mixed doubles division on Friday at the same time. Saturday heralds the commencement of the men’s and women’s doubles divisions at 8 a.m., with the mixed doubles division rounding out the event on Sunday, also starting at 8 a.m.
Pablo Granados, the tournament’s passionate director and organizer, epitomizes the spirit of community and sportsmanship integral to the tournament. Originally hailing from San Ramon, Costa Rica, Granados discovered pickleball five years ago at the Marysville YMCA, a chance encounter that sparked his enduring love for the sport. Granados Humorously said:
“I told my wife, ‘Oh my goodness. This is the sport that I need to play so I can beat up on some old people and feel better about myself, And she goes, ‘Yeah, go try it out.’ And of course it was the complete opposite. They beat me up.” -( Pablo Granados )
Granados fondly recalls his early days on the court, humorously recounting, “I thought I could take on some seasoned players and show off a bit, but they quickly showed me otherwise!” His journey into pickleball has since blossomed, fostering not only personal health improvements but also a deep-seated commitment to promoting the sport’s accessibility and inclusivity in the Lake Stevens area.
The tournament’s growth mirrors the sport’s rising popularity nationwide, clear in the growing registration numbers and diverse participant demographics. From novices eager to learn the ropes to seasoned veterans eyeing championship glory, the Lake Stevens Classic embodies the essence of pickleball’s appeal — a sport for all ages and abilities.
The tournament drew over 100 players in its debut year in 2022, and participation doubled in 2023, surpassing 200 players. This year, registrations have exceeded 350 players, and organizers anticipate the numbers could reach 400.
Granados’s vision extends beyond competitive play; he sees pickleball as a catalyst for community engagement and physical well-being. Reflecting on the transformative impact of pickleball, Granados remarked, “And because pickleball is a very recreational and social sport, it has allowed those kids that don’t have a specific skill set to play anything else to do something healthy and outdoors.”
As Lake Stevens gears up for this year’s tournament, excitement builds not only among players but also within the broader community, setting the stage for another memorable celebration of athleticism and camaraderie.
| Registration Information | |
| Registration Status | Open |
| Skill Divisions | 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, Open |
| Registration Fee | $50 per participant |
| Event Fee | $15 per event (except Open division) |
| Open Division Event Fee | $50 due to higher prize purse |
| Competition Schedule | |
| Thursday | Over 55 Men’s and Women’s Doubles, 10 a.m. |
| Friday | Over 55 Mixed Doubles, 10 a.m. |
| Saturday | Men’s and Women’s Doubles, 8 a.m. |
| Sunday | Mixed Doubles, 8 a.m. |
| Skill Rating System (DUPR) | |
| 2.0-3.0 | Novice |
| 3.0-4.0 | Intermediate |
| 4.0-5.0 | Advanced |
| 5.0-5.5 | Expert |
| 5.5+ | Professional |
| Prizes and Awards | |
| Gold Medalists | Cash prizes awarded in all divisions |
| Guaranteed Games | Four games guaranteed per event |
News in Brief: Lake Stevens pickleball Tournament Registrations
The Lake Stevens Classic pickleball tournament, scheduled from July 11th to 14th at Cavelero Mid High School, promises thrilling competition amidst ideal weather conditions. Organized by the Oakley Pickleball Club, the event caters to diverse skill levels, employing the DUPR system for fair play across divisions from 3.0 to Open. Pablo Granados, the enthusiastic organizer, underscores the tournament’s community spirit. With registrations surpassing 350 and potentially reaching 400 players, the tournament reflects pickleball’s surging popularity. It blends athletic prowess with inclusivity, making it a hallmark summer event in picturesque Lake Stevens, Washington.
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