The Edwardsville PPA Challenger 2025 is a highly anticipated pickleball event on the pickleball calendar, where amateur players get a chance to compete side-by-side with the sport’s top professionals. Hosted at Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville, Illinois, this tournament is set to take place from August 1 to August 3, 2025, attracting some of the biggest names in pickleball.
Tournament Overview
- Dates: Aug 1, 2025 – Aug 3, 2025
- Location: Plummer Family Park, Edwardsville, Illinois
- Registration Period: Dec 3, 2024 – Jul 25, 2025
- Entry Fee: USD 70.00
- Prize Money: Available upon request
- Tournament Timezone: Central
This competition allows amateur players to test their skills on Championship Court, where the world’s best, including Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, battle for top honors. Whether a seasoned competitor or a newcomer, this event provides an unmatched atmosphere to witness elite-level play.
Experience Elite Pickleball Matches
The PPA Tour is renowned for its exclusive contracts with the sport’s top professional players, meaning spectators at the Edwardsville PPA Challenger can expect to see Anna Leigh Waters (current #1 female) and Ben Johns (current #1 male) competing on the courts.
Fans can enjoy action from these international stars and experience the energy of a top-tier pickleball event. With multiple courts available, there will be no shortage of intense matches to watch.
Referees and Volunteers at the Event
Those interested in getting involved in the pickleball tournament in more than just a spectator capacity can volunteer or referee at the event. Sign-ups for both are available on the official tournament website. The opportunity to referee or volunteer allows individuals to be a part of the event from behind the scenes, contributing to its smooth operation.
Pickleball Event Format and Structure
The amateur format for skill and age events is a unique feature of this tournament, with specific details for each skill level:
- 5.0 and 4.5 skill levels will play in a Double Elimination with No Come-Around format, with matches played to 11 points, win by 2, in the main draw and consolation rounds.
- For lower skill levels (4.0, 3.5 & 3.0), events with more than 12 teams or players will follow Double Elimination with No Come-Around. If fewer than 12 teams are present, a Round Robin with Playoffs format is used.
Brackets/Pools are seeded based on the DUPR Rating to ensure fair and competitive play across the board. In some cases, events may be combined or altered depending on the number of registered players.
Pro Format and Prize Money
At the pro level, the main draw will be single elimination, with the finals consisting of a best of three to 11 points, win by 2 format. The bronze medal match will also follow the same format. No back draws or PPA points will be awarded during this event, making every match crucial for the professionals competing for the top spots.
- Official Ball: Vulcan VPro Flight Outdoor
Inclement Weather Policy
As an outdoor event, the Edwardsville PPA Challenger is subject to weather disruptions. If weather conditions affect match schedules, the tournament organizers will make every effort to proceed with the event, adjusting brackets or match formats as necessary. Players and attendees are encouraged to stay updated on possible changes.
Registration and Partner Policy
Players must ensure that they and their partners are registered and paid by the event’s deadline. If a player’s partner fails to register within 7 days, they will be moved to the waitlist. The event’s partner replacement policy ensures that any players who lose a partner can find a replacement from those already registered.
Venue Details
The Plummer Family Park offers 25 outdoor hard courts, making it the perfect setting for this high-profile event. Parking fees may apply, so attendees should be prepared for possible costs.
- Location: 3501 Sports Park Drive, Edwardsville, Illinois
- Court Surface: Hardcourt (outdoor, non-covered)
- Net Type: Portable
- Ball Used: Vulcan VPRO Flight Outdoor
- Parking: Paid parking, fees TBD
News in Brief: Edwardsville PPA Challenger 2025
The Edwardsville PPA Challenger 2025, scheduled for Aug 1-3, 2025, offers amateur players a unique opportunity to compete on championship courts alongside top professionals like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. The pickleball event includes prize money and a comprehensive format for various skill levels, with singles and doubles divisions.
Spectators can enjoy elite-level pickleball, while volunteers and referees can participate in the event. With 25 outdoor courts and a competitive environment, it promises to be a memorable experience for all involved.
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