The global pickleball revolution is set to make significant strides in Asia, and Malaysia will play a pivotal role as the host of the opening event for the inaugural PPA Tour Asia in July 2025. This announcement marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, building on the already rapid growth of pickleball within Malaysia.
The PPA Tour, a premier pickleball circuit that has found considerable success in the USA, is now expanding its reach to Asia. The newly launched PPA Tour Asia calendar features an initial lineup of five tournaments, with the Malaysian leg, the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open, scheduled to kick off the season from July 3rd to 6th.
The PPA Tour Asia will employ a three-tier tournament structure – Slam, Cup, and Open events – designed to cater to various regions and competitive levels. Points earned across these events will contribute to the PPA Tour Asia Rankings, as players vie for the coveted No.1 position in Asian professional pickleball.
The tournament tiers are structured as follows:
- Slam: Offering 2000 ranking points and an estimated US$1 million in prize money and payouts, attracting elite international talent, including top American, Australian, and Asian professionals.
- Cup: Providing 1500 ranking points and an estimated US$500,000 in prize money and payouts, showcasing intense competition among established regional professionals and emerging talents. Malaysia will also host a Kuala Lumpur Cup event later in the season, from October 9th to 12th.
- Open: Awarding 1000 ranking points and a minimum of US$50,000 in prize money, aimed at elevating regional talent and fostering the sport’s growth throughout Asia.
Malaysia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing hubs for pickleball globally, making it a fitting location to host the inaugural event. Following the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open, the tour will move into East Asia with tournaments in Hong Kong (August 21-24) and Japan (August 26-31).
The season will culminate with the prestigious China Slam, scheduled for October 1st to 5th during China’s Golden Week holiday celebrations. This premier-tier event presents a significant opportunity to showcase pickleball to a massive audience in the world’s most populous country.
Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, commented on the launch: “With the launch of the PPA Tour Asia calendar, we’re bringing world-class pickleball action to the fastest-growing markets in the sport. From Malaysia to China, these events will showcase the best talent while creating new opportunities for players and fans across the region. The Shanghai Slam is also part of the UPA International Championship Series, creating the foundation of pickleball’s global expansion.”
The inclusion of Kuala Lumpur as the opening host and a subsequent Cup event underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the Asian pickleball landscape. Malaysian players and fans can look forward to witnessing top-tier international competition on home soil and having their local talents participate in this landmark tour.
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More events for the PPA Tour Asia 2025 calendar are expected to be announced in the near future, further solidifying the tour’s commitment to expanding the reach and popularity of pickleball across the continent.
