2025 Major League Pickleball Champions: The Columbus Sliders completed an incredible run to win the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) championship. Seeded fifth, they defeated the top three teams—Dallas, St. Louis, and New Jersey—to secure the title. Their success came from teamwork, steady play, and the leadership of Andrei Daescu.
A Surprising Choice in the Quarterfinals
The playoffs began with top seed St. Louis picking Orlando as their quarterfinal opponent. Dallas, the second seed, then made a puzzling decision. Instead of choosing Texas, the seventh seed, they chose Columbus. This move shocked many, as Columbus had one of the strongest rosters in the league. All four starters ranked in the top 12 of PPA Tour doubles. Despite rumors of disagreements within the Columbus team, their talent was undeniable. Dallas paid for its choice, losing to Columbus in the quarterfinals. That decision only changed the order in which Columbus beat the top three seeds.
St. Louis Falls in the Semifinals
In the semifinals, Columbus faced St. Louis while New Jersey met Los Angeles. St. Louis tried to avoid Los Angeles, who had recently signed Ben Johns. But Johns “reverted to his disinterested ways” and his demeanor was described online as “mopey.” Los Angeles fell quickly to New Jersey.
Columbus, on the other hand, played at their peak. They swept the first match against St. Louis 3-0 and then won the second in a DreamBreaker 21-13. St. Louis regretted their decision not to face Los Angeles, as Columbus looked unstoppable.
A Thrilling Final Against New Jersey
The championship final was one of the most exciting matches in MLP history. Both New Jersey and Columbus brought energy and determination. In the first match, New Jersey led 2-1 with their top mixed doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells ready to finish it off. But Andrei Daescu and Parris Todd delivered a stunning 11-2 win, forcing a DreamBreaker. New Jersey regrouped and won 21-17.
The second match followed the same pattern. New Jersey won women’s doubles, Columbus won men’s doubles, and once again Daescu and Todd saved their team by beating Waters and Howells 11-8. This time Columbus claimed the DreamBreaker 21-15.
In the deciding third match, New Jersey again won women’s doubles, and Columbus again won men’s doubles. Then, in a major shift, Lea Jansen and CJ Klinger beat Meghan Dizon and Noe Khlif 11-4 in mixed doubles. That set up a final showdown between Waters/Howells and Todd/Daescu. Todd and Daescu came through yet again, winning 11-6 and giving Columbus the championship.
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Andrei Daescu Leads the Way
All four Columbus players played important roles, but Andrei Daescu stood out as the playoff MVP. He was the team’s emotional leader and most consistent player. His presence lifted his teammates both on and off the court. Daescu was widely seen as the heart and soul of the championship run.
What Comes Next
With this victory, Columbus proved they were the best team of 2025, defeating all three top seeds in their run. Their win highlighted the importance of teamwork, talent, and leadership. As the league looks ahead to 2026, the competition will get tougher with 18 teams joining the new season.
News in Brief: 2025 Major League Pickleball Champions
The Columbus Sliders won the 2025 Major League Pickleball championship, defeating Dallas, St. Louis, and New Jersey. Led by Andrei Daescu, they overcame tough matchups and pulled off a thrilling final victory. Columbus proved their strength, and the league now prepares for a bigger 2026 season with 18 teams.
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