The World Pickleball Podcast

Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson
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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.

  1. 2H AGO

    PPA Texas Wind Chaos, PPA Sydney, and the 2026 Pickleball World Cup

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont and co-host Gordon Watson break down a packed week across the global pickleball scene, covering tour action, international developments, and one particularly heated debate. 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 PPA Sydney event, analysing standout performances and what the results mean for the APAC region. The discussion then shifts to the PPA Texas Open, where extreme wind conditions, triple crown success, and unpredictable matches created one of the most talked-about events of the season. 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. Beyond the pro tours, the episode expands into the international game. Chris and Gordon cover developments from WPC Asia, the opening of bidding for the Pan American Pickleball Games, and the continued growth of infrastructure with a new dedicated pickleball centre in Auckland. The conversation also looks ahead to major global events, including confirmed dates and host city speculation for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup, as well as the evolving structure of the Caribbean Championships, which are adopting a World Cup-style format. From tour-level drama to global expansion, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s rapid growth worldwide. Topics covered include: PPA Sydney and APAC tour developmentsPPA Texas Open and extreme playing conditionsDebate over splitting top PPA doubles pairsWPC Asia updatesPan American Pickleball Games bidding processAuckland’s dedicated pickleball facility2026 Pickleball World Cup planningCaribbean Championships format changes Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball around the world.

    1h 13m

  2. 6D AGO

    PPA Asia, Nick Kyrgios, and the English Open in Global Pickleball Focus

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down another busy week across the global pickleball landscape. The show opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth of World Pickleball Magazine and its expanding global coverage of the sport. From there, the hosts dive into the biggest stories on the professional circuit. The discussion begins with the PPA Tour action from the Newport Beach Open, 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. Chris and Gordon also touch on the PPA Asia expansion, including the upcoming Hanoi Cup in Vietnam where top stars like Anna Leigh Waters are expected to headline the tour’s growing international presence. The conversation then shifts to the business side of the sport, including tennis star Nick Kyrgios increasing his involvement in pickleball through investment and partnership with the rapidly expanding pickleball club operator The Picklr, highlighting the sport’s accelerating commercial momentum. The episode also highlights grassroots innovation, including a hybrid inclusive pickleball tournament in the UK, demonstrating how the sport continues to evolve through new formats designed to bring different levels and communities together on court. Finally, Chris previews key upcoming events on the international calendar, including details around the English Open Pickleball Championships, before finishing with a look inside the latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine. 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. Topics covered in this episode include: PPA Tour action and results from the Newport Beach OpenExpansion of the PPA Tour into AsiaNick Kyrgios’ increasing investment in pickleballInnovative hybrid pickleball tournaments in the UKEnglish Open Pickleball Championships updatesThe latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and conversations with the players, coaches and leaders driving pickleball’s global rise.

    55 min

  3. MAR 6

    Jack Munro on Reaching No. 1 on the APP Tour and Staying There

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with Jack Munro, the #1 ranked male player on the APP Tour, to discuss his rise to the top of professional pickleball. 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 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour. 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. 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. 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. Topics covered include: Jack Munro’s journey to #1 on the APP TourTraining, mindset, and elite player preparationThe current state of the APP professional circuitStrategies for staying at the top of the rankingsThe future of professional pickleball Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping pickleball around the world.

    57 min

  4. FEB 25

    Matthew Barlow and his PPA Mesa Cup Shock Run: 72nd Seed to Men’s Singles Semi-Finals

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with one of the breakout stories of the season: Matthew Barlow, the 72nd seed at the PPA Mesa Cup who stunned the draw by advancing all the way to the men’s singles semi-finals. 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. 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. 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. Topics covered include: Matthew Barlow’s semi-final run at the PPA Mesa CupUpset victories and tactical adjustments in men’s singlesMental resilience in professional pickleballWhat a deep tournament run means for rankings and career momentum Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping professional pickleball worldwide.

    26 min

  5. FEB 24

    PPA Mesa Cup Recap, NCPA Amazon Prime Deal, and Queensland Tour Success

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down a packed weekend across the global pickleball landscape. The discussion opens with full analysis of the PPA Mesa Cup, 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. The episode also celebrates Gordon’s success on the Queensland Pickleball Tour, 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. Off the court, the hosts explore a significant development for collegiate pickleball: the NCPA securing a broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV. The move signals another step forward for media exposure, commercial growth, and the sport’s expanding presence on major streaming platforms. From professional tour action to grassroots and collegiate expansion, this episode connects the dots across the sport’s rapidly evolving ecosystem. Topics covered include: PPA Mesa Cup results and analysisProfessional Pickleball Association tour developmentsQueensland Pickleball Tour highlightsNCPA broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTVThe growth of collegiate and international pickleball Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news, analysis, and conversation from across the world of pickleball.

    46 min

  6. FEB 18

    Estee Widdershoven: Belgium’s First PPA Pro and Europe’s Pickleball Rise

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with Estee Widdershoven, the first Belgian player to be signed to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour—a landmark moment for Belgian and European pickleball. 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. 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. 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. Topics covered include: Estee Widdershoven’s signing with the PPA TourThe rise of pickleball in Belgium and EuropeTraining, mindset, and life as an emerging professionalGlobal pathways into professional pickleball Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and leaders shaping pickleball worldwide.

    58 min

  7. FEB 13

    Wes Gabrielsen on WPBL Glory, Hall of Fame Legacy, and WV Wine & Pickle

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson and special guest Wes Gabrielsen—Head Coach of the Dilli Dillwale, champions of World Pickleball League Season Two, and a 2022 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee. 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. Beyond the court, Wes also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, including his lifestyle brand and hospitality venture, WV Wine & Pickle, 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 wvwineandpickle.com and follow the brand’s latest updates on Instagram. From championship coaching lessons to the evolving global pickleball ecosystem, this episode provides rare insight from one of the sport’s most respected figures. Topics covered include: Dilli Dillwale’s World Pickleball League Season Two triumphCoaching philosophy and high-performance team cultureThe global impact of franchise pickleball leaguesWes Gabrielsen’s Hall of Fame journeyWV Wine & Pickle and life beyond competition Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and leaders shaping pickleball around the world.

    58 min

  8. FEB 8

    14-Year-Old Pro Camden Chaffin: The Future of Pickleball

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with one of the sport’s most exciting young talents, Camden Chaffin, a 14-year-old professional player from the United States who is already making waves on the competitive pickleball scene. 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. 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. 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. Topics covered include: Camden Chaffin’s rise as a teenage professional pickleball playerTraining, competition, and mindset at a young ageThe pathway from junior to pro pickleballWhat the next generation means for the sport’s future Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the people shaping pickleball around the world.

    42 min
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About

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.

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