Pickleball World Cup Olympic Dream: Siblings Hercilio and Miranda are driving pickleball’s growth worldwide with the Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from October 27 to November 2, 2025. The event will feature players from 64 countries, highlighting the sport’s rapid rise and the siblings’ mission to make pickleball a global, Olympic-ready game.
The Pickleball World Cup, first held in 2023 in Peru with 14 countries and 300 players, has grown quickly. In 2024, 33 countries and 600 players participated. Now, Hercilio and Miranda expect over 3,000 players from 64 nations in 2025. The siblings aim not only to host a tournament but to unite national federations and grow the sport internationally.
Rapid Growth and Global Reach
Hercilio explained, “Yes, I truly believe pickleball is on its way to becoming one of the most played sports in the world. Its magic lies in accessibility and the way it welcomes every generation. The growth has been extraordinary. In countries where pickleball was introduced barely two years ago, we already see national qualifiers drawing close to 300-400 players.”
Asia, especially India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China, is investing heavily in infrastructure and player development. Schools and colleges are also introducing pickleball programs and scholarships, creating a strong pipeline for the sport’s future.
Building Community Through Sport
Miranda highlighted the social and cultural impact of pickleball, saying, “Yes, absolutely. Pickleball is the future. Every edition feels bigger, more vibrant, more alive. For me, the most beautiful part is watching how quickly communities have embraced the game — children in schools, families in parks, entire nations coming together.”
The recent recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was another milestone. Miranda noted, “I believe the Pickleball World Cup is helping countries take important steps forward. Take India, for example — they now have official recognition and a government-backed body, which is remarkable progress. Every small step, from federations being formed to teams travelling all the way here to Florida, represents something much bigger.”
Hercilio added, “Just to add to Miranda, we believe that the Pickleball World Cup is a vehicle of unification for all these associations, federations to unify and have one governing body, which is the most important part to get inducted in the Olympics.”
India’s Strong Contenders
Hercilio praised India’s players, saying, “Well, India’s background and its history in racquet sports are incredible. There will be high expectations from India this year. They did a really good job last year. I do believe they are sending the Open junior and Senior team here, and they’re going to be a strong contender. I wouldn’t be surprised if India reaches the final rounds of the playoffs.”
World-Class Venue
The Pickleball World Cup will take place at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium. The venue has 43 professional-grade courts, including 14 all-weather covered courts. Hercilio explained, “Once you come to the World Cup, it’s a full experience. As a player, as a spectator, you’re going to have the best experience on court, but also off the court… we have a restaurant, a bar, we have a built-in lake.”
Road to the Olympics
Hercilio emphasized the long-term goal of Olympic inclusion. “One of our main objectives in organising the Pickleball World Cup is to get introduced into the Olympic movement. Working with the international federations, national federations, and the International Olympic Committee is a very important step… Having 64 countries participate is also sending a message to the IOC saying, ‘Hey, we should be in the Olympics,’ sooner rather than later.”
News in Brief: Pickleball World Cup Olympic Dream
The Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Fort Lauderdale will feature 3,000 players from 64 countries. Siblings Hercilio and Miranda aim to grow pickleball globally and pave the way for Olympic inclusion. India is expected to compete strongly, while the Fort offers the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium for an unmatched experience.
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