PPA Challenger Series Rising Stars: The PPA Challenger Series is giving up-and-coming pickleball players across the United States a chance to earn ranking points, win prize money, and compete for a United Pickleball Association (UPA) contract. In 2025, tournaments have taken place in Portland, Maine; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Rochester, New York; and Columbia, South Carolina, with more stops planned. This weekend, the tour moves to Orlando, Florida, for the Citrus Classic PPA Challenger, which features the strongest lineup so far.
A Pathway for New Players
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) launched the Challenger Series earlier this year to help newer players break into the professional scene. The events attract a mix of competitors, including established PPA Tour veterans such as Travis Rettenmaier, Ava Ignatowich, Greg Dow, and Alex and Angie Walker. Players range from ambitious newcomers to local athletes testing themselves at the pro level.
The Experience of Playing
For many athletes, the Challenger Series means long drives, shared hotel rooms, and covering most travel costs out of their own pockets. One competitor described the challenge of balancing expenses while chasing the dream of moving up.
In Columbia, South Carolina, the same player faced a local competitor in singles who had “won his first tournament and decided to try pro.” The next day, he went up against John Lucian Goins, who has already earned multiple PPA Tour gold medals in men’s singles this year.
The player added: “Let’s give this one tournament a try, and see where it goes from there.” He left Columbia with three professional wins and a stronger desire to continue competing.
Rising Stars
The Challenger Series has already highlighted new talent. Connor Mogle, Jada Bui, and Matthew Finnerty have each collected multiple singles titles, sometimes defeating contracted UPA players. Anouar Braham has earned several podium finishes across all events, while Ashley Griffith, Isabella Dunlap, and Nicole Conard have moved into the top 100 of the PPA rankings.
The top four players in each of the five pro divisions will compete for contracts at the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in November. Winners at each Challenger stop also earn wildcard entries into PPA Open main draws.
Old School Feel
Unlike the main PPA Tour, Challenger events do not feature stadium courts or big vendor villages. Matches often happen on smaller courts with local fans looking on. However, players say the competition still feels professional, with refereed matches, live streams, and strong organization.
Looking Ahead
The PPA Challenger Series will continue through 2025, with Orlando as the next stop. In 2026, the PPA plans to expand the program to 24 events nationwide.
For some competitors, Challenger events may be the end of their pro journeys. For others, they could be the first step toward stardom. Many players are still balancing qualifiers with Challenger stops, all chasing the same goal—improving their game and advancing in professional pickleball.
News in Brief: PPA Challenger Series Rising Stars
The PPA Challenger Series gives rising pickleball players a chance to compete for ranking points, prize money, and pro contracts. Events in 2025 have already revealed future stars, with the next tournament in Orlando, Florida. The program will expand to 24 stops in 2026, offering even more opportunities.
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