MTL Pickleball Kirkland International Qualifier: Canadian athletes competed on July 19, 2025, at MTL Pickleball in Kirkland, Quebec, for a chance to represent Canada at the U.S. Minor League Pickleball Tournament. The event marks the first official Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) qualifier in the province and could lead to a share of a $100,000 USD prize pool.
Stepping Onto the International Stage
This tournament was a major step forward for pickleball in Quebec. Local teams now have a direct path to compete internationally.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for pickleball in Quebec,” said Jon Wijtman, co-founder at MTL Pickleball. “We are thrilled to give our local athletes the opportunity to not only compete at a national level, but to join the international conversation and represent our province with pride.”
The winning team from this event will compete globally, taking on top athletes from the U.S. and around the world.
A Full Series of Competitive Events
The July 19 event is the first of four official MiLP events happening at MTL Pickleball in 2025. The next tournaments are scheduled for August 23, September 14, and October 26.
“For today we have medals and prizes and such, which is fun and nice. But then they gain points so that they can go compete in the US as well. And that’s of course there’s much higher stakes. At that point they’re sharing $100,000 in US, so it’s a pretty big prize,” said Jon Wijtman.
These MiLP events are also part of the Dink Minor League Pickleball Canada series. They help players earn their way into the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) and possibly the Pickleball World Cup.
Why Players Love Pickleball
As the tournament continued, it was clear the game appeals to many people — not just competitors.
“I used to play softball and baseball, I played for 55 years and my wife has told me I could not play anymore because I keep getting hurt and diving for balls and stuff. So I picked pickleball and it’s not better because the ground is a lot harder than baseball!” said Bob Bevins, one of the players.
Another player, Maude Vaillancourt-Morin, shared how she started: “My mom showed it to me a year ago and I just loved it from the start and then we got addicted. And that’s just what this sport does. Everyone gets addicted, the community is really nice.”
Open to Everyone
Jon Wijtman said that pickleball is for everyone, no matter their age or skill.
“All levels are welcome, all ages are welcome, a lot of people say you have to be a certain age. We have people coming in here that are teenagers and loving it. Their parents drop them off here and they have just as much of a good time than the 60 year old,” added Wijtman.
On August 9, 2025, MTL Pickleball will host Picklepalooza for National Pickleball Day. The event will offer clinics, live music, food trucks, open play, and fun for all ages.
News in Brief: MTL Pickleball Kirkland International Qualifier
Canadian teams played in Kirkland on July 19 to earn a spot in the U.S. Minor League Pickleball Tournament. This marks Quebec’s first MiLP qualifier. The event drew players of all ages and will be followed by more tournaments and a community celebration called Picklepalooza on August 9.
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