The upcoming Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Florida isn’t just another tournament. It’s the world’s biggest audition for the Olympic Games.
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) has been signing up member countries at a furious pace, working towards Olympic timelines to achieve the pickleball dream: IOC recognition and inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Let’s take a look at why this under-reported story about the Pickleball World Cup 2025 is such a big deal. And why this announcement is fantastic news for Aussie Pickleballers, especially those who would love to see the Pickleball Olympics 2032. With Pickleball making its grand entrance onto the global stage in Brisbane 2032. #Straya
Key Takeaways:
- The Pickleball World Cup 2025 will unite 60+ nations and 3,000 players at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, making it the biggest global pickleball event ever.
- This tournament is a dress rehearsal for Olympic recognition, showing the IOC that pickleball meets key requirements for Brisbane 2032.
- 2025 marks the sport’s 60th anniversary, proving pickleball isn’t a fad but a fast-growing, globally inclusive sport with deep roots.
Why the Pickleball World Cup 2025 Matters
Over 60 countries and more than 3,000 participants will compete in the Pickleball World Cup 2025. This is all part of a new partnership between the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and the Pickleball World Cup.
The tournament will be hosted at The Fort, Fort Lauderdale’s state-of-the-art pickleball complex, widely regarded as the world’s premier venue. From October 27 to November 2, it will become the centre of the pickleball universe.
In case you missed it, Australia has already selected its National team for the Pickleball World Cup. A new Pickleball Australia selection panel was recently appointed. Their first task was to put together a killer team to take on the World at the Pickleball World Cup.
This goal of the selection panel is to help “Australia strive for podium positions on the international stage.” And they have Aaron Blitz (Wooo!), along with other notable pickleball leaders to do just that.
The Bros wonder if Mr.Blitz and Co are keeping their calendars free, leading into 2032…. Awesome choice, by the way. Great selection panel.
The Olympic Context
So why does the Pickleball World Cup 2025 matter for the 2032 Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sets strict requirements before any sport can be considered for inclusion. Among them:
- Global Reach: A sport must be played in at least 74 countries based on the old Olympic rules. Pickleball now has 71 member nations through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).
- Unified Governance: A sport must have a single international body overseeing consistent rules and competition. The Pickleball World Cup 2025 will be the first true demonstration of this at a global scale.
- Elite Competition: The IOC looks for high-level international events that mirror Olympic standards. With 60+ national teams competing side by side, the World Cup checks that box.
The Bros mapped out the global pickleball Olympic timeline a while back, but even we didn’t predict such a smart move: a global pickleball showcase uniting the sport, at the biggest venue in the biggest event yet. The IOC will eat this up.
Well played GPF… well played.
Pickleball’s Legacy & History
One other interesting fact, Pickleball was created in 1965, which makes 2025 the 60-year anniversary of the game. You better believe the GPF will lean into that milestone, showcasing pickleball as a long-standing sport AND not a fad.
The IOC has learned hard lessons from adding “flash-in-the-pan” sports. Sure, we had fun with Ray-Gun and the break-dancing debacle in Paris 2024. But Pickleball is the real deal, as a grassroots-driven, decades old sport that is exploding worldwide.
And let’s not forget Brisbane’s role. Brisbane is the home of Pickleball Australia, and the natural host for Pickleball’s Olympic debut. The story almost writes itself.
The Australian Open on Steroids
If Aussies need a comparison to visualise how massive the Pickleball World Cup 2025 will be, think of the Australian Open. It’s one of the biggest Grand Slams in tennis.
When the Bros head to the Australian Open, we’re always blown away by the sheer scale: the venues, the players, the international crowds. Now let’s stack that up against Fort Lauderdale:
Australian Open
- Total players (including qualifiers): 825
- Nations represented: 70
- Courts: 39
Pickleball World Cup 2025 at The Fort
- Total players: 3,000+
- Nations represented: 60+
- Courts: 43
Now imagine thousands of pickleball fanatics packed into The Fort, the vibe electric, and IOC members sitting in the stands. Once they feel that energy firsthand, it’ll be hard to ignore pickleball’s case for Brisbane 2032.
The Bros love all sports, but honestly, the list of potential inclusions in the 2032 games aren’t that exciting. Pickleball compared to Lacrosse, cricket or Netball? As a spectator sport and a spectacle, pickleball wins hands down.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be clear here. The Pickleball World Cup 2025 won’t be about crowning a world champion – it will be a dress rehearsal for Olympic recognition. The GPF has already submitted its application to the IOC. And this World Cup will be the clearest demonstration yet that pickleball ticks all the boxes and is ready for the Olympic stage
The Bros will keep following this Olympic story. Big Ups to the GPF legends for pushing pickleball towards global recognition. That exposure will be phenomenal for the sport and we can’t wait to see it unfold. Exciting times in Pickleball land! We love it!
Pickle on!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.