Major League Pickleball Columbus Showdown: Major League Pickleball heads to Columbus this Thursday for the second event of the 2025 season. Only half of the Premier-level teams will compete this weekend, including the hometown Columbus Sliders, who will play three key matches. The event offers teams a chance to gain ground early in the regular season.
Carolina Looks to Rebound
The Carolina Hogs struggled in 2025 MLP Orlando, failing to earn a single point from their two matches. However, star player Ben Johns delivered the top individual performance of the event, according to RealClearStats. Despite Johns’ strong showing, the rest of the roster is under pressure.
Carolina’s lineup includes Collin Johns and Tammy Emmrich, both considered weak links at the Premier level. The team is expected to make changes during the waiver period.
Carolina has a chance to recover in Columbus with three winnable matches against Phoenix Flames, Atlanta Bouncers, and Chicago Slice. They need to come away with at least six points to stay in playoff contention. If not, they could fall behind quickly.
Columbus Ready for Home Advantage
The home team often gets a boost, as seen in Orlando when the Orlando Squeeze thrived on familiar ground. Now it’s Columbus’ turn to perform in front of their fans. Columbus posted a 4-2 record in Orlando, scoring 12 points and putting themselves in playoff position.
The Sliders face Phoenix, Chicago, and New York Hustlers in Columbus—teams they are expected to beat. A strong showing could move them closer to a playoff bye. With nearly 40% of their matches played after this weekend, Columbus needs to make their home court count.
New York Seeks First Win
The New York Hustlers entered 2025 with low expectations and lived up to them in Orlando, leaving without a win or a point. The team now looks to their match against Miami Pickleball Club, another struggling squad, as a key opportunity.
This matchup against Miami could be one of New York’s few chances to earn a win this season. A loss would make a winless year a real possibility.
St. Louis Aims to Keep Pace
The St. Louis Shock came into the season as one of the favorites and looked strong in Orlando. They won both matches and earned five points, including a win over a strong New Jersey team. However, the Dallas Flash team went 4-0 and earned 12 points, taking an early lead in the standings.
St. Louis will face Phoenix and Atlanta in Columbus. These teams are competitive but not top-tier. With playoff byes on the line, St. Louis can’t afford to slip.
The Columbus event marks the start of the long regular season grind. With only half the teams in action, it’s a crucial opportunity for lower and mid-tier squads to gain ground. For top teams like St. Louis, each match matters in the race for playoff position and a shot at the title.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball Columbus Showdown
2025 MLP Columbus begins Thursday with the hometown Sliders, St. Louis Shock, and struggling Carolina and New York squads in focus. The event marks the second stop in the 2025 season. Teams aim to gain key points as the long regular season kicks off.
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