PPA Tour Cincinnati Cup: The PPA Tour: Cincinnati Cup is an exciting event that draws both amateur and professional pickleball players to compete on the prestigious Championship Court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, OH, from September 8 to September 14, 2025. This tournament features an array of skill-based events, organized play, and exciting opportunities for spectators to witness the best in the sport. Here’s a breakdown of key details for participants and fans alike.
Registration Details
- Registration Opens: November 30, 2024, at 8:00 EST
- Registration Closes: September 4, 2025, at 5:00 EST
- Registration Fee: $95.00
- Location: Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Dr, Mason, OH, 45040
Tournament Overview
The Cincinnati Cup is a prestigious pickleball event where amateur players will have the unique opportunity to compete on the same courts as some of the top professionals in the world. With big names like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns already part of the PPA Tour, spectators are guaranteed a thrilling experience. Whether you are a player looking to showcase your skills or a fan watching the best of the best, this event promises an exciting week of competition.
PPA Tour Camp
For players eager to improve their game, there is a two-day PPA Tour Camp held on September 9 and 10, 2025, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. The camp is priced at $400 per person and offers:
- 6 hours of instruction from PPA professionals
- 1 courtside ticket for a day of your choice
- 20% off apparel and 10% off paddles from Pickleball Central
Due to limited space and other costs, the camp has a strict refund and cancellation policy. Full refunds are available if cancellation occurs 30+ days before the event, while cancellations made between 15-30 days prior receive a 50% refund. No refunds are given for cancellations made 14 days or fewer before the camp.
Spectator Experience
Fans are treated to an action-packed event with the world’s best pickleball players showcasing their talent. Spectators can expect to watch fast-paced games and enjoy various organized activities around the tournament.
Events & Organized Play
Players can sign up for a variety of events, such as Round Robins and Kings Court play, to round out their PPA experience. There are also opportunities for individuals to volunteer and referee, enhancing the event’s community aspect.
Tournament Format and Skill Levels
Amateur Format
Amateurs are divided into different skill and age categories. The tournament features a Double Elimination with No Come-Around format for skill levels 5.0 and 4.5, ensuring that once a team loses, they cannot come back to compete for the gold. For other skill levels, the format includes Round Robin with Playoffs, where top teams advance based on their performance in the round-robin stages.
- Main Draw Format: 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
- Consolation Format: 1 game to 15 points, win by 2
- Gold Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
Events with fewer than 12 teams may combine or adjust formats based on participation.
Junior Format
The junior divisions offer various formats depending on team registration. For events with 8+ teams, the Double Elimination with No Come-Around format is used, while smaller divisions may feature Round Robin play with playoffs.
- Main Draw Format for Juniors: 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
- Bronze Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
Junior events ensure a competitive atmosphere, even for younger players, with prizes and opportunities to compete alongside the pros.
Senior Open Format
The senior events use a Double Elimination with No Come-Around format, with best-of-three matches to 11 points, win by 2. Seniors can compete based on skill level and age, and events may be combined if registration numbers are low.
Pro Format
The Pro events are the most prestigious of the tournament, with qualifiers taking place on September 8, 2025. Registration for these events closes by September 1, 2025, and players will compete for a spot in the main draw or qualifying rounds.
- Qualifier Format: Single Elimination, 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
- Main Draw Format: Single Elimination, 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
Pro matches follow a tight schedule with rounds from Tuesday through Sunday, culminating in the Gold and Bronze medal matches.
Money Ball PPA Bracket
A unique feature of the Cincinnati Cup is the $1000 Money Ball PPA Bracket, a coed event where both male and female players can compete. The event is open to players with a rating of 6.0 or lower, and all players must register with a partner. If a player’s partner fails to register within 36 hours, they will be moved to the waitlist.
- Format: Double Elimination, 2/3 games to 11 points, win by 2
- Registration Fee: $75 per person
This bracket adds an exciting twist to the tournament, with significant cash prizes up for grabs.
News in Brief: PPA Tour Cincinnati Cup
The PPA Tour: Cincinnati Cup offers an unforgettable pickleball experience for both players and fans, featuring elite competition, camps, and various events that cater to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, this tournament is an opportunity to be part of the action at one of the premier pickleball events of the year.
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