The Best of the Best Pickleball Tournament is underway at the Little Rock Athletic Club, bringing together players and fans for several days of competition. The event runs through Friday, August 22, when the winners will be announced.
Growing Tournament and Venue
This is the third year of the annual tournament and the second year it is being hosted at the club’s new pickleball facility. The event features about 250 matches and more than 130 players, showing how quickly the sport has grown in popularity.
Young Talent in the Spotlight
One of the most talked-about players is 14-year-old Hudson Hall, who is ranked among the Top 10 pickleball players in the country for his age group. Hall is competing against adults in this tournament, making his matches a major draw for spectators.
Community and Family Connections
The event is also attracting longtime pickleball fans. David Redding, who is recovering from an injury, came to cheer on his daughter Cami. Redding shared his love for the sport, saying, “The inspiration and the motivation you get from watching this level of play will give you the motivation to continue playing yourself.”
He also explained why pickleball continues to grow in popularity. “Anybody can play, any level can play. It’s easy to learn, it’s easy to pick up, incredibly social, and so it’s really grown in popularity because of those, those aspects of it.”
Why It Matters
The tournament shows how pickleball is expanding in Little Rock and beyond. With young athletes like Hudson Hall making headlines and families like the Reddings staying involved, the sport’s community spirit and accessibility continue to attract new players.
News in Brief: Best of the Best Pickleball Tournament
The Best of the Best Pickleball Tournament is taking place at the Little Rock Athletic Club, featuring over 130 players and 250 matches. Fourteen-year-old Hudson Hall, ranked among the Top 10 in the nation for his age group, is competing against adults. The event runs through Friday, August 22.
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