National Championship Through Regional Showdowns: Throughout the year, we’ve been spotlighting the Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) tournaments scattered across various regions. These local tournaments offer a pathway to the National Leaderboard, where top performers earn an invitation to the MiLP National Championship, set for December 13-15 at the Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, Missouri.
But there’s another route to securing your coveted Dream Ticket to Nationals that bypasses the traditional points system and multiple tournament participation. Enter the Regional Showdowns.
Understanding Regional Showdowns
A Regional Showdown is a high-stakes tournament larger than the typical local event. Take the recent Midsouth Regional, held at the Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas, for instance. Hosted by the Oklahoma Pickleball Club, it shattered records with 188 participants, marking it as the largest Regional Showdown since the series’ inception in 2023.
Gold medals were up for grabs across six divisions at this landmark event. With seven Regional Showdowns scheduled throughout 2024, these competitions are pivotal. Each showdown features 12-16 teams per division, and the top teams will secure a Dream Ticket—an all-access pass to the National Championship in December.
The Perks of a Dream Ticket
A Dream Ticket offers more than just a guaranteed spot at the National Championship. It includes a four-match guarantee—eight games to 21 points for each player—an unmatched offer in the world of pickleball tournaments. Plus, participants in Regional Showdowns can still accumulate points for the National Leaderboard, enhancing their competitive edge.
As we approach the end of the year, four Regional Showdowns are left on the calendar. The next two events are set to take place soon. The West Coast Regional will be held on September 7th at Willow Pass Community Park in Concord, California, featuring divisions. Meanwhile, the Northwest Regional is scheduled for September 7th and 8th at Caverlero MidHigh School in Lake Stevens, Washington.
How to Register
To register for a Regional Showdown, visit the respective tournament pages (West Coast Regional or Northwest Regional) and follow the standard registration process. If you’re interested in participating in the Minor League event but lack a team, the tournament director will assist in forming teams. Should you not be placed in a team and thus not participate, your registration fees will be refunded.
With the clock ticking towards the National Championship, these Regional Showdowns present a golden opportunity to secure your place on the big stage. Don’t miss your chance to claim a Dream Ticket and test your skills against the best.
News in Brief: National Championship Through Regional Showdowns
The pathway to the Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) National Championship through Regional Showdowns, high-stakes tournaments offering a direct route to Nationals without relying solely on the traditional points system.
These Showdowns, like the record-breaking Midsouth Regional in Texas, provide top teams with a “Dream Ticket” for the championship, guaranteeing participation and extra match opportunities. Upcoming Regional Showdowns are set for September in California and Washington, with registration details provided for interested participants.
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