The Orlando PPA Challenger 2025 is set to bring the excitement of professional pickleball to Kissimmee, Florida, where amateurs and professionals will compete in thrilling matches for cash prizes, ranking points, and the ultimate bragging rights. From September 5 to September 7, 2025, players from around the world will gather at IHG Orange Lake Resort, where amateur events will run alongside professional matches.
Tournament Details
- Date: September 5-7, 2025
- Location: IHG Orange Lake Resort, Kissimmee, FL
- Cost: USD 70.00 per player
- Prize Money: Available upon request
- Registration: Opens December 3, 2024, and closes August 29, 2025
Start Times: Times are subject to change, with potential event mergers depending on the number of registrations.
Amateur Players
Amateur matches will be held at Championship Court, where up-and-coming professional players battle for prestige. It’s an unmissable opportunity for non-professional players to experience the thrill of being on the same stage as their idols. Tournament organizers will host a variety of skill-level events with players competing in singles and doubles formats.
Key Details
- All amateur matches are played with the same enthusiasm as professional tournaments.
- The competition format for skill levels 5.0 & 4.5 is a double-elimination setup, where losing players can only compete for bronze.
- For levels 4.0, 3.5, and 3.0, round-robin formats are used, with playoffs to determine the top finishers.
Event Formats
The Orlando PPA Challenger 2025 offers many formats tailored to skill levels, ensuring every participant gets a competitive experience suited to their abilities.
Skill Level 5.0 and 4.5
- Main Draw: Best of 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Consolation: 1 game to 15, win by 2
- Bronze Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Gold Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
For skill levels 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0, if there are fewer than 12 teams or players, the competition shifts to a round-robin system, ensuring no match goes unwatched.
Additional Format Information
- Round Robin: When there are fewer than 12 players or teams, players will engage in a single round-robin format, with playoffs to determine winners.
- Playoffs: The best teams from each round-robin pool will proceed to the playoffs, resulting in the Gold and Bronze matches.
In addition to skill-based divisions, PPA officials will adjust events based on registration numbers. For example, if fewer than 4 teams sign up for a particular event, the organizers reserve the right to merge events to ensure fair competition.
Pro Player Format
The professional format is structured for maximum excitement, with the best players going head-to-head in a knockout format.
- Main Draw: Single-elimination, 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Bronze Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Gold Medal Match: 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Official Ball: Vulcan VPro Flight Outdoor
There is no backdraw or PPA Points Draw for the pro division, which ensures that every match counts.
Weather and Inclement Weather Policies
As an outdoor event, weather can impact the tournament schedule. PPA officials will do their best to keep matches on track but may alter the format if adverse weather forces delays. In such cases, the tournament will prioritize completing as many matches as possible.
Refund and Insurance Policies
Players who withdraw before the August 8, 2025 cancellation deadline will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee. Players also have the option to purchase registration and weather insurance to protect their investment in case of unforeseen circumstances or weather-related cancellations.
Venue Information
- Venue: IHG Orange Lake Resort, Kissimmee, FL
- Surface Type: Tennis Hardcourt
- Courts Available: 16 (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Parking: Paid parking (fees TBD)
Additional Opportunities
The pickleball event invites referees and volunteers to sign up and contribute to the success of the tournament. Volunteers play an integral role in helping manage the event, while referees can sign up to officiate professional and amateur matches.
News in Brief: Orlando PPA Challenger 2025
The Orlando PPA Challenger 2025, held at the IHG Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, will take place from September 5 to September 7, 2025. This event features amateur and professional pickleball matches with a double-elimination format for higher skill levels and round-robin play for lower levels.
The pickleball event also provides opportunities for referees and volunteers to participate. Registrations open in December 2024, with a $70 entry fee. The pickleball tournament promises a competitive atmosphere with cash prizes and valuable ranking points on the line.
ALSO READ: Wesselman Park to Host PPA Challenger Series – Here’s What to Know