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 Tour
• The rise of pickleball in Belgium and Europe
• Training, mindset, and life as an emerging professional
• Global 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.

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 triumph
• Coaching philosophy and high-performance team culture
• The global impact of franchise pickleball leagues
• Wes Gabrielsen’s Hall of Fame journey
• WV 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.

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 player
• Training, competition, and mindset at a young age
• The pathway from junior to pro pickleball
• What 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.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down the latest developments across the professional and international pickleball landscape.

The conversation begins with an in-depth look at Season Two of the World Pickleball League, 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 Australian Open Pickleball Slam, 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.

The episode also covers major player movement, including Quang Duong’s move to Wika, and what the change could mean for sponsorship dynamics, tour competition, and the broader professional ecosystem.

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.

Topics covered include:

• World Pickleball League Season Two analysis
• Australian Open Pickleball Slam overview
• Quang Duong’s move to Wika
• Global growth of professional 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.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down a packed week of professional and international pickleball news.

The discussion opens with analysis of the first two days of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), 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 rumours linking Sofia Sewing to a potential move to the PPA, examining what such a shift could mean for both player and tour.

The episode also covers PPA Indoors in Minnesota, with insights into the event, conditions, and its place on the professional calendar. Attention then shifts to Paddle Battle, the new Pickleball Kingdom reality TV show, where winners earn a coveted spot on the APP Tour, blending entertainment with competitive opportunity.

To close, the hosts explore the launch of TOPSERIES, a new EMEA pickleball tour, and what it signals for the sport’s rapid growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This episode is essential listening for players, fans, and industry insiders tracking the evolving landscape of global pickleball.

Topics covered include:

• World Pickleball League opening days
• Sofia Sewing and PPA transfer rumours
• PPA Indoors Minnesota
• Paddle Battle reality TV show and APP Tour pathway
• TOPSERIES and the expansion of pickleball in EMEA

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis and insight into the biggest stories in pickleball worldwide.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont and co-host Gordon Watson dive deep into one of the most anticipated moments in professional pickleball: Season Two of the World Pickleball League (WPBL).

Chris and Gordon preview what’s ahead for WPBL Season 2, set for January 24 to February 8, 2026, at Jio World Garden in Mumbai, India. 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. (wpbl.org)

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. (wpbl.org)

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Preview of World Pickleball League Season Two in Mumbai
• New franchise teams and international player draft insights
• WPBL’s focus on fan engagement and sportainment
• How WPBL fits into the global pickleball landscape

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news and insights about the sport’s biggest developments.

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.

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 Venezuela
• International pickleball development
• Building national pickleball federations
• Grassroots sports leadership
• The 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!