New Number Ones Crowned At Memorable San Clemente Professional Pickleball Event

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) returned to the picturesque Life Time Rancho San Clemente in California for the 4th annual Orange County Cup, delivering thrilling matches and significant upsets. As a "Cup" level event, the stakes were high with a larger draw and day-by-day progression, attracting 1300+ players and fans. The tournament saw major changes at the top of the rankings, with standout performances and dramatic comebacks making it one of the most exciting PPA events to date.

In the Men’s Pro Singles, 105 entrants battled for eight qualifying spots, leading to a 153-player draw, the largest ever in a pro event. Federico Staksrud regained his #1 ranking, but the highlight was Christopher Haworth's victory over Ben Johns, clinching his first PPA Gold. The Women’s Pro Singles featured newcomers shaking up the established order, with Anna Leigh Waters securing yet another gold, showcasing her dominance in the sport. Mixed and Men’s Pro Doubles saw intense competition, with Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters continuing their mixed doubles reign, while Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson took the Men’s Doubles title, ending Ben Johns’ long-standing #1 ranking.

The tournament also included Senior Open events, with Michael Easton, Steve Deakin, and Julie Johnson taking top honors. As the PPA tour takes a break in July, fans can look forward to more high-stakes matches in August. The updated Pro Pickleball Medal Tracker now reflects these results, highlighting the evolving landscape of professional pickleball.