How to Get a PPA Tour Contract in 2025: The PPA Challenger Series, powered by JOOLA, is a grassroots pickleball tour designed to help aspiring professionals reach the top-tier Carvana PPA Tour. This series gives amateur players of all skill levels a chance to compete alongside elite athletes while working toward a PPA Tour contract.
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Challenger Showdown – A Chance to Turn Pro
The top four finishers in the 2025 Challenger rankings from each discipline will earn a spot in the annual Challenger Showdown in Fall 2025. At this event, players will compete for a PPA Tour contract, providing them with the opportunity to advance to the highest level of professional pickleball.
- Players must choose one discipline for the Showdown if they qualify in multiple categories.
- If a player chooses one discipline, the #5-ranked player moves into the open spot.
- The final decision will be made the Monday after the last Challenger event.
Tournament Format
Singles
- Top 4 qualify for the Challenger Showdown.
- Semifinals: #1 seed plays #4, and #2 plays #3.
- Finals: The winners face off for the PPA Tour contract.
- All matches are best 2 out of 3 games.
Mixed Doubles
- Top 4 men and women qualify.
- Teams are paired by ranking (e.g., #1 male partners with #1 female, #2 with #2, etc.).
Gender Doubles (Men’s and Women’s Doubles)
- One match, best of five games.
- #1-ranked player picks a partner from players ranked #2, #3, or #4.
- The remaining two players form the second team.
PPA Tour Points Breakdown
Players earn PPA ranking points based on their performance in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at Challenger Series events.
| Placement | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 125 Points |
| 2nd Place | 100 Points |
| 3rd Place | 75 Points |
| 4th Place | 50 Points |
| Quarterfinalist | 25 Points |
| Round of 16 | 12 Points |
| Round of 32 | 6 Points |
| Round of 64 | 3 Points |
The top 4 finishers in the Challenger Series rankings will battle for a PPA Tour contract at the World Championships in Fall 2025.
News in Brief: How to Get a PPA Tour Contract in 2025
The PPA Challenger Series, powered by JOOLA, is a grassroots tour that allows aspiring professional players to earn a spot on the Carvana PPA Tour. The top four players in each discipline will compete in the 2025 Challenger Showdown for a PPA Tour contract. Players must earn points through Challenger events to qualify.
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