The World Pickleball Podcast

Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson

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. 9M AGO

    Paddle Deals, PPA Shocks, and AI: A Big Week in Global Pickleball

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest stories shaping pickleball right now. 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 World Pickleball Magazine. 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. 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 World Pickleball Championships tournament in China and what it signals for the sport’s global expansion. 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. Topics covered include: Growth of World Pickleball Magazine Major pickleball paddle sponsorship signings Changes to the Australian pickleball calendar PPA results and standout performances DUPR and AI technology in pickleball World Pickleball Championships in China 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.

    43 min

  2. 1D AGO

    How Pickleball Is Growing in Venezuela with Leon Stanga

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with Leon Stanga, President and pioneering force behind Pickleball Venezuela. 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. 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. 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. Topics covered include: Pickleball growth in VenezuelaInternational pickleball developmentBuilding national pickleball federationsGrassroots sports leadershipThe future of pickleball in Latin America Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast for weekly conversations with the people shaping the present and future of pickleball around the world. Don't forget to download the latest massive issue of World Pickleball Magazine—featuring 150 pages of global news—for free at worldpickleballmagazine.com. Subscribe and leave a review to help us grow the game!

    49 min

  3. JAN 7

    The Picklebros on UK Pickleball, Content, and the Road Ahead

    In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by Dan Osben and Adam Webb, better known as The Picklebros, one of the most recognisable voices in UK pickleball media. 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. 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! 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. 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. Topics CoveredThe rise of pickleball in the UKBuilding pickleball media and content from the ground upCommunity growth vs professionalisationThe role of podcasts and social media in emerging marketsWhere British pickleball goes nextWhy ListenThis episode is ideal for listeners searching for: UK pickleball news and commentaryPickleball podcasts outside the USInsights from pickleball content creatorsConversations about grassroots growth and mediaListen & Follow🌍 World Pickleball Magazine Website: worldpickleballmagazine.com Instagram & Facebook: @worldpickleballmagazine 🎙 The Picklebros Instagram: @thepicklebrosuk

    28 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    UPA Contract Controversy, Nick Kyrgios Debut Rumours & The Best of 2025 Awards

    Join hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson for a blockbuster week in pickleball news. This episode dives deep into the major UPA contract dispute 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 PPA Tour global rankings, the restructuring of the Polish Pickleball Tour, and the exciting rumours surrounding tennis star Nick Kyrgios making his professional pickleball debut in Australia. Plus, we recap the APP Tour Championships in Fort Lauderdale and wrap up the year with our exclusive Best of 2025 Awards, crowning the breakout stars, best teams, and the most viral point of the year. In This Episode: UPA Player Suspensions: 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.Global Ranking Unification: How the PPA Tour and PPA Asia are aligning their ranking systems to create a unified world tour for 2026.Nick Kyrgios & Jack Sock: The rumours heating up about Kyrgios teaming up with Jack Sock for the PPA Australian Open.Kyle Yates to Vietnam: 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.Polish Tour Rebrand: A look at the new tiered tournament structure (500, 300, 200 series) launching in Poland for 2026.APP Tour Finals Recap: A rundown of the winners from Fort Lauderdale, including first-time gold medalist Ryler DeHeart and women’s singles champion Sion Mendez. The Best of 2025 Awards: Chris and Gordon hand out their end-of-year accolades: Breakout Stars: Mentions for Sara Denera, Yu Fei Long, and 14-year-old phenom Tama Shimabukuro.Best Team: The Bengaluru Jawans (Warhawks) and the Columbus Sliders.Best League: Why the World Pickleball League set the standard for 2025.Best Point of the Year: The viral rally from the European Championships featuring Pep Canyadell and Marc Maragaria. Links & Resources: Download the magazine: worldpickleballmagazine.com.Follow us on Instagram: @worldpickleballmagazine. Keywords: Pickleball Podcast, UPA Contracts, PPA Tour Rankings, Nick Kyrgios Pickleball, APP Tour Results, Kyle Yates, World Pickleball League, Pickleball Awards 2025.

    49 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Mumbai Smashers Win IPBL, Vietnam Dominates PPA Asia & MS Dhoni Playing Pickleball

    The boys are back! After a short hiatus involving moving houses to Anglesey and Rockhampton, hosts Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson return to break down a massive week in global pickleball. In this jam-packed episode, we head to New Delhi for the IPBL 2025 Finale, where the Mumbai Smashers pulled off a stunning Cinderella run—going from the bottom of the table to defeating the Hyderabad Royals 5-1 to take the title. We also cover PPA Asia 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. In this episode: Our Weeks: The hosts catch up on their moves and Chris’s Northern League exploits.PPA Asia: A breakdown of the action in China, including Alix Truong’s double gold and Hoang Nam Ly’s upset over Federico Staksrud.IPBL Finale: How the Mumbai Smashers, led by Quang Duong and Pearl Amalsadiwala, secured the inaugural Indian Pickleball League title.Dallas MiLP Finals: Recap of the largest amateur team tournament in history and the viral ATP shot by 11-year-old Carson Ngo.CNPL News: The Southwest Ontario Brewers rebrand as the York Yeti under new ownership by former NHL players Cody Hodgson and T.J. Brodie.PicklePro Tour: Sabrina Méndez and Pep Canyadell are crowned the year-end number ones in Spain.Celeb Watch: Cricket legend MS Dhoni is spotted swapping his bat for a paddle in Dubai.New Doc: A look at The Power of Pickleball, a new documentary coming to streaming platforms in early 2026. Don't forget to download the latest massive issue of World Pickleball Magazine—featuring 150 pages of global news—for free at worldpickleballmagazine.com. Subscribe and leave a review to help us grow the game!

    42 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Global Shake-Ups and New Frontiers: From Federation Merger to India’s League Launch

    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. 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. 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.

    50 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    World Pickleball League Season 2 Preview , World Cup and World Championships chat

    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. Gordo goes deep into who he thinks the teams to watch might be. 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. There's also some chat about pickleball commentary in general and much more. Please do subscribe, like and review today's podcast on whatever platform you get your pickleball podcasts. Stay ahead of the game—listen now and join the conversation shaping the world of pickleball. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. _______ 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 www.worldpickleballmagazine.com now to get the latest issue! For the latest daily pickleball news, head to https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news _______ Instagram @worldpickleballmagazine @thepickleballcommentator @gordonjameswatson Producers: Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson

    1h 1m

  8. 10/15/2025

    Uspensky’s Ban, World Cup Drama, and the Battle of PB vs Padel

    This week on the World Pickleball Podcast, 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. We talk about the suspension of Dennis Uspensky and what it means for the sport, dive into Lee Whitwell’s candid post on sponsorship, and ask the question everyone’s debating: is pickleball now bigger than padel? 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. Tune in for: PPA & APP updatesThe World Cup draw breakdownDennis Uspinsky’s ban explainedLee Whitwell’s sponsorship insightThe PB vs padel rivalryCelebrity highlights and standout performances Stay ahead of the game—listen now and join the conversation shaping the world of pickleball. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. _______ 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 www.worldpickleballmagazine.com now to get the latest issue! For the latest daily pickleball news, head to https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-report-news _______ Instagram @worldpickleballmagazine @pkl.beaumont @gordonjameswatson Producers: Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson

    50 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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