Beer City Open Pickleball Tournament: The Beer City Open in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is considered the top amateur pickleball tournament in the country. In 2024, it once again hosted the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament alongside its main event, continuing a successful partnership that began in 2023.
The tournament has grown quickly and now attracts over 1,000 players, with registration for 2025 selling out within minutes.
How the BCO Got Started
The Beer City Open began in 2018 when professional player Andrea Koop encouraged Grand Rapids local Paul Richards to organize a tournament. That first year saw 400 players and $12,500 in prize money—a big number at the time.
Before the rise of pro tours, the BCO became a favorite among top players and has kept that reputation through strong leadership and quality events.
Zane Navratil said, “Paul Richards is somebody that if he’s going to do something, he’s going to go all in, and that’s just what he’s done with the Beer City Open. BCO is consistently one of the best run tournaments of the year, and I love coming back each July.”
A Focus on High-Level Amateur Play
The BCO stands out because it offers only 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 skill level brackets. Players looking for lower divisions like 2.5 or 3.0 won’t find them here.
The amateur competition is considered some of the toughest in the country. In 2023, the prize pool grew to over $100,000, showing how far the event has come.
To manage such a large turnout, the BCO used a lottery system for amateurs this year, which ran from April 10 to April 13.
Helping the Community
The tournament also supports the Belknap Enhancement Fund, a local charity that helps improve Belknap Park, where the tournament takes place.
So far, the BCO has donated more than $150,000 to the fund. These donations have helped add six new courts and improve lighting across the park.
Why It’s Called Beer City
Grand Rapids earned the title “Beer City USA” in 2012 through a national poll run by Charlie Papazian. With over 40 craft breweries in the area, the city became a hotspot for beer lovers.
Since the poll ended with Grand Rapids on top in 2013, it still proudly holds the title.
What Makes the Tournament Special
Organizing such a large event takes effort and teamwork. Paul Richards handles most logistics and amateur play, while Andrea Koop focuses on the needs of pro players.
Volunteers are key to the event’s success. Nichole Miller, the volunteer coordinator, manages over 400 helpers.
Unlike many tournaments, the BCO doesn’t struggle to find volunteers. People travel from near and far just to help.
Each day of the event includes food trucks and beer vendors, but players and fans can also bring their own food and drinks.
Andrea Koop also ensures pros have easy access to hotels, usually within walking distance of the park. She recently spoke about this planning and ESPN’s coverage of the event on the PicklePod Podcast with Zane Navratil.
One unique aspect of the tournament is that amateur divisions don’t overlap. This prevents players from having to wait around all day, a common issue at other events.
A Model for Future Events
The Beer City Open’s success is rooted in strong planning, community support, and a focus on both players and fans. Its partnership with Major League Pickleball adds even more excitement and credibility to the event.
As the tournament continues to grow, it serves as a model for how to run high-quality amateur and pro pickleball events side by side.
News in Brief: Beer City Open Pickleball Tournament
The Beer City Open in Grand Rapids is the top amateur pickleball event in the U.S., drawing over 1,000 players and MLP’s mid-season tournament. Founded by Paul Richards and Andrea Koop, it combines elite play, strong planning, and community support, with $150,000 raised for local park improvements.