From October 27 to November 2, 2025, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, became the epicenter of the pickleball world, as The FORT pickleball complex welcomed the Pickleball World Cup, a monumental event with teams from more than 60 countries. 

Global Reach and Growing Participation

• The event saw over 3,000 athletes registered from 68 countries, making it one of the biggest international pickleball competitions to date. 
• The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) formalized a multi-year partnership with the Pickleball World Cup, underscoring its ambition to unify the sport globally and push toward Olympic recognition. 
• In June 2025, the GPF submitted its application for IOC recognition in Lausanne, Switzerland — another sign of pickleball’s growing global stature. 

The Venue: The Fort in Fort Lauderdale

• The competition was held at The FORT, a brand-new state-of-the-art pickleball facility with 43 courts, including main show courts and stadium seating. 
• Organizers described the site as “electric,” emphasizing how the venue, designed specifically for elite pickleball competition, elevated the event’s scale and experience. 

Competition Format and Diversity

• The World Cup featured a team-based format, with national teams competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. 
• Age and skill divisions were broad, including Open, Junior, Senior, and Para categories — truly a global, inclusive event. 
• Alongside the team tournament, there was also an individual International Tournament, as well as clinics, referee certification, and other side events.

Standout Performances and Milestones

• Team USA dominated the tournament, winning multiple gold medals. They beat Hong Kong 4–0 in the final. 
• The Senior (50+) USA team and the Junior USA team also claimed top honors. 
• Canada’s Senior Team made a strong showing, earning the bronze medal in their division. 
• Israel had a breakout performance: in its first international pickleball tournament, the Israeli Open Team won one gold and two silver medals. 
• Bermuda’s Senior Team also impressed, finishing with a perfect 3–0 record in their group against China, Serbia, and Trinidad & Tobago. 

Impact Beyond Sport

• The World Cup is not just competitive: it’s a major step in promoting pickleball globally, uniting nations, and fostering cultural exchange through sport. 
• With this kind of scale and ambition, many view the event as a milestone toward Olympic inclusion for pickleball. 
• The event also had significant economic impact: local reporting estimates it generated around US$ 8 million for the Fort Lauderdale area. 

Legacy and Future Outlook

• The 2025 edition marks a turning point: what began as smaller, regional competitions has exploded into a true global spectacle. 
• The partnership between the Pickleball World Cup and GPF promises stronger governance, more global reach, and a stable path ahead for the sport. 
• As pickleball continues to grow, both in participation and prestige, many see this tournament as a landmark moment in its push toward being an Olympic discipline.