<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><generator>Alitu</generator><title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson chat about the world game of pickleball, uncovering the most fascinating pickleball stories from across the globe in their own fun, unique style. This podcast is perfect for all pickleball fans, especially those who want to know more about what is happening outside of the USA (though hey, the US folks will love it too!) 
Join us weekly for a light-hearted but very serious world pickleball fix.]]></description><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson chat about the world game of pickleball, uncovering the most fascinating pickleball stories from across the globe in their own fun, unique style. This podcast is perfect for all pickleball fans, especially those who want to know more about what is happening outside of the USA (though hey, the US folks will love it too!) 
Join us weekly for a light-hearted but very serious world pickleball fix.]]></itunes:summary><language>en-gb</language><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><podcast:podping usesPodping="true"></podcast:podping><podcast:guid>cd1e1670-91db-5894-813b-6e47aa425aa8</podcast:guid><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com</link><atom:link href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1807059798" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://deezer.com/show/1001782851" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2YxXH3gi7xrMtveIKOxHa7" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://www.instagram.com/worldpickleballmagazine" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://alitu.com/made-with-alitu/" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://www.facebook.com/worldpickleballmagazine" rel="external"></atom:link><atom:link href="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:email>office@worldpickleballmagazine.com</itunes:email><itunes:name>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author><podcast:person>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</podcast:person><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/a1d530ad-8e95-4511-bb80-54b723005c74.jpg?t=1743596006000"></itunes:image><itunes:category text="Sports"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text="Sports News"></itunes:category></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Health &amp; Fitness"><itunes:category text="Fitness"></itunes:category></itunes:category><item><guid isPermaLink="false">d3f03bf5-6b39-4625-b928-8b4f918f0175</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Lee Whitwell on who pickleball’s future is really for]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Lee Whitwell on who pickleball’s future is really for]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Lee Whitwell joins the World Pickleball Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond results.</p><p>The reigning senior pro star and Game ChangeHER co-founder breaks down the US Open, the growth of the English Open, and why pickleball still struggles as a spectator sport. More importantly, she explains why the future of the game will not be decided by the pro tour, but by the millions of players who show up to courts every week.</p><p>We also get into paddle sponsorships, grassroots coaching, the psychology of competition, and how pickleball creates something most sports don’t — a genuine sense of belonging.</p><p>If you care about where the sport is heading, this is one to listen to.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:55:38 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:51:26</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/d3f03bf5-6b39-4625-b928-8b4f918f0175</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/d3f03bf5-6b39-4625-b928-8b4f918f0175.mp3?t=1777366539000" length="74078283" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">65aa986f-0a83-4fac-a792-a1af80417814</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The Moment Pickleball Became More Important Than a Cancer Diagnosis]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The Moment Pickleball Became More Important Than a Cancer Diagnosis]]></title><description><![CDATA[<h2>Why Pickleball Gets Under Your Skin — A One-Year Quest to Understand It</h2><p>What makes pickleball so addictive?</p><p>In this episode, Chris sits down with Clare Frank — former California fire chief, author, and lifelong athlete — to unpack a question most players feel but rarely explain.</p><p>After a health scare, Clare realised she feared losing pickleball more than the diagnosis itself. That moment sent her on a one-year journey across the US to understand why the sport has such a powerful hold on people.</p><p>From playing in a maximum security prison to chasing games in the rain like an addict, to competing in a Down Syndrome tournament in memory of her sister, this is not a typical pickleball story.</p><p>It’s about:</p><ul><li>why pickleball hooks people faster than any other sport</li><li>how it blends competition, community and dopamine in a way nothing else does</li><li>and why the game feels the same whether you’re in a prison yard or your local club</li></ul><p></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stop playing… this one explains it.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:51:47 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:41:52</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/65aa986f-0a83-4fac-a792-a1af80417814</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/65aa986f-0a83-4fac-a792-a1af80417814.mp3?t=1776775908000" length="60289520" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">ccd3359c-0e1d-42b9-a7a4-43441797dc80</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Melissa McCurley on building modern pickleball]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Melissa McCurley on building modern pickleball]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Melissa McCurley helped build the modern pickleball world long before most people realised what the sport could become.</p><p>In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with the 2025 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee, former PickleballTournaments.com CEO, US Open architect, national TV commentator, and current APP executive to talk about the work that turned pickleball from a driveway game into a professional sport with real structure.</p><p>Melissa explains how the US Open became the sport’s Super Bowl, why early TV exposure changed everything, what it was like to become the first woman to commentate pickleball on national television, and how tournament operations, player ratings, and professional standards evolved during the sport’s most important growth phase.</p><p>This is also a conversation about what still needs fixing. Melissa talks about the sport getting in its own way, the need for stronger global alignment, why history still matters, and what pickleball must do next if it wants to become something that lasts.</p><p>If you want to understand how modern pickleball was built, and what comes next, this is the episode.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Melissa McCurley on building the US Open into a bucket-list event</li><li>How PickleballTournaments.com changed the sport</li><li>The first years of pickleball on CBS Sports</li><li>Why player trust matters in commentary</li><li>The origins of UTPR and rating systems in pickleball</li><li>Melissa’s role at the APP</li><li>Why pickleball still needs more structure</li><li>The tension between the sport’s history and its future</li></ul><p></p><p>Follow World Pickleball Magazine for global pickleball news, analysis, rankings, tournaments, and the weekly World Pickleball Report.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:23:14 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>01:02:23</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/ccd3359c-0e1d-42b9-a7a4-43441797dc80</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/ccd3359c-0e1d-42b9-a7a4-43441797dc80.mp3?t=1776417795000" length="89829758" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">b9e1ea8d-1bab-4ead-b258-8af70ca8f2f4</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[PPA Australia’s Depth Problem and Louis Laville’s Return Hint at Pickleball’s Next Phase]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[PPA Australia’s Depth Problem and Louis Laville’s Return Hint at Pickleball’s Next Phase]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> break down the latest developments across the global pickleball scene, with a sharp focus on <strong>PPA Australia</strong>, player pathways, and the evolving European landscape.</p><p>The discussion opens with a deep dive into the <strong>PPA Australia event in Moreton Bay</strong>, where a lack of depth in the draw raises bigger questions about participation, cost, and the impact of a growing global calendar. Chris and Gordon explore why fewer players are entering certain events, how rising travel costs are affecting the sport, and whether emerging tours like <strong>PPA Asia</strong> are beginning to reshape player priorities.</p><p>The conversation then turns into a broader debate about competitive standards. What happens when top players are not consistently facing elite opposition? Can regional tours maintain quality while the global game expands? And is pickleball entering a phase where depth, not just talent, becomes the defining factor?</p><p>Attention then shifts to Europe, where <strong>Louis Laville</strong> returns to the <strong>RTA Tour</strong> and immediately makes an impact with double gold in Stockholm. His rise becomes a case study in what exposure to higher-level competition can do for player development, and what it means for the next phase of European pickleball.</p><p>Chris and Gordon also examine the wider implications for the sport, from consistency at the elite level to the importance of playing against top-tier opposition regularly. This is not just about results, it is about how the global structure of pickleball is shaping the level of play itself.</p><p>If you want to understand where pickleball is heading, not just what happened last weekend, this episode delivers real insight.</p><p><strong>Topics covered:</strong></p><ul><li>PPA Australia Moreton Bay event analysis</li><li>Lack of depth and participation challenges in tournaments</li><li>Impact of rising travel and competition costs</li><li>PPA Asia vs PPA Australia dynamics</li><li>Louis Laville’s return to the European RTA Tour</li><li>Player development through global competition</li><li>Consistency and standards in professional pickleball</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on <strong>Spotify, iTunes, and all major podcast platforms</strong> for weekly insight into the stories shaping the global game.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:30:37 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:55:19</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/b9e1ea8d-1bab-4ead-b258-8af70ca8f2f4</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/b9e1ea8d-1bab-4ead-b258-8af70ca8f2f4.mp3?t=1776173438000" length="79655454" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">847e13e3-5df4-4b8c-a9c8-f32624165b43</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Gustaf Getarud on Europe’s Pickleball Boom, Smart Play, and the Battle for the Sport’s Future]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Gustaf Getarud on Europe’s Pickleball Boom, Smart Play, and the Battle for the Sport’s Future]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with one of the most influential figures in European pickleball, <strong>Gustaf Getarud</strong>, to talk about playing, building and thinking the game at a high level.</p><p>Gustaf discusses how a corporate background in leadership and recruitment has shaped his approach on court, why process and problem-solving matter so much in pickleball, and how he has stayed competitive against stronger athletes with deeper racket-sport backgrounds.</p><p>The conversation also moves into the bigger picture. Together, Chris and Gustaf look at the changing European tournament scene, the risks of oversaturation, the tension between open competition and exclusivity, and what Europe can learn from the tour wars in the United States.</p><p>There is also insight into:</p><ul><li>why European players often approach the game differently from Americans</li><li>how Gustaf adapted after training in the US</li><li>the value of drilling for difficult match situations</li><li>why flexibility of style matters more than many coaches admit</li><li>the players and partnerships to watch in Europe right now</li><li>why Gustaf believes Francesca Romani could become Europe’s number one before the end of the year</li></ul><p></p><p>If you want a podcast that goes beyond surface-level chat and gets into how European pickleball is actually being built, this is one worth listening to.</p><p>Listen on Spotify, iTunes and other major podcast platforms, or find more at worldpickleballmagazine.com.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:02:39 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:36:11</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/847e13e3-5df4-4b8c-a9c8-f32624165b43</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/847e13e3-5df4-4b8c-a9c8-f32624165b43.mp3?t=1775206960000" length="52102716" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">a5b83b80-4953-449f-a44c-15b7d776cdcb</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Anna Leigh Waters, Hanoi pressure, Phuc Huynh, Ly Hoang Nam and Chris Haworth No.1]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Anna Leigh Waters, Hanoi pressure, Phuc Huynh, Ly Hoang Nam and Chris Haworth No.1]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week’s World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson dig into the biggest talking points from the MB Hanoi Cup and the wider pro game.</p><p>The show opens with a light-hearted detour into English Open plans before turning to the real debate: Anna Leigh Waters withdrawing from women’s singles in Hanoi after a packed run of tournaments. Chris and Gordon discuss whether the professional schedule is starting to ask too much of the sport’s biggest names, and whether it was the right look for Waters’ first major international appearance in Vietnam.</p><p>They also get into Phuc Huynh’s decision not to play, the wider concerns around PPA Asia exclusivity, and whether some American players are being protected too far into the draw at the expense of local and regional talent.</p><p>From there, the conversation moves courtside. Chris and Gordon break down Ly Hoang Nam’s controversial win over Christian Alshon, the disputed line call that followed, and what the result means for Vietnam’s growing place in the pro game. There is also discussion of Hong Kit Wong and Eunggwon Kim’s big doubles win over Tyson McGuffin and Riley Newman, Mitchell Hargreaves’ strong run, the women’s singles picture in Hanoi, and the early shape of the mixed doubles and women’s doubles draws.</p><p>The episode then shifts back to the United States, where Chris Haworth’s rise to world No.1 in men’s singles is placed under the microscope. Chris and Gordon also talk about how hard it is becoming to close out matches against the sport’s very best players, what that says about the current level beneath the elite, and whether the PPA’s dominance is helping or hurting the storytelling around the pro game.</p><p>This episode covers:</p><ul><li>Anna Leigh Waters withdrawing from singles in Hanoi</li><li>whether the pro schedule is becoming too congested</li><li>Phuc Huynh’s boycott and the PPA Asia contract debate</li><li>Ly Hoang Nam’s win over Christian Alshon</li><li>the line-call controversy in Hanoi</li><li>Hong Kit Wong and Eunggwon Kim’s standout doubles result</li><li>Mitchell Hargreaves’ strong run</li><li>Chris Haworth becoming world No.1</li><li>why top players are becoming harder to close out against</li></ul><p></p><p>For weekly global pickleball journalism, visit World Pickleball Magazine and sign up for the World Pickleball Report.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:42:30 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:45:04</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/a5b83b80-4953-449f-a44c-15b7d776cdcb</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/a5b83b80-4953-449f-a44c-15b7d776cdcb.mp3?t=1775133751000" length="64904521" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">bbe3cd5d-6c38-4776-a87d-a9024abe0744</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Talent Isn’t the Problem — Bálint Bakó on What Europe Still Lacks]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Talent Isn’t the Problem — Bálint Bakó on What Europe Still Lacks]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Bálint Bakó is one of the most interesting players in European pickleball right now, and in this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with the Hungarian star to explore the journey behind his rise.</strong></p><p>From his background in the demanding Hungarian junior tennis system to his rapid emergence as one of Europe’s leading singles players, Bakó opens up on the moments that shaped him, the matches that changed his belief, and the realities of trying to build an international career in pickleball from Europe.</p><p>He reflects on his breakthrough in Malmö, the lessons learned from major battles across the continent, the pain of his injury in Rome, and the huge experience of competing in the World Pickleball League in Mumbai. Bakó also discusses what separates the best Asian and American players from Europe’s top names, and why he believes the gap is not talent, but exposure, opportunity, and repetition at the highest level.</p><p>This is a conversation about ambition, pressure, funding, growth, and what it really takes to try to break through in the global game.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></p><ul><li>Bálint’s tennis background and how he found pickleball</li><li>Why Malmö became a turning point in his career</li><li>His singles mindset and how he sees his own game</li><li>What he learned from top European rivals</li><li>The injury moment in Rome and how he responded</li><li>Life inside the World Pickleball League in Mumbai</li><li>His biggest win so far against Dang Hoang Nguyen</li><li>Why European players need more exposure to close the gap globally</li><li>His goals for the rest of 2026</li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoy the podcast, make sure you follow World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms, and head to worldpickleballmagazine.com for daily global pickleball news, analysis, and interviews.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:33:15 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:06</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/bbe3cd5d-6c38-4776-a87d-a9024abe0744</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/bbe3cd5d-6c38-4776-a87d-a9024abe0744.mp3?t=1774945996000" length="70720343" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">d0623255-0cad-4cab-8245-d7bb02e78fea</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Vietnam’s Pickleball Rise, English Open Costs, and Gamma Bankruptcy]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Vietnam’s Pickleball Rise, English Open Costs, and Gamma Bankruptcy]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> break down another fascinating week across the global pickleball landscape, from emerging tours in Asia to major industry developments.</p><p>The conversation opens with discussion around the <strong>D-Joy Tour and the rapid rise of pickleball in Vietnam</strong>, including insights from recent conversations with top European player Ben Cawston and the significance of Vietnam being announced as a future host of the <strong>Pickleball World Cup</strong>. Chris and Gordon explore what this means for the sport’s expansion into Southeast Asia and how new markets are accelerating pickleball’s global reach.</p><p>Attention then turns to the UK, where <strong>English Open registrations are set to open</strong>, sparking a wider discussion around the increasing <strong>cost of entering pickleball tournaments</strong> and what that means for accessibility, participation, and the long-term health of the competitive scene.</p><p>The episode also highlights one of the more unique growth stories in North America, with <strong>churches in Quebec being converted into indoor pickleball facilities</strong>, reflecting the ongoing demand for court space and the creative solutions emerging to meet it.</p><p>Finally, Chris and Gordon address a significant industry development, discussing <strong>Gamma filing for bankruptcy</strong> and what the news could signal for the pickleball equipment market, brand competition, and the broader business landscape of the sport.</p><p>From grassroots innovation to global expansion and industry shake-ups, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s continued growth worldwide.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>D-Joy Tour and pickleball growth in Vietnam</li><li>Vietnam announced as a future Pickleball World Cup host</li><li>English Open registrations and tournament entry costs</li><li>Quebec churches converted into pickleball facilities</li><li>Gamma bankruptcy and its impact on the industry</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on <strong>iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms</strong> for weekly analysis, interviews, and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball around the world.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:26:09 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:55:17</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/d0623255-0cad-4cab-8245-d7bb02e78fea</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/d0623255-0cad-4cab-8245-d7bb02e78fea.mp3?t=1774358770000" length="79622529" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">dc1884c8-4e39-41ad-88de-e3746707a573</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Ben Cawston: Europe’s No.1, 17 golds, and the surprising sporting crossover]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Ben Cawston: Europe’s No.1, 17 golds, and the surprising sporting crossover]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> sits down with one of the most dominant forces in global pickleball right now: <strong>Ben Cawston</strong>, the <strong>RTA European No. 1 in Men’s Doubles</strong>, reigning European Champion, and one of the fastest-rising players in the sport.</p><p>At just 23 years old, Ben has already built a remarkable sporting résumé. A former <strong>World No. 1 in rackets</strong> and the youngest Rackets World Champion in over a century, he transitioned into pickleball in 2023 and has since taken complete control of the European scene. Alongside his partner <strong>Théo Platel</strong>, he remains unbeaten in Europe, with <strong>17 European Pro gold medals</strong> and a record-leading <strong>5.807 DUPR rating</strong>, the highest of any player competing on the continent.</p><p>In this conversation, Ben breaks down his dominant 2026 season, including recent gold medal performances in Vienna, Rome, and Barcelona, and explains the tactical chemistry behind his unstoppable partnership. He also reflects on his unique sporting background, from tracking 185mph rackets shots to becoming one of the most feared players at the pickleball kitchen line.</p><p>The discussion then expands to the global stage. Ben shares insights from competing on the <strong>PPA Tour</strong>, his experience in <strong>PPA Asia</strong>, and his role as a star international player in the <strong>World Pickleball League</strong>. He also analyses his narrow loss to top American pros at the Hangzhou Open, offering a clear view of how close Europe’s best are to breaking through at the highest level.</p><p>From European dominance to global ambition, this episode provides a rare look at one of the sport’s most fascinating crossover athletes and what the future of international pickleball may look like.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Ben Cawston’s dominance in European pickleball</li><li>Partnership success with Théo Platel</li><li>RTA rankings and DUPR performance metrics</li><li>Transition from rackets world champion to pickleball pro</li><li>Competing on the PPA Tour and PPA Asia</li><li>World Pickleball League and global expansion</li><li>Tactical insights into elite doubles play</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on <strong>iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms</strong> for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and innovators shaping pickleball worldwide.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:32:37 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:52:29</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/dc1884c8-4e39-41ad-88de-e3746707a573</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/dc1884c8-4e39-41ad-88de-e3746707a573.mp3?t=1774462633000" length="75592864" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3b8eed97-5ce3-4b6e-83dd-4f8525162ecf</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[PPA Texas Wind Chaos, PPA Sydney, and the 2026 Pickleball World Cup]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[PPA Texas Wind Chaos, PPA Sydney, and the 2026 Pickleball World Cup]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> break down a packed week across the global pickleball scene, covering tour action, international developments, and one particularly heated debate.</p><p>The episode opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on, before diving straight into the latest professional action. Gordon shares insight from the <strong>PPA Sydney event</strong>, analysing standout performances and what the results mean for the APAC region. The discussion then shifts to the <strong>PPA Texas Open</strong>, where extreme wind conditions, triple crown success, and unpredictable matches created one of the most talked-about events of the season.</p><p>A major talking point follows, as Chris reacts strongly to a proposal suggesting that top PPA doubles pairs should be split up to create a more competitive field. The debate explores competitive balance, player dynamics, and what makes elite pickleball compelling to watch.</p><p>Beyond the pro tours, the episode expands into the international game. Chris and Gordon cover developments from <strong>WPC Asia</strong>, the opening of bidding for the <strong>Pan American Pickleball Games</strong>, and the continued growth of infrastructure with a new dedicated pickleball centre in Auckland.</p><p>The conversation also looks ahead to major global events, including confirmed dates and host city speculation for the <strong>2026 Pickleball World Cup</strong>, as well as the evolving structure of the <strong>Caribbean Championships</strong>, which are adopting a World Cup-style format.</p><p>From tour-level drama to global expansion, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s rapid growth worldwide.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>PPA Sydney and APAC tour developments</li><li>PPA Texas Open and extreme playing conditions</li><li>Debate over splitting top PPA doubles pairs</li><li>WPC Asia updates</li><li>Pan American Pickleball Games bidding process</li><li>Auckland’s dedicated pickleball facility</li><li>2026 Pickleball World Cup planning</li><li>Caribbean Championships format changes</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on <strong>iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms</strong> for weekly analysis, interviews, and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball around the world.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:34:55 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>01:13:20</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/3b8eed97-5ce3-4b6e-83dd-4f8525162ecf</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/3b8eed97-5ce3-4b6e-83dd-4f8525162ecf.mp3?t=1773840896000" length="105603715" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">f28e961c-6094-4e04-a57f-c37ce731e148</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[PPA Asia, Nick Kyrgios, and the English Open in Global Pickleball Focus]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[PPA Asia, Nick Kyrgios, and the English Open in Global Pickleball Focus]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> to break down another busy week across the global pickleball landscape.</p><p>The show opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth of <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong> and its expanding global coverage of the sport.</p><p>From there, the hosts dive into the biggest stories on the professional circuit. The discussion begins with the <strong>PPA Tour action from the Newport Beach Open</strong>, analysing the key performances and storylines from one of the tour’s major early-season stops. The Professional Pickleball Association calendar continues to expand globally with events across North America, Asia and Australia. </p><p>Chris and Gordon also touch on the <strong>PPA Asia expansion</strong>, including the upcoming Hanoi Cup in Vietnam where top stars like Anna Leigh Waters are expected to headline the tour’s growing international presence. </p><p>The conversation then shifts to the business side of the sport, including tennis star <strong>Nick Kyrgios increasing his involvement in pickleball</strong> through investment and partnership with the rapidly expanding pickleball club operator <strong>The Picklr</strong>, highlighting the sport’s accelerating commercial momentum. </p><p>The episode also highlights grassroots innovation, including a <strong>hybrid inclusive pickleball tournament in the UK</strong>, demonstrating how the sport continues to evolve through new formats designed to bring different levels and communities together on court.</p><p>Finally, Chris previews key upcoming events on the international calendar, including details around the <strong>English Open Pickleball Championships</strong>, before finishing with a look inside the latest issue of <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong>.</p><p>Whether you follow the professional tours, the business of pickleball, or the sport’s growing grassroots movement, this episode connects the biggest developments shaping the global pickleball scene.</p><p><strong>Topics covered in this episode include:</strong></p><ul><li>PPA Tour action and results from the Newport Beach Open</li><li>Expansion of the PPA Tour into Asia</li><li>Nick Kyrgios’ increasing investment in pickleball</li><li>Innovative hybrid pickleball tournaments in the UK</li><li>English Open Pickleball Championships updates</li><li>The latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on <strong>iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms</strong> for weekly analysis, interviews, and conversations with the players, coaches and leaders driving pickleball’s global rise.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:58:40 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:54:47</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/f28e961c-6094-4e04-a57f-c37ce731e148</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/f28e961c-6094-4e04-a57f-c37ce731e148.mp3?t=1773320321000" length="78900605" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">e70afb01-afe0-4d11-b6e2-f9b59ace2fb4</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Jack Munro on Reaching No. 1 on the APP Tour and Staying There]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Jack Munro on Reaching No. 1 on the APP Tour and Staying There]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> sits down with <strong>Jack Munro</strong>, the <strong>#1 ranked male player on the APP Tour</strong>, to discuss his rise to the top of professional pickleball.</p><p>Jack shares the story behind his journey through the competitive ranks, detailing the training, mindset, and strategic evolution that helped him reach the number one position on the <strong>Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour</strong>. From early breakthroughs to navigating the pressure that comes with being the player everyone is chasing, this conversation offers rare insight into life at the top of the professional game.</p><p>Chris and Jack also explore the current state of the APP Tour, the level of competition across the professional circuit, and how the global growth of pickleball is shaping opportunities for elite players. The discussion includes Jack’s approach to singles and doubles strategy, maintaining consistency across tournaments, and what it takes to stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.</p><p>Whether you follow the APP Tour closely or want to understand what it takes to become the world’s top-ranked pickleball player, this episode delivers an inside look at elite performance and the future of professional pickleball.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Jack Munro’s journey to #1 on the APP Tour</li><li>Training, mindset, and elite player preparation</li><li>The current state of the APP professional circuit</li><li>Strategies for staying at the top of the rankings</li><li>The future of professional pickleball</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping pickleball around the world.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:02:05 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:57:14</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/e70afb01-afe0-4d11-b6e2-f9b59ace2fb4</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/e70afb01-afe0-4d11-b6e2-f9b59ace2fb4.mp3?t=1772794926000" length="82410816" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">f9e84d9a-8f74-4ed0-8b86-d586716c8948</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Matthew Barlow and his PPA Mesa Cup Shock Run: 72nd Seed to Men’s Singles Semi-Finals]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Matthew Barlow and his PPA Mesa Cup Shock Run: 72nd Seed to Men’s Singles Semi-Finals]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> speaks with one of the breakout stories of the season: <strong>Matthew Barlow</strong>, the 72nd seed at the <strong>PPA Mesa Cup</strong> who stunned the draw by advancing all the way to the men’s singles semi-finals.</p><p>Matthew shares the inside story of his remarkable run, detailing the matches, mindset shifts, and tactical adjustments that carried him deep into one of the most competitive events on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. From underdog status to centre-court spotlight, this conversation explores what it takes to compete against top-ranked professionals when expectations are low and pressure is high.</p><p>Chris and Matthew also discuss preparation at the elite level, the mental resilience required to win back-to-back upsets, and what this breakthrough result means for Matthew’s future on the PPA Tour.</p><p>Whether you follow professional pickleball rankings, love an underdog story, or want insight into high-performance singles strategy, this episode delivers a compelling look at one of the standout performances from the PPA Mesa Cup.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Matthew Barlow’s semi-final run at the PPA Mesa Cup</li><li>Upset victories and tactical adjustments in men’s singles</li><li>Mental resilience in professional pickleball</li><li>What a deep tournament run means for rankings and career momentum</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping professional pickleball worldwide.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:27:23 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:25:44</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/f9e84d9a-8f74-4ed0-8b86-d586716c8948</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/f9e84d9a-8f74-4ed0-8b86-d586716c8948.mp3?t=1772018844000" length="37071550" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">0061c6ac-d397-4bda-bd8d-123464f28e7b</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[PPA Mesa Cup Recap, NCPA Amazon Prime Deal, and Queensland Tour Success]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[PPA Mesa Cup Recap, NCPA Amazon Prime Deal, and Queensland Tour Success]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> to break down a packed weekend across the global pickleball landscape.</p><p>The discussion opens with full analysis of the <strong>PPA Mesa Cup</strong>, including key results, standout performances, and what the tournament means for rankings and momentum on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. Chris and Gordon examine the evolving competitive picture as the season gathers pace.</p><p>The episode also celebrates Gordon’s success on the <strong>Queensland Pickleball Tour</strong>, offering insight into the growing strength of the Australian scene and what regional tours are doing to elevate player standards across the Asia-Pacific region.</p><p>Off the court, the hosts explore a significant development for collegiate pickleball: the <strong>NCPA securing a broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV</strong>. The move signals another step forward for media exposure, commercial growth, and the sport’s expanding presence on major streaming platforms.</p><p>From professional tour action to grassroots and collegiate expansion, this episode connects the dots across the sport’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>PPA Mesa Cup results and analysis</li><li>Professional Pickleball Association tour developments</li><li>Queensland Pickleball Tour highlights</li><li>NCPA broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV</li><li>The growth of collegiate and international pickleball</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news, analysis, and conversation from across the world of pickleball.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:30:52 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:46:28</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/0061c6ac-d397-4bda-bd8d-123464f28e7b</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/0061c6ac-d397-4bda-bd8d-123464f28e7b.mp3?t=1771936253000" length="66919642" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">c1a6707a-5df2-46c0-abbd-5be9a35934e4</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Estee Widdershoven: Belgium’s First PPA Pro and Europe’s Pickleball Rise]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Estee Widdershoven: Belgium’s First PPA Pro and Europe’s Pickleball Rise]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> speaks with <strong>Estee Widdershoven</strong>, the first Belgian player to be signed to the <strong>Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour</strong>—a landmark moment for Belgian and European pickleball.</p><p>Estee shares her journey from discovering pickleball to reaching the professional ranks, offering insight into the training, mindset, and sacrifices required to compete on the world stage. The conversation explores what her PPA signing means for the growth of pickleball in Belgium and across Europe, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing international players entering the American-dominated professional circuit.</p><p>Chris and Estee also discuss the evolving global pathway in pickleball, the rising standard of European competition, and how breakthrough moments like this can inspire the next generation of players across the continent.</p><p>Whether you follow professional tours, international development, or the future of European pickleball, this episode provides a compelling look at a historic step forward for the sport.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Estee Widdershoven’s signing with the PPA Tour</li><li>The rise of pickleball in Belgium and Europe</li><li>Training, mindset, and life as an emerging professional</li><li>Global pathways into professional pickleball</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and leaders shaping pickleball worldwide.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:33:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:58:21</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/c1a6707a-5df2-46c0-abbd-5be9a35934e4</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/c1a6707a-5df2-46c0-abbd-5be9a35934e4.mp3?t=1771399981000" length="84039766" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">e30b57da-295b-408e-ab5f-98fe49d9655b</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Wes Gabrielsen on WPBL Glory, Hall of Fame Legacy, and WV Wine & Pickle]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Wes Gabrielsen on WPBL Glory, Hall of Fame Legacy, and WV Wine & Pickle]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> and special guest <strong>Wes Gabrielsen</strong>—Head Coach of the <strong>Dilli Dillwale</strong>, champions of <strong>World Pickleball League Season Two</strong>, and a <strong>2022 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee</strong>.</p><p>Wes reflects on the Dilli Dillwale’s title-winning campaign, sharing insight into team culture, preparation, and the tactical decisions that shaped their run to the World Pickleball League championship. The conversation explores what high-performance coaching looks like in modern professional pickleball and how franchise leagues are accelerating the sport’s global growth.</p><p>Beyond the court, Wes also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, including his lifestyle brand and hospitality venture, <strong>WV Wine &amp; Pickle</strong>, offering a look at how leading figures in pickleball are building businesses that extend the sport’s culture and community. Listeners can explore more at <strong>wvwineandpickle.com</strong> and follow the brand’s latest updates on Instagram.</p><p>From championship coaching lessons to the evolving global pickleball ecosystem, this episode provides rare insight from one of the sport’s most respected figures.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Dilli Dillwale’s World Pickleball League Season Two triumph</li><li>Coaching philosophy and high-performance team culture</li><li>The global impact of franchise pickleball leagues</li><li>Wes Gabrielsen’s Hall of Fame journey</li><li>WV Wine &amp; Pickle and life beyond competition</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and leaders shaping pickleball around the world.</p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:32:06 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:57:54</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/e30b57da-295b-408e-ab5f-98fe49d9655b</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/e30b57da-295b-408e-ab5f-98fe49d9655b.mp3?t=1771000327000" length="83377630" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">908a1e17-7fd3-4239-aaa0-370c23611f25</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[14-Year-Old Pro Camden Chaffin: The Future of Pickleball]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[14-Year-Old Pro Camden Chaffin: The Future of Pickleball]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> sits down with one of the sport’s most exciting young talents, <strong>Camden Chaffin</strong>, a 14-year-old professional player from the United States who is already making waves on the competitive pickleball scene.</p><p>Camden shares his journey into professional pickleball, from early development and rapid progression to competing against elite players at such a young age. The conversation explores the mindset required to perform under pressure, how junior athletes are entering the pro ranks earlier than ever, and what Camden’s rise says about the future of the sport.</p><p>Chris and Camden also discuss training routines, tournament experiences, and the growing opportunities for young players within the expanding global pickleball ecosystem. Listeners will gain insight into the next generation of professional pickleball and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.</p><p>Whether you follow junior development, professional competition, or the future stars of pickleball, this episode offers a compelling look at where the sport is heading.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Camden Chaffin’s rise as a teenage professional pickleball player</li><li>Training, competition, and mindset at a young age</li><li>The pathway from junior to pro pickleball</li><li>What the next generation means for the sport’s future</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the people shaping pickleball around the world.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:25:27 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:11</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/908a1e17-7fd3-4239-aaa0-370c23611f25</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/908a1e17-7fd3-4239-aaa0-370c23611f25.mp3?t=1770539128000" length="60744610" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">74b18e6e-c95e-4960-a476-76a2fdeffe57</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[WPBL Season Two, Australian Open Slam, and Quang Duong’s Wika Move]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[WPBL Season Two, Australian Open Slam, and Quang Duong’s Wika Move]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> to break down the latest developments across the professional and international pickleball landscape.</p><p>The conversation begins with an in-depth look at <strong>Season Two of the World Pickleball League</strong>, assessing the action so far, standout performances, and what the early stages reveal about the league’s competitive balance and global impact. Chris and Gordon then turn their attention to the <strong>Australian Open Pickleball Slam</strong>, exploring the significance of the event within the growing international calendar and what it signals for pickleball’s continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.</p><p>The episode also covers major player movement, including <strong>Quang Duong’s move to Wika</strong>, and what the change could mean for sponsorship dynamics, tour competition, and the broader professional ecosystem.</p><p>Whether you follow elite competition, global tournaments, or the business side of the sport, this episode offers clear insight into where pickleball is heading next.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>World Pickleball League Season Two analysis</li><li>Australian Open Pickleball Slam overview</li><li>Quang Duong’s move to Wika</li><li>Global growth of professional pickleball</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news, analysis, and conversation from across the world of pickleball.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:47:53 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:40:52</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/74b18e6e-c95e-4960-a476-76a2fdeffe57</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/74b18e6e-c95e-4960-a476-76a2fdeffe57.mp3?t=1770295674000" length="58852419" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">a4095d09-dc0f-4532-ba13-0d6250deb15f</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[WPBL Opening Days, PPA Rumours, and New Tours Shaping Global Pickleball]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[WPBL Opening Days, PPA Rumours, and New Tours Shaping Global Pickleball]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> to break down a packed week of professional and international pickleball news.</p><p>The discussion opens with analysis of the <strong>first two days of the World Pickleball League (WPBL)</strong>, including early performances, standout moments, and what the opening matches reveal about the direction of the league. From there, Chris and Gordon turn to growing <strong>rumours linking Sofia Sewing to a potential move to the PPA</strong>, examining what such a shift could mean for both player and tour.</p><p>The episode also covers <strong>PPA Indoors in Minnesota</strong>, with insights into the event, conditions, and its place on the professional calendar. Attention then shifts to <strong>Paddle Battle</strong>, the new Pickleball Kingdom reality TV show, where winners earn a coveted spot on the <strong>APP Tour</strong>, blending entertainment with competitive opportunity.</p><p>To close, the hosts explore the launch of <strong>TOPSERIES</strong>, a new <strong>EMEA pickleball tour</strong>, and what it signals for the sport’s rapid growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for players, fans, and industry insiders tracking the evolving landscape of global pickleball.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>World Pickleball League opening days</li><li>Sofia Sewing and PPA transfer rumours</li><li>PPA Indoors Minnesota</li><li>Paddle Battle reality TV show and APP Tour pathway</li><li>TOPSERIES and the expansion of pickleball in EMEA</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball worldwide.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:12:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:54:45</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/a4095d09-dc0f-4532-ba13-0d6250deb15f</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/a4095d09-dc0f-4532-ba13-0d6250deb15f.mp3?t=1769692321000" length="78834132" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">c30750ce-365a-452e-9de9-a9dc82b2ff84</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[WPBL Season Two Preview: Teams, Players, and Pickleball Predictions]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[WPBL Season Two Preview: Teams, Players, and Pickleball Predictions]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> dive deep into one of the most anticipated moments in professional pickleball: <strong>Season Two of the World Pickleball League (WPBL)</strong>.</p><p>Chris and Gordon preview what’s ahead for WPBL Season 2, set for <strong>January 24 to February 8, 2026</strong>, at <strong>Jio World Garden in Mumbai, India</strong>. They discuss the league’s expansion and global significance as teams prepare to battle it out in one of the sport’s most ambitious franchise competitions. With players from around the world drafted into city-based teams and a festival-style fan experience planned, this season is shaping up to be a milestone for pickleball’s growth and global profile. (<a href="https://wpbl.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">wpbl.org</a>)</p><p>The hosts break down key storylines, including the diverse mix of international talent entering the draft, how the WPBL blends sport with entertainment, and what this means for players, fans, and markets beyond India. Whether you’re tracking franchise expansion, elite pickleball competition, or the sport’s rising global footprint, this episode gives you a front-row seat to Season 2’s build-up. (<a href="https://wpbl.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">wpbl.org</a>)</p><p><strong>Topics covered in this episode include:</strong></p><ul><li>Preview of <strong>World Pickleball League Season Two</strong> in Mumbai</li><li>New franchise teams and international player draft insights</li><li>WPBL’s focus on fan engagement and sportainment</li><li>How WPBL fits into the global pickleball landscape</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong> on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news and insights about the sport’s biggest developments.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:50:52 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>01:01:42</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/c30750ce-365a-452e-9de9-a9dc82b2ff84</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/c30750ce-365a-452e-9de9-a9dc82b2ff84.mp3?t=1769086253000" length="88862669" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">e37cd7eb-527c-41ba-8a41-6344519e8722</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Paddle Deals, PPA Shocks, and AI: A Big Week in Global Pickleball]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Paddle Deals, PPA Shocks, and AI: A Big Week in Global Pickleball]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by co-host <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest stories shaping pickleball right now.</p><p>The episode opens with an update on what the team has been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth and global reach of <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong>. From there, the conversation moves into one of the busiest periods in recent memory for paddle sponsorships, breaking down major player signings such as Anna Leigh Waters joining Franklin, Federico Staksrud Tardio’s move to Falcolos, and wider shifts involving Friday and Engage.</p><p>Chris and Gordon also tackle several key developments across the professional and international game. Topics include Australia’s decision to drop Masters events, Harrison Brown’s surprise PPA win over Bhatia, and DUPR’s move toward AI integration with PB Vision. The episode closes with discussion around the upcoming <strong>World Pickleball Championships tournament in China</strong> and what it signals for the sport’s global expansion.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for players, fans, coaches, and industry insiders who want a clear view of where pickleball is heading, both on and off the court.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><p>Growth of World Pickleball Magazine</p><p>Major pickleball paddle sponsorship signings</p><p>Changes to the Australian pickleball calendar</p><p>PPA results and standout performances</p><p>DUPR and AI technology in pickleball</p><p>World Pickleball Championships in China</p><p>Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, news, and conversation from across the global pickleball landscape.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:11:45 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:43:11</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/e37cd7eb-527c-41ba-8a41-6344519e8722</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/e37cd7eb-527c-41ba-8a41-6344519e8722.mp3?t=1768482706000" length="62193809" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">243727de-cc9c-45d9-aceb-7941b9487e8f</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[How Pickleball Is Growing in Venezuela with Leon Stanga]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[How Pickleball Is Growing in Venezuela with Leon Stanga]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> sits down with <strong>Leon Stanga</strong>, President and pioneering force behind Pickleball Venezuela.</p><p>Leon shares the remarkable story of how pickleball took root in Venezuela, from early grassroots efforts to building a national structure for the sport. The conversation explores the challenges of growing pickleball in emerging markets, the role of leadership and education, and what it takes to introduce a new sport in regions where resources, awareness, and infrastructure can be limited.</p><p>Listeners will gain insight into international pickleball development, federation building, tournament growth, and the cultural impact of pickleball beyond North America. Leon also discusses the future of pickleball in Latin America, opportunities for international collaboration, and why Venezuela has become an important part of the global pickleball conversation.</p><p>Whether you are a competitive player, club organiser, coach, or simply passionate about the worldwide growth of pickleball, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the sport is expanding across borders.</p><p><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></p><ul><li>Pickleball growth in Venezuela</li><li>International pickleball development</li><li>Building national pickleball federations</li><li>Grassroots sports leadership</li><li>The future of pickleball in Latin America</li></ul><p></p><p>Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast for weekly conversations with the people shaping the present and future of pickleball around the world.</p><p><span>Don't forget to download the latest massive issue of </span><strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong><span>—featuring 150 pages of global news—for free at worldpickleballmagazine.com.</span></p><p><strong>Subscribe and leave a review to help us grow the game!</strong></p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:53:06 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:02</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/243727de-cc9c-45d9-aceb-7941b9487e8f</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/243727de-cc9c-45d9-aceb-7941b9487e8f.mp3?t=1768319587000" length="70620611" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">b77368e3-7a5e-4d9f-950a-46f221d23ef9</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The Picklebros on UK Pickleball, Content, and the Road Ahead]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The Picklebros on UK Pickleball, Content, and the Road Ahead]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> is joined by <strong>Dan Osben and Adam Webb</strong>, better known as <strong>The Picklebros</strong>, one of the most recognisable voices in UK pickleball media.</p><p>The conversation explores the current state of pickleball in the United Kingdom, the role of content creators in shaping the sport’s culture, and how grassroots storytelling is helping drive awareness, participation, and community growth. Dan and Adam discuss their journey building The Picklebros brand, what they are seeing on courts across the UK, and where they believe British pickleball is heading next.</p><p><strong>PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO TECH ISSUES THIS PODCAST SUDDENLY ENDS MIDWAY THROUGH THE CONVERSATION - BUT HOPEFULLY, YOU'LL AGREE WHAT IS THERE IS A GOOD LISTEN!</strong></p><p>This episode also looks at how media, podcasts, and social platforms are becoming essential tools for emerging pickleball markets, and why authentic voices matter as the sport continues to professionalise globally.</p><p>Whether you are a UK-based player, a club organiser, or simply interested in how pickleball is developing beyond North America, this episode offers grounded insight from people embedded in the game every week.</p><h3><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h3><ul><li>The rise of pickleball in the UK</li><li>Building pickleball media and content from the ground up</li><li>Community growth vs professionalisation</li><li>The role of podcasts and social media in emerging markets</li><li>Where British pickleball goes next</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>Why Listen</h3><p>This episode is ideal for listeners searching for:</p><ul><li>UK pickleball news and commentary</li><li>Pickleball podcasts outside the US</li><li>Insights from pickleball content creators</li><li>Conversations about grassroots growth and media</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>Listen &amp; Follow</h3><p>🌍 <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong></p><p>Website: worldpickleballmagazine.com</p><p>Instagram &amp; Facebook: <strong>@worldpickleballmagazine</strong></p><p>🎙 <strong>The Picklebros</strong></p><p>Instagram: <strong>@thepicklebrosuk</strong></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:12:53 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:28:26</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/b77368e3-7a5e-4d9f-950a-46f221d23ef9</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/b77368e3-7a5e-4d9f-950a-46f221d23ef9.mp3?t=1769695588000" length="40938069" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">27c9c67b-3524-4b25-ada0-4a0a68b42e45</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[UPA Contract Controversy, Nick Kyrgios Debut Rumours & The Best of 2025 Awards]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[UPA Contract Controversy, Nick Kyrgios Debut Rumours & The Best of 2025 Awards]]></title><description><![CDATA[<h3>Join hosts <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> for a blockbuster week in pickleball news. This episode dives deep into the major <strong>UPA contract dispute</strong> that has seen top stars like James Ignatovich and Ryan Fu terminated for playing in Japan. The duo also breaks down the massive changes coming to the <strong>PPA Tour global rankings</strong>, the restructuring of the <strong>Polish Pickleball Tour</strong>, and the exciting rumours surrounding tennis star <strong>Nick Kyrgios</strong> making his professional pickleball debut in Australia.</h3><p></p><p>Plus, we recap the <strong>APP Tour Championships</strong> in Fort Lauderdale and wrap up the year with our exclusive <strong>Best of 2025 Awards</strong>, crowning the breakout stars, best teams, and the most viral point of the year.</p><p><strong>In This Episode:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>UPA Player Suspensions:</strong> Full analysis of the controversy surrounding the UPA terminating contracts for players participating in Pickleball Japan Federation events, including the lesser sanction for Paris Todd.</li><li><strong>Global Ranking Unification:</strong> How the PPA Tour and PPA Asia are aligning their ranking systems to create a unified world tour for 2026.</li><li><strong>Nick Kyrgios &amp; Jack Sock:</strong> The rumours heating up about Kyrgios teaming up with Jack Sock for the PPA Australian Open.</li><li><strong>Kyle Yates to Vietnam:</strong> Hall of Famer Kyle Yates signs on as the head coach for the DJY Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, solidifying Vietnam as a new talent hotbed.</li><li><strong>Polish Tour Rebrand:</strong> A look at the new tiered tournament structure (500, 300, 200 series) launching in Poland for 2026.</li><li><strong>APP Tour Finals Recap:</strong> A rundown of the winners from Fort Lauderdale, including first-time gold medalist Ryler DeHeart and women’s singles champion Sion Mendez.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>The Best of 2025 Awards:</strong> Chris and Gordon hand out their end-of-year accolades:</p><ul><li><strong>Breakout Stars:</strong> Mentions for <strong>Sara Denera</strong>, <strong>Yu Fei Long</strong>, and 14-year-old phenom <strong>Tama Shimabukuro</strong>.</li><li><strong>Best Team:</strong> The Bengaluru Jawans (Warhawks) and the Columbus Sliders.</li><li><strong>Best League:</strong> Why the <strong>World Pickleball League</strong> set the standard for 2025.</li><li><strong>Best Point of the Year:</strong> The viral rally from the European Championships featuring Pep Canyadell and Marc Maragaria.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Download the magazine: <a href="http://worldpickleballmagazine.com/" target="_blank">worldpickleballmagazine.com</a>.</li><li>Follow us on Instagram: @worldpickleballmagazine.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Pickleball Podcast, UPA Contracts, PPA Tour Rankings, Nick Kyrgios Pickleball, APP Tour Results, Kyle Yates, World Pickleball League, Pickleball Awards 2025.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:22:57 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:21</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/27c9c67b-3524-4b25-ada0-4a0a68b42e45</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/27c9c67b-3524-4b25-ada0-4a0a68b42e45.mp3?t=1765978472000" length="71060507" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">9c59c69f-7f3d-43c5-9026-3d955509a1a4</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Mumbai Smashers Win IPBL, Vietnam Dominates PPA Asia & MS Dhoni Playing Pickleball]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Mumbai Smashers Win IPBL, Vietnam Dominates PPA Asia & MS Dhoni Playing Pickleball]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The boys are back! After a short hiatus involving moving houses to Anglesey and Rockhampton, hosts <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> return to break down a massive week in global pickleball.</p><p>In this jam-packed episode, we head to New Delhi for the <strong>IPBL 2025 Finale</strong>, where the <strong>Mumbai Smashers</strong> pulled off a stunning Cinderella run—going from the bottom of the table to defeating the Hyderabad Royals 5-1 to take the title. </p><p>We also cover <strong>PPA Asia</strong> in Hangzhou, where Vietnamese players like Hoang Nam Ly dominated the field, and Gordon makes a bold prediction about Australian star Sahra Dennehy potentially challenging Anna Leigh Waters in the future.</p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Our Weeks:</strong> The hosts catch up on their moves and Chris’s Northern League exploits.</li><li><strong>PPA Asia:</strong> A breakdown of the action in China, including Alix Truong’s double gold and Hoang Nam Ly’s upset over Federico Staksrud.</li><li><strong>IPBL Finale:</strong> How the Mumbai Smashers, led by Quang Duong and Pearl Amalsadiwala, secured the inaugural Indian Pickleball League title.</li><li><strong>Dallas MiLP Finals:</strong> Recap of the largest amateur team tournament in history and the viral ATP shot by 11-year-old Carson Ngo.</li><li><strong>CNPL News:</strong> The Southwest Ontario Brewers rebrand as the <strong>York Yeti</strong> under new ownership by former NHL players Cody Hodgson and T.J. Brodie.</li><li><strong>PicklePro Tour:</strong> Sabrina Méndez and Pep Canyadell are crowned the year-end number ones in Spain.</li><li><strong>Celeb Watch:</strong> Cricket legend <strong>MS Dhoni</strong> is spotted swapping his bat for a paddle in Dubai.</li><li><strong>New Doc:</strong> A look at <em>The Power of Pickleball</em>, a new documentary coming to streaming platforms in early 2026.</li></ul><p></p><p>Don't forget to download the latest massive issue of <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong>—featuring 150 pages of global news—for free at worldpickleballmagazine.com.</p><p><strong>Subscribe and leave a review to help us grow the game!</strong></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:30:54 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:21</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/9c59c69f-7f3d-43c5-9026-3d955509a1a4</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/9c59c69f-7f3d-43c5-9026-3d955509a1a4.mp3?t=1765369855000" length="60980193" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">5e17893c-81b5-4c73-9382-cd2d6c3057c7</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Global Shake-Ups and New Frontiers: From Federation Merger to India’s League Launch]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Global Shake-Ups and New Frontiers: From Federation Merger to India’s League Launch]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Join hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson for another steady and thoughtful look at the stories shaping the global pickleball landscape. Each week, they walk through their own lives on and off the court before diving into the developments that matter across every region of the sport.</p><p>In this episode, they examine the proposed merger between the Global Pickleball Federation and the United World Pickleball Federation, a move that may shape the future of international governance. They also look at the European Pickleball Federation’s decision to shift the European Championships to a two-year cycle and introduce a new European Open next November.</p><p>Chris and Gordo turn their attention to the World Pickleball Championship event in China, highlight the winners from the Melbourne Cup in Australia, and talk through the early form coming out of the PPA Lakeland stop. They close with a look at India’s new national league, which is set to launch on December 1 and marks another sign of the sport’s rapid expansion.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:22:04 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:37</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/5e17893c-81b5-4c73-9382-cd2d6c3057c7</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/5e17893c-81b5-4c73-9382-cd2d6c3057c7.mp3?t=1763644925000" length="71445840" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">e8023e1b-468b-4d6a-9a8d-5e1f9f18b2c4</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[World Pickleball League Season 2 Preview , World Cup and World Championships chat]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[World Pickleball League Season 2 Preview , World Cup and World Championships chat]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson review the World Pickleball League Season Two draft where all seven franchises have drafted their squads for January 2026 in India.</p><p>Gordo goes deep into who he thinks the teams to watch might be.</p><p>The pair then review (as best they can) the recent pickleball World Cup in Florida and then bring you their thoughts about the PPA World Championships event that took place last week.</p><p>There's also some chat about pickleball commentary in general and much more.</p><p>Please do subscribe, like and review today's podcast on whatever platform you get your pickleball podcasts.</p><p><span>Stay ahead of the game—listen now and join the conversation shaping the world of pickleball.</span></p><p><span>🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</span></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@thepickleballcommentator</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:18:28 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>01:00:36</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/e8023e1b-468b-4d6a-9a8d-5e1f9f18b2c4</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/e8023e1b-468b-4d6a-9a8d-5e1f9f18b2c4.mp3?t=1763039909000" length="87275542" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">471478de-0c29-4731-a385-65cbc285a04c</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Uspensky’s Ban, World Cup Drama, and the Battle of PB vs Padel]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Uspensky’s Ban, World Cup Drama, and the Battle of PB vs Padel]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This week on the <strong><em>World Pickleball Podcast</em></strong>, we cover the biggest stories shaking up the courts. From the latest PPA and APP headlines to the newly revealed World Cup draw, it’s a packed episode of analysis, opinions, and a few surprises.</p><p>We talk about the suspension of <strong>Dennis Uspensky</strong> and what it means for the sport, dive into <strong>Lee Whitwell</strong>’s candid post on sponsorship, and ask the question everyone’s debating: is pickleball now bigger than padel?</p><p>Plus, a look at celebrity players making headlines, our Performer of the Week, and a full wrap of the moments that defined the week in pickleball.</p><p><strong>Tune in for:</strong></p><ul><li>PPA &amp; APP updates</li><li>The World Cup draw breakdown</li><li>Dennis Uspinsky’s ban explained</li><li>Lee Whitwell’s sponsorship insight</li><li>The PB vs padel rivalry</li><li>Celebrity highlights and standout performances</li></ul><p></p><p>Stay ahead of the game—listen now and join the conversation shaping the world of pickleball.</p><p><span>🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</span></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:11:44 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:47</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/471478de-0c29-4731-a385-65cbc285a04c</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/471478de-0c29-4731-a385-65cbc285a04c.mp3?t=1760541105000" length="71687828" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1ba2542e-5910-4400-93af-7d7776a348c8</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Brown Crown at the APC, Vietnam Drama & Armaan Bhatia Exclusive]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Brown Crown at the APC, Vietnam Drama & Armaan Bhatia Exclusive]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week’s <strong>World Pickleball Podcast</strong>, Chris and Gordo return with a packed episode covering the biggest stories in the sport. They unpack a thrilling fortnight of tournaments — from the <strong>Asian Pickleball Championships wrap-up</strong> to the <strong>PPA Tour Vietnam Cup</strong>, plus highlights from the <strong>APP Tour</strong> and <strong>CNPL</strong>, where the <strong>Montreal Lions clinched back-to-back titles</strong>.</p><p>The episode also teases an exclusive <strong>interview with Armaan Bhatia</strong>, India’s No. 1 pickleball player, following his historic performances on the global stage.</p><p>In the <strong>Good News Stories</strong> segment, the hosts celebrate a 95-year-old Seattle legend <strong>Joyce Jones</strong>, who broke her own pickleball world record, a touching 40-year reunion tradition honouring the sport’s roots, and an inspiring tale from <strong>Cincinnati’s PPA</strong> featuring amateur star <strong>Steve Janssen</strong>. Plus, find out why cricket hero <strong>Jasprit Bumrah</strong> is turning to pickleball for relaxation.</p><p>Gordo names his <strong>Performance of the Week</strong>, while Chris and Gordo share their favourite features from the latest issue of <strong>World Pickleball Magazine</strong>.</p><p>🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:20:42 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:50:24</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/1ba2542e-5910-4400-93af-7d7776a348c8</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/1ba2542e-5910-4400-93af-7d7776a348c8.mp3?t=1759926043000" length="72586688" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">7e149ad4-0576-4ef2-831f-e869e0db1e1f</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[From Triple Crown to Global Star: How Armaan Bhatia Became India's Pickleball Phenom]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[From Triple Crown to Global Star: How Armaan Bhatia Became India's Pickleball Phenom]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's World Pickleball Podcast, we are honoured to host an athlete who is not just making waves, but charting entirely new territory for his country in the world of professional pickleball.</p><p>Our guest is the man widely regarded as <strong>India's No. 1 pickleball player</strong>, Armaan Bhatia. This 26-year-old from Mumbai has had a truly remarkable and rapid ascent from domestic dominance to the global stage.</p><p>Armaan is a pioneer, becoming the <strong>first Indian athlete to sign with both the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP)</strong>. His success has included historic feats on American soil, such as winning his <strong>maiden APP Tour gold medal</strong> at the New York City Open in May 2025, making him the first Indian player to claim a title in the US. He also secured a silver medal in Men's Singles on his APP Tour debut at the Vlasic Classic.</p><p>On the international circuit, he recently registered the <strong>biggest win of his career </strong>alongside Zane Navratil by stunning Ben Johns (the "pickleball superstar") and Dekel Bar in the Men’s Doubles semifinal at the PPA Tour Asia Vietnam Cup. This breakthrough follows his <strong>Triple Crown</strong> performance at the PWR DUPR India Masters in 2024.</p><p>He brings a deep athletic foundation, transitioning from a professional tennis background to earn a DUPR rating of 6.292 and compete at the highest level of the game.</p><p>Please enjoy today's podcast and leave us a review!</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:39:10 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:36:32</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/7e149ad4-0576-4ef2-831f-e869e0db1e1f</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/7e149ad4-0576-4ef2-831f-e869e0db1e1f.mp3?t=1759844351000" length="52608344" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">6281f549-66fd-41e4-bad1-2ce7863e6257</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Gordon’s Gold, PPA Asia Updates, and the Road to the Pickleball World Cup]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Gordon’s Gold, PPA Asia Updates, and the Road to the Pickleball World Cup]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <em>World Pickleball Podcast</em>, hosts <strong>Chris Beaumont</strong> and <strong>Gordon Watson</strong> cover the biggest stories in pickleball from Australia and around the globe.</p><p>Highlights include:</p><ul><li>Gordon’s medal haul (one gold and two bronze) at the <strong>Tennis Australia Pickleball Tournament</strong> at <strong>Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane</strong>.</li><li>The latest from <strong>Pure Pickleball</strong> and their PPL showcase event.</li><li>A wrap-up of the <strong>PPA Asia tournament in Malaysia</strong> and early updates from the <strong>PPA Asia event in Vietnam</strong>.</li><li>Key news from the <strong>Australian Pickleball Nationals in Queensland</strong>.</li><li>A preview of the highly anticipated <strong>Pickleball World Cup in the United States</strong>.</li></ul><p>Whether you follow pickleball in Australia, Asia, or the US, this episode brings you tournament results, player highlights, and upcoming event previews.</p><p>Subscribe to the <em>World Pickleball Podcast</em> on <strong>Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app</strong> to stay up to date with everything happening in the world of pickleball.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:12:18 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:48:54</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/6281f549-66fd-41e4-bad1-2ce7863e6257</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/6281f549-66fd-41e4-bad1-2ce7863e6257.mp3?t=1759410739000" length="70428638" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1d1f9f2f-6c5a-438d-a51b-56b4258585ed</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Exclusive interview: How to win the gold in Rome with Stephen Preissler and Prycen Haas]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Exclusive interview: How to win the gold in Rome with Stephen Preissler and Prycen Haas]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>It's a special edition of the World Pickleball Podcast today as Chris Beaumont talks to Stephen Preissler and Prycen Hass, Men's Open gold medallists for Team Austria in the recent European Championships in Rome, Italy.</p><p>Chris talks to the pair about how they got into pickleball, how they ended up being selected for Team Austria and their progress through the draw - ending in an epic victory against Team Spain.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:14:34 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:48:21</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/1d1f9f2f-6c5a-438d-a51b-56b4258585ed</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/1d1f9f2f-6c5a-438d-a51b-56b4258585ed.mp3?t=1759238075000" length="69634651" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">c1fc685a-9505-4c0c-b7dd-e040cdae10c1</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Bali, Malaysia, Jamaica, wooden paddles and more ]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Bali, Malaysia, Jamaica, wooden paddles and more ]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <em>World Pickleball Podcast</em>, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson break down the latest news and results from around the pickleball world:</p><ul><li><strong>PPA Asia Open 🇲🇾</strong> – Ben Johns and Christian Alshon mount a thrilling comeback in Malaysia.</li><li><strong>World Pickleball Championships in Bali 🇮🇩</strong> – Gold medals for Louis Laville, Katie Morris, and doubles team Harrison &amp; Shelby Bates.</li><li><strong>Vintage Classic PPA in Sacramento 🇺🇸</strong> – A throwback event with wooden paddles, where Bouchard reaches her first final.</li><li><strong>Jamaica Open 🇯🇲</strong> – Farjado delivers a standout performance.</li><li><strong>DUPR Updates</strong> – How DUPR plans to tackle sandbagging and launch its new match prediction tool.</li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoy the show, please rate and review the podcast, and subscribe on your favourite platform to never miss an update.</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:08:55 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:33</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/c1fc685a-9505-4c0c-b7dd-e040cdae10c1</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/c1fc685a-9505-4c0c-b7dd-e040cdae10c1.mp3?t=1758877736000" length="61269025" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">37186cd7-0179-4b34-ba1c-dbec7dab0791</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The one after the European Championship: Grazie Roma]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The one after the European Championship: Grazie Roma]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In a solo podcast, Chris Beaumont sits in Rome Airport and tells you what happened in the last two days of the 2025 European Pickleball Championships.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:45:47 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:24:49</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/37186cd7-0179-4b34-ba1c-dbec7dab0791</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/37186cd7-0179-4b34-ba1c-dbec7dab0791.mp3?t=1758534348000" length="35740483" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">bba6ba12-5cb1-411f-995b-fde979442ab6</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The one from the European Championships, it's Rome baby!]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The one from the European Championships, it's Rome baby!]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Chris Beaumont talks to Gordon Watson live from Rome, taking a tour of the European Pickleball Championships in this week's World Pickleball Podcast</p>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2025 22:04:44 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:53:08</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/bba6ba12-5cb1-411f-995b-fde979442ab6</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/bba6ba12-5cb1-411f-995b-fde979442ab6.mp3?t=1758405885000" length="76524105" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">023549da-e69d-4d7f-a476-be991102a135</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Paddle politics, place your bets now plus all the tournament news]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Paddle politics, place your bets now plus all the tournament news]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson take you all around the pickleball world covering...</p><p>🌎 The Welsh Open</p><p>🌎 The English Nationals registration</p><p>🌎 MB Vietnam, PPA Asia</p><p>🌎 Asia Rankings</p><p>🌎 The Canadian National Pickleball League</p><p>🌎 The Global Sports League Auction, featuring Quang Duong</p><p>🌎 Paddle politics at PPA Cincinnati</p><p>🌎 Betting in pickleball</p><p><span>It's another truly jam-packed episode of World Pickleball News!</span></p><p><span>Please do leave the podcast a rating and review, and be sure to subscribe/follow it on whatever platform you get your podcasts from.</span></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:45:09 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:54:15</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/023549da-e69d-4d7f-a476-be991102a135</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/023549da-e69d-4d7f-a476-be991102a135.mp3?t=1757573110000" length="78130553" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">f29cacb9-0dcb-492f-915a-d65ae28b1b7b</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Whitwell & Garnett Triple Crowns, ALW Upset, Global Tour 2026]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Whitwell & Garnett Triple Crowns, ALW Upset, Global Tour 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson discuss;</p><p>Their personal weeks in pickleball</p><p>PPA Las Vegas - especially Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black taking down Anna-Leigh Waters and Anna Bright in the semis and Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio winning their 3rd straight gold</p><p>APP Chicago - Lee Whitwell and her triple crown in the senior division, Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing taking women’s gold and more</p><p>PPA Tour Asia Sansan Fukuoka - Connor Garnett with a triple crown and Yufei Long medalling yet again</p><p>PPA Tour Australia NSW Pickleball Open - all the results from the latest event Down Under</p><p>The Global Pickleball Alliance led by the APP announcing the first-ever global pickleball pro tour for 2026</p><p>India, Canada and Australia naming their World Cup teams</p><p>"Podium to Worlds" Program Opening Global Pathways for Australian Pickleball Talent</p><p>It's a truly jam-packed episode of World Pickleball News!</p><p><span>Please do leave the podcast a rating and review, and be sure to subscribe/follow it on whatever platform you get your podcasts from.</span></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:25:14 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:37</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/f29cacb9-0dcb-492f-915a-d65ae28b1b7b</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/f29cacb9-0dcb-492f-915a-d65ae28b1b7b.mp3?t=1756902315000" length="61378519" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1c82245f-a56a-46ec-819f-7e591382efd9</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[MLP Crown, Alshon Split, WPBL on Tour and more]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[MLP Crown, Alshon Split, WPBL on Tour and more]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In the latest World Pickleball Podcast, pickleball commentators Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson go on a truly global tour of the world game.</p><p>No other pickleball podcast in the world brings you the news in the way the World Pickleball Podcast does.</p><p>In today's show;</p><p>MLP wrap: How did the Sliders take the crown?</p><p>Alshon splits with Leigh Waters: Why has this happened, and do we overplay the role of a coach in individual/small team sports?</p><p>Hong Kong: Who took the medals in the latest PPA Asia event?</p><p>Hyderabad Open: A review of the first WPBL on Tour event in India</p><p>Australia spat: With the tennis federation putting on pickleball events, what does this mean for pickleball in Australia?</p><p>Welsh Open preview: It's the first-ever Welsh Open next week, and we have a small preview</p><p>Mongolia: That's right, they play pickleball in Mongolia, and we can tell you all about how we know this!</p><p>Please do leave the podcast a rating and review, and be sure to subscribe/follow it on whatever platform you get your podcasts from.</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:25:04 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:25</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/1c82245f-a56a-46ec-819f-7e591382efd9</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/1c82245f-a56a-46ec-819f-7e591382efd9.mp3?t=1756297505000" length="71164156" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">99c62183-a9f6-40b8-8c7c-5de0fd2d1b0a</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[That DUPR update, Hong Kong latest, Burger King Cup in Japan and more]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[That DUPR update, Hong Kong latest, Burger King Cup in Japan and more]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson take the listeners through the latest pickleball news from the world of pickleball.</p><p>They talk about:</p><ul><li>The Burger King Cup in Japan</li><li>The World Pickleball League on Tour in Hyderabad</li><li>The new women-only pro league in India</li><li>PPA Asia and their latest tournament in Hong Kong</li><li>And what the latest DUPR update really means!</li></ul><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:57:14 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:45:11</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/99c62183-a9f6-40b8-8c7c-5de0fd2d1b0a</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/99c62183-a9f6-40b8-8c7c-5de0fd2d1b0a.mp3?t=1756040235000" length="65071591" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">605af226-a052-4888-aad3-bbbfd6b54000</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Tales from Telford: The complete English Open review!]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Tales from Telford: The complete English Open review!]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The World Pickleball Podcast is BACK!</p><p>In the first of two episodes this week, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson go back to Telford, where the English Open took place earlier this month.</p><p>Join them as they bring you the stories from behind the scenes, the key matches and medals and more in this special episode.</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:38:59 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:54:07</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/605af226-a052-4888-aad3-bbbfd6b54000</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/605af226-a052-4888-aad3-bbbfd6b54000.mp3?t=1755689940000" length="77929201" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2d89a89b-8fc1-4d4d-9a54-580725cb1e0b</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Big English Open preview plus PPA Brisbane, One GP and WPC Malaysia talk]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Big English Open preview plus PPA Brisbane, One GP and WPC Malaysia talk]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><span>In today's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson talk about the following...</span></p><p><span>🌍 What Chris and Gordon have been doing in the world of pickleball since the last podcast</span></p><p><span>🌍 All the winners from the PPA Brisbane event and the benefit of players going abroad to develop their game</span></p><p><span>🌍 WPC Malaysia and the success of the event</span></p><p><span>🌍 One Pickleball British GP and how it was an event completely different to anything else in England so far</span></p><p><span>🌍 A HUGE English Open Preview - all the names to watch out for in the 18+ Open and 50+ Open across singles, men's, women's and mixed in Telford next week</span></p><p><span>🌍 Chris' own fears for his Open tournament at 35+ 4.5 level!</span></p><p><span>🌍 What you can look forward to in the next week or so</span></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p><p></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:29:31 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:58:21</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/2d89a89b-8fc1-4d4d-9a54-580725cb1e0b</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/2d89a89b-8fc1-4d4d-9a54-580725cb1e0b.mp3?t=1753878572000" length="84031082" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2947a5b3-ccc5-4bfd-ba65-49b9baf1c53c</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Euros squads announced, PPA Asia smashes it, QD thoughts and Yeppoon Festival preview]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Euros squads announced, PPA Asia smashes it, QD thoughts and Yeppoon Festival preview]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson talk about the following...</p><p>🌍 Quang Duong being 'sacked' by UPA and what that means for both</p><p>🌍 Armaan Bhatia's recent form and whether he could be lined up to get a PPA contract</p><p>🌍 Danni-Elle Townsend storming APP and nearly taking gold</p><p>🌍 PPA Asia getting off to an amazing start, and Kapadia just missing out on the triple crown - Schoemann also starring</p><p>🌍 Baypoint winning the England Club Championship</p><p>🌍 The English PPL starting this coming weekend</p><p>🌍 Team England announcing their squad for September's (yes, September - not November) European Championships</p><p>🌍 And the Yeppoon Pickleball Festival - 10 days of non-stop pickling in one of the most beautiful pickleball spots on the planet!</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:32:47 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:43:24</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/2947a5b3-ccc5-4bfd-ba65-49b9baf1c53c</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/2947a5b3-ccc5-4bfd-ba65-49b9baf1c53c.mp3?t=1752755568000" length="62510683" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">675d49db-2287-4ada-8c99-35ea91f6c75c</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Power paddles OUT, wooden paddles IN, tournament updates and more]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Power paddles OUT, wooden paddles IN, tournament updates and more]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson talk about the power paddles that are now banned, the Picklr's Wooden Paddle tournament to celebrate 60 years of pickleball, update you on PPA Asia taking place in Malaysia, a junior tournament in Vietnam and much, much more.</p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:03:14 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:37:37</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/675d49db-2287-4ada-8c99-35ea91f6c75c</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/675d49db-2287-4ada-8c99-35ea91f6c75c.mp3?t=1751547795000" length="54168824" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3ad68951-366a-46ea-9d9d-9768ce245839</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[A bad week for the Johns, a big merger, visa issues and MLPA/PPA shock changes]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[A bad week for the Johns, a big merger, visa issues and MLPA/PPA shock changes]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson discuss the pickleball news from the last week or so.</p><p>There are major changes in global governance following the merger of the WPF and IPF, creating a new World Pickleball Federation.</p><p>It's all change in Australia with the MLPA and PPA events being restructured, causing schedule upheavals.</p><p>Ben Johns and Collin Johns have had better weeks - Ben got knocked out in the R62 in the latest PPA event and Collin has been dropped by the Carolina Hogs in MLP and was not redrafted by another Premier team.</p><p>There's also some visa issues for two top Australian players who had been drafted for MLP.</p><p>All this and more in the latest World Pickleball Podcast!</p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia, we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:05:15 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:35:28</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/3ad68951-366a-46ea-9d9d-9768ce245839</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/3ad68951-366a-46ea-9d9d-9768ce245839.mp3?t=1750413917000" length="51085440" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">8d1dcd5c-58b5-4608-bd43-26f2089e0d54</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Sarah Burr talking pickleball, paddles and why she chose Franklin]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Sarah Burr talking pickleball, paddles and why she chose Franklin]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's episode, Chris and Gordon are joined by Australian pickleball star Sarah Burr.</p><p>They talk PPA and MLP Australia, reviewing the highlights and main talking points from last weekend across the singles, gender and mixed brackets plus the team MLP event where we had a new champion for the first time this season.</p><p>The big tournament in Rota, Spain gets mentioned and Sarah talks more about her experiences playing in Dubai, Vietnam and more - whilst giving an exclusive on why she has chosen to move to Franklin moving forwards, plus the dangers of the new breed of super paddle.</p><p><strong>The World Pickleball Magazine:</strong><span> Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a></u><span> now to get the latest issue!</span></p><p><span>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to </span><u><a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></u></p><p><span>_______</span></p><p><strong>Instagram</strong></p><p><span>@worldpickleballmagazine</span></p><p><span>@pkl.beaumont</span></p><p><span>@gordonjameswatson</span></p><p>@sarah_burr_pb_aus</p><p><strong>Producers:</strong><span> Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:12 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:51:06</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/8d1dcd5c-58b5-4608-bd43-26f2089e0d54</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/8d1dcd5c-58b5-4608-bd43-26f2089e0d54.mp3?t=1751302305000" length="73597056" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">8a34ed12-2619-4bb3-9feb-a2303b9768a9</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Cassidy, Saunders, Farias and Townsend join us fresh from the MLPA courts]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Cassidy, Saunders, Farias and Townsend join us fresh from the MLPA courts]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In a special bonus episode, Gordo grabbed hold of Talia Saunders, Rob Cassidy, Joey Farias and Danni-Elle Townsend straight off the MLPA courts for a chat about all things world pickleball, hosted by Chris Beaumont.</p><p>The internet connection wasn't perfect at all times, so a slight heads up that there might be one or two 'odd' moments, but do stick with it!</p><p></p><p></p><p>The World Pickleball Magazine: Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to <a href="www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a> now to get the latest issue! </p><p>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to <a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></p><p>_______</p><p></p><p>Instagram</p><p>@worldpickleballmagazine</p><p>@pkl.beaumont</p><p>@gordonjameswatson</p><p></p><p>Producers: Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</p>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 07:09:01 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:49:12</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/8a34ed12-2619-4bb3-9feb-a2303b9768a9</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/8a34ed12-2619-4bb3-9feb-a2303b9768a9.mp3?t=1751302311000" length="70846592" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">c94e2150-32b3-4ee2-acf8-1489768f99d3</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[A different kind of joy - WPM at the PPA/MLP Australia with special guests]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[A different kind of joy - WPM at the PPA/MLP Australia with special guests]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode, Gordo is at PPA/MLP Australia and invited Nicola Schoeman and Yufei Long to join him and Chris on the podcast.</p><p>Nicola is the #1 draft pick for MLP Australia this season and Yufei is considered to be China's top female player who has also just joined the US Trailblazer programme looking to boost the game in Asia.</p><p>Join us for a fun conversation about all things pickleball!</p><p>The World Pickleball Magazine: Don't just follow the podcast, get yourself a copy of our monthly digital magazine. The World Pickleball Magazine covers all the news, brings you the most interesting stories and exclusive interviews from pickleball across the world - whether it's a tournament in Canada, some coaching in Africa or something funny in Asia we bring it to you in a way nobody else does. Head to <a href="www.worldpickleballmagazine.com" target="_blank">www.worldpickleballmagazine.com</a> now to get the latest issue!</p><p>For the latest daily pickleball news, head to <a href="https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news" target="_blank">https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news</a></p><p>_______</p><p></p><p>Instagram</p><p>@worldpickleballmagazine</p><p>@pkl.beaumont</p><p>@gordonjameswatson</p><p></p><p>Producers: Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:01:02 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:45:16</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/c94e2150-32b3-4ee2-acf8-1489768f99d3</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/c94e2150-32b3-4ee2-acf8-1489768f99d3.mp3?t=1751302316000" length="65196160" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">aeac153d-f345-4a43-9f30-59b8ebe58773</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[PPL draft, staying out of the kitchen, Lock dominance + Bhatia gold!]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[PPL draft, staying out of the kitchen, Lock dominance + Bhatia gold!]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's podcast, Chris and Gordon talk about all the latest world pickleball news - the PPL draft in England, Armaan Bhatia winning gold in the US (the first-ever APP gold for India), Thaddea Lock in Dubai and dominating Paris, preview the June World Pickleball Magazine and Chris puts Gordo on the spot with an Asia All Stars vs USA All Stars team selection...</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 12:00:51 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:22</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/aeac153d-f345-4a43-9f30-59b8ebe58773</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/aeac153d-f345-4a43-9f30-59b8ebe58773.mp3?t=1748433652000" length="61012096" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">aa426319-c1bb-4199-9505-df44ed39adf7</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Vietnam victories, Kohli on court, MLPA shuffle and Canada kick-off]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Vietnam victories, Kohli on court, MLPA shuffle and Canada kick-off]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Chris and Gordon have so much world pickleball news this week. They cover the DJoy Vietnam tournament where there were some shock gold medals, talk about Virat Kohli getting on court, explain the MLPA shuffle draft, go through the Canada kick-off in the CNPL and much more.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 12:10:56 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:37:41</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/aa426319-c1bb-4199-9505-df44ed39adf7</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/aa426319-c1bb-4199-9505-df44ed39adf7.mp3?t=1747915857000" length="54272128" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1883a6cd-80fa-4350-b1f3-1cc4f519b46d</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Laville cleans up in Perth, Pure go Premier, Q = $ and Fudge facts]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Laville cleans up in Perth, Pure go Premier, Q = $ and Fudge facts]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In today's episode, Chris and Gordon talk about PPA Perth and Louis Laville leading the British invasion by winning medals in each event. Chris' Pure Pickleball project will be entering a team in the Premier League and have recruited Sam Basford as Head Coach. The pair discuss the APP Cincinatti and Megan Fudge breaking records, Armaan Bhatia medalling and Kyle Koszuta (That Pickleball Guy) putting his money where is mouth is.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 12:05:08 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:37:18</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/1883a6cd-80fa-4350-b1f3-1cc4f519b46d</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/1883a6cd-80fa-4350-b1f3-1cc4f519b46d.mp3?t=1747310709000" length="53708928" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3ac05ca2-3821-4006-bc34-d0400f0d3f56</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[Martin Clark, English Nationals review, ever walked off because it's dark?]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[Martin Clark, English Nationals review, ever walked off because it's dark?]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Martin Clark, Australian pickleball star, joins Chris and Gordon for the weekly podcast. The guys talk about the English Nationals Singles tournament and whether Chris did well or not, the PPA Asia announcement, the ownership beef in India and try to decide how dark is too dark to play - has anyone asked Ben Johns?</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 12:19:20 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:38:10</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/3ac05ca2-3821-4006-bc34-d0400f0d3f56</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/3ac05ca2-3821-4006-bc34-d0400f0d3f56.mp3?t=1751302326000" length="54952064" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">650a8576-6d5c-4f7a-b8d3-9fab8ad8497d</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The ALW bust up explained, MLP Australia shocks and English Nationals Singles worries]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The ALW bust up explained, MLP Australia shocks and English Nationals Singles worries]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode, Chris and Gordon give their thoughts on the Anna-Leigh Waters bust-up in MLP, look ahead to Chris' upcoming English Nationals Singles tournament this weekend, review all the action from MLP and PPA Australia (in New Zealand), talk NPL Australia and more.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 12:15:08 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:42:29</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/650a8576-6d5c-4f7a-b8d3-9fab8ad8497d</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/650a8576-6d5c-4f7a-b8d3-9fab8ad8497d.mp3?t=1746101709000" length="61169792" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">cd9463dc-dc33-4ecb-8dc8-ccbdd8580f08</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #3: Jeremy Clarkson, Dame Edna, China + MLP Australia]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #3: Jeremy Clarkson, Dame Edna, China + MLP Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode, you just have to find out how Chris and Gordon end up talking about Jeremy Clarkson and Dame Edna Everage in a pickleball podcast. They also talk about the Expo Bridge tournament in China, MLP and PPA Australia which is currently taking place in New Zealand and pickleball in Brazil.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:11:30 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:44:40</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/cd9463dc-dc33-4ecb-8dc8-ccbdd8580f08</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/cd9463dc-dc33-4ecb-8dc8-ccbdd8580f08.mp3?t=1745496691000" length="64325760" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1374fb97-cb6c-401c-af4a-a6c83322a8c6</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #2: How to draft a team, a Ugandan pioneer and more]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #2: How to draft a team, a Ugandan pioneer and more]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson dive into the exciting developments in their pickleball ventures, from an entertaining charity calendar project featuring 'tasteful' shots of pickleball players to Gordon's bustling coaching sessions in Australia. They discuss the importance of team chemistry and strategy in competitive pickleball, drawing upon Gordon's experience as captain in MLP Australia. The duo also explores the intricacies of drafting a successful team in the UK Premier Pickleball Challenger League, offering insights into player selection, organizational tactics, and creating a supportive and competitive environment. Gordon also talks about Coach Andy in Uganda, doing some amazing work and the pair discuss pickleballs.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:59:59 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:44:19</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/1374fb97-cb6c-401c-af4a-a6c83322a8c6</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/1374fb97-cb6c-401c-af4a-a6c83322a8c6.mp3?t=1744804800000" length="63826048" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">f233c09a-79f5-4816-b25e-3f943035d0bd</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #1: The biggest split since the last one]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[The World Pickleball Podcast #1: The biggest split since the last one]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In the latest episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson tackle the recent upheavals in the pickleball world, notably the surprising split between Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau. Parenteau will reportedly be replaced by Anna Bright, raising questions about the dynamics of top pairings in the sport. Meanwhile, on the Australian scene, the first rounds of the MLP and PPA have wrapped up, with notable performances from players who will be revealed. The hosts dive into the implications of these changes and discuss other stories from across the world of pickleball!</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:30:47 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:37:55</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/f233c09a-79f5-4816-b25e-3f943035d0bd</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/f233c09a-79f5-4816-b25e-3f943035d0bd.mp3?t=1744205448000" length="54595712" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont &amp;#x26; Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">6da62a43-e604-4707-b55b-08cc6415e581</guid><itunes:title><![CDATA[World Pickleball Podcast: A little taster of what to expect]]></itunes:title><title><![CDATA[World Pickleball Podcast: A little taster of what to expect]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this introductory episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson discuss the global spread of pickleball and their personal journeys within the sport. Beaumont, founder of World Pickleball Magazine, aims to spotlight lesser-known stories from around the world, while Watson shares his transition from player to commentator. They highlight the sport’s explosive growth, particularly in Asia, where legendary tennis figures like Andre Agassi recently captivated audiences. The podcast promises to deliver fresh perspectives and stories from the pickleball universe, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers eager to learn more about this dynamic sport.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:40:38 GMT</pubDate><itunes:duration>00:32:04</itunes:duration><link>https://worldpickleballpodcast.alitu.com/episode/6da62a43-e604-4707-b55b-08cc6415e581</link><enclosure url="https://feeds.alitu.com/30881321/6da62a43-e604-4707-b55b-08cc6415e581.mp3?t=1744022439000" length="46170240" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Chris Beaumont &amp;#x26; Gordon Watson</itunes:author></item></channel></rss>