Phoenix Classic 2025: The Phoenix Classic pickleball tournament is set to take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, located at 6321 South Ellsworth Road in Mesa, Arizona. Amateur players will compete right next to where Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams and professionals are playing, giving fans a chance to enjoy both levels of competition in one place.
Amateurs Compete Alongside Pros
Amateur matches will take place close to the Championship Court, where top-level Major League Pickleball teams are scheduled to play. The amateur tournament will follow a bracket system similar to what is used in other Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) events. Unlike MLP matches, these are not team-based events.
Participants can learn more about each event by clicking on the Events Link on the tournament page. Players and visitors can also sign up to volunteer and support the event.
Train with the Best at PPA Camp
Before the tournament starts, players can attend a two-day training camp designed for 3.0 and 4.0 level players. The PPA Tour Camp runs on May 29 and May 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $400 per person and includes six hours of coaching from PPA professionals and one courtside ticket for a day of choice.
Due to limited spots and costs involved, organizers have set a strict cancellation and refund policy:
A full refund is available if cancelled more than 30 days in advance.
A 50% refund is given for cancellations made 15–30 days before the camp.
No refunds will be given for cancellations within 14 days of the camp date.
By registering, participants agree to these conditions.
Rules and Conduct Policies
All players must review the Player’s Code of Conduct, the Junior PPA/MLP Tour Code of Conduct, and the Transgender Participation and Competition Policy. These documents help ensure fair and respectful play for everyone.
How Matches Will Be Played
The amateur tournament is organized by skill levels and the number of teams. For players in the 5.0 and 4.5 skill levels, matches will be double elimination with no second chance for gold after a loss. The format includes:
Main Draw: Best of three games to 11, win by 2
Consolation: One game to 15, win by 2
Bronze Medal Match: Best of three games to 11, win by 2
Gold Medal Match: Best of three games to 11, win by 2
If fewer than six teams or players register in a category, the event will use a round-robin format without playoffs.
Round-Robin Format for Lower Skill Levels
Players in the 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 skill levels with 12 teams or fewer will follow a round-robin setup. Playoff details change depending on the number of teams:
4–5 teams: Single round-robin with playoffs for top three
6–7 teams: Single round-robin with no playoffs
8–12 teams: Divided into pools, followed by playoffs for the top two teams in each pool
13+ teams: Double elimination with no come-around
Match format for round-robin and playoffs includes:
Pool Play: One game to 15, win by 2
Playoffs: One game to 15, win by 2
Bronze Medal Match: One game to 15, win by 2
Gold Medal Match: Best of three games to 11, win by 2
Tournaments may combine events if there are fewer than four teams in doubles or singles. Organizers can combine age groups or skill levels to improve the playing experience.
All brackets and pools will be seeded using the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system. If weather causes delays, matches may be shortened to stay on schedule.
Doubles Registration Rule
For doubles events, if a player signs up and their partner does not register within seven days, they will be moved to the waitlist. They will only return to the main event once both players are fully registered and paid, and if there is still space available.
Refund and Weather Insurance Policy
Players can get a full refund (minus a $25 processing fee) if they cancel before the set deadline. During registration, they can choose to buy insurance that covers registration and weather-related cancellations. The insurance will also cover the event fee if an event is canceled due to weather.
News in Brief: Phoenix Classic 2025
The Phoenix Classic will be held from May 30 to June 1, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona. Amateur and pro pickleball matches will happen side by side. A training camp, clear event formats, and refund policies are in place. The event follows DUPR seeding and PPA-style formats.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Tournament Unites Community for Mental Health Awareness and Support