2025 PPA Challenger Series Portland Maine: The new 2025 PPA Challenger Series, created by JOOLA and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), launched with a unique idea: send two beginners and one pro to explore each tour stop and share their honest experiences. One of the first stops was in Portland—no, not Oregon, but Portland, Maine—where pickleball energy filled an old grocery store turned sports facility.
The series aimed to show what life is like on tour, both on and off the court. To do this, the team joined players, visited local spots, and took part in the action. Their trip showed not only how the Challenger works, but how players train, compete, and chase their dreams in local communities.
A Packed Parking Lot in Quiet Portland
Digital Strategy Manager at DUPR, Isang Smith, shared his view as one of the beginners in the group. When the group arrived at The Picklr in Portland, Maine, the quiet city didn’t seem like a sports hotspot—until they saw the crowd.
“There wasn’t too much happening outside at any given time. But for three days, the last section of parking lot in a seemingly run-of-the-mill shopping center was absolutely packed. Behind the blacked out windows of a building that was a grocery store in its previous life, there was a lot of pickleball going on. Like…a lot.” – (Isang Smith)
The building had once been a grocery store, but inside, it was now full of pickleball matches. Players of all ages—some as young as 8 and others over 55—had arrived by plane, train, and trailer. Their only focus: train, compete, rest, and repeat.
Passionate Players and Big Dreams
Isang Smith admitted he didn’t expect to see such drive from so many people.
“The day before the tournament, I remember googling lobster roll spots while watching players arrive a day early just to practice. I just kept thinking “who does this”. Fortunately I was literally there to find that out.” – (Isang Smith)
The team talked to many players over the weekend. Most had similar stories, with many having played college tennis. But what stood out to Smith were players balancing the sport with full-time jobs or starting their journey just a year ago.
“That’s cool. But what raised my eyebrow every time was when someone said ‘I’m balancing this with my day job’ or ‘I just started playing a year ago.’” – (Isang Smith)
It made him wonder if he could compete too. “Maybe not…but also maybe,” he said. That “maybe” seemed to be the fuel that drove many players—always trying to improve with every match.
“Maybe not…but also maybe. In hindsight, that “maybe” has to be the battery that most of these players have in their back. How much better can I get before the next tournament? How much closer to my goals can I get with each subsequent match? I get it.” – (Isang Smith)
What’s Next for the Challenger Series
According to Smith, the Challenger Series gives space for all types of players. Whether it’s gaining experience or earning points for bigger goals, it gives everyone a shot.
“No matter what a player’s personal goal is, there is room on the Challenger to strive for it, earn some points towards a greater goal, and do it all again in a new city soon after.” – (Isang Smith)
As for Smith, he may try his hand at the sport next time.
“I’m looking forward to the next tour stop. Might bring a paddle this time.” – (Isang Smith)
News in Brief: 2025 PPA Challenger Series Portland Maine
JOOLA and the PPA launched the 2025 Challenger Series to spotlight rising pickleball players and local venues. At the Portland, Maine stop, Digital Strategy Manager Isang Smith joined the tour. He observed passionate players chasing goals and balancing busy lives—offering a closer look at what makes the Challenger Series special.
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