Punta Gorda Set to Host 2025 PPA Challenger: The Punta Gorda PPA Challenger will take place from May 23-25, 2025, with registration opening on December 30, 2024, at 8:00 AM (Eastern Time). This pickleball tournament promises exciting competition, with amateur and professional players competing for cash prizes and ranking points. The event will be held at the PicklePlex in Punta Gorda, Florida, and spectators are invited to attend, with tickets available online.
Amateur Play
Amateur players will compete alongside top professionals, showing rising talent in pickleball. The tournament will feature skill-level events, including divisions for 5.0 and 4.5 skill levels, played in a Double Elimination format. For skill levels 4.0 and below, the format will vary based on the number of teams, with a preference for round-robin play in smaller brackets.
Matches will be played to 11 points, with a win-by-2 rule in the main draw and consolation rounds. Event organizers have the discretion to adjust the format if there are fewer than four teams or players in a division.
Pro Play
In the Pro category, the format will be a single-elimination bracket, with matches played to 11 points, win-by-2. The winners of the semi-final matches will proceed to the Gold Medal Match, while the losers will compete in the Bronze Medal Match. This streamlined format ensures a fast-paced and competitive tournament for professionals.
Tournament Details
- Location: PicklePlex, 26300 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
- Surface Type: Hardcourt, Outdoor
- Net Type: Portable
- Ball Used: Vulcan VPro Flight Outdoor
- Number of Courts: 22
Registration, Payment, and Partner Policy
Players must be fully registered and paid with a confirmed partner to participate. If a player’s partner does not register within seven days of their registration, they will be moved to the waitlist. The event also features a policy for partner replacements, allowing players to replace their partner with an already registered player in the same skill/age group.
Weather and Refund Policies
The PPA is committed to proceeding with matches regardless of weather conditions, although the format may be adjusted. Players have the option to purchase registration and weather insurance, which provides a refund for cancellations made before the April 25, 2025, deadline (minus a $25 fee).
Volunteer and Referee Opportunities
The tournament is seeking volunteers and referees. Those interested can sign up via the tournament website.
News in Brief: Punta Gorda Set to Host 2025 PPA Challenger
The Punta Gorda PPA Challenger, scheduled for May 23-25, 2025, promises an exciting mix of amateur and professional pickleball competitions at PicklePlex in Florida. Registration opens on December 30, 2024.
With a focus on skill-level tournaments and prize money, the event will feature a range of formats, including Double Elimination and Round Robin play. Participants must secure a registered and paid partner to compete, and weather-related adjustments may occur. The tournament is also seeking referees and volunteers.
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