Podium to Worlds Pickleball Pathway: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Australia has introduced a new program called Podium to Worlds that gives amateur and junior players a chance to compete at the United Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Players who finish on the podium at PPA Tour Australia events will now earn free entry and qualification to the global stage.
Event Background
The United Pickleball World Championships begin on Sunday, November 3, 2025, at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. Organized by the United Pickleball Association, the event runs for 10 days and will feature top professional and amateur athletes from around the globe.
Last year’s championships hosted over 3,400 players and 60,000 fans. This year’s edition promises more matches, entertainment, and celebrations.
How the Program Works
Juniors (U16)
All podium finishers in PPA Australia junior divisions qualify for the Junior (U16) World Championships.
Players ages 17–18 qualify for the 8–34 Champions Division.
Podium finishers receive free tournament fees.
Gold medalists also earn an event fee coupon.
Winners will receive emails with instructions and coupon codes.
Amateurs
Podium finishers in amateur divisions at PPA Australia and Asia events qualify for the Champions Division.
Free tournament fees are awarded to podium finishers.
Gold medalists also earn an event fee coupon.
Winners will be notified by email with details for registration.
Pro and Senior Pro
Pro and Pro Masters players may compete in Champions Division events but will not earn prize money in those brackets.
Pro players who choose to play in the 5.0+ amateur divisions will receive the same podium discounts as others.
Podium finishers receive free entry, while gold medalists get an additional coupon.
Pro and Senior Pro players must still qualify separately for their professional divisions, with no discounts applied.
Why This Matters
The Podium to Worlds program is designed to reward top performers and create a pathway from local PPA Tour Australia and Asia events to the world stage. Organizers said, “This initiative is all about breaking barriers, rewarding excellence, and giving players a pathway from local competition to the world stage.”
By covering tournament fees and offering special incentives, the program makes it easier for juniors and amateurs to compete at the highest level. All winners will be contacted directly with instructions on how to claim their free entry.
The next opportunity to qualify is the PPA Tour QLD Slam, scheduled for September 11–14, 2025.
News in Brief: Podium to Worlds Pickleball Pathway
The PPA Tour Australia has launched Podium to Worlds, a new program giving amateur and junior podium finishers free entry into the United Pickleball World Championships in Dallas this November. The initiative rewards podium winners with fee waivers, event coupons, and a pathway to compete on the global stage.
ALSO READ: Underdogs Clash for Glory: NSW Pickleball Open Mixed Doubles Final Promises Thrilling Showdown