Pickleball Around the World: Its Top 10 Enthusiast Nations
While we have all heard that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, it is also a sport that is growing astronomically across the globe. The IFP (International Federation of Pickleball), in charge of “perpetuating the development of growth of the sport throughout the world” currently has 63 member nations – meaning that growth in the last year has doubled!
A Global Pickleball Boom
For starters, the boom of pickleball in the United States is gaining traction across the world. International athletes across all ages are looking at this sport’s rise in the United States as something worthy of starting in their own countries. With the increase of broadcast time on ESPN and the hundreds of pickleball videos on YouTube and across other social media outlets, worldwide onlookers can see this sport from their phones and TVs.
In addition, the addicted pickleballers that travel are searching for pickleball abroad. They are going on Facebook forums and international group chats asking where and when they can play pickleball – enter Main Court App making finding a court on-the-go easy.
Pickleball is extremely addicting and an easy enough game for all ages to pick up. It also helps that almost every country has sports similar enough to pickleball. In Europe, tennis dominates the scene, but pickleball offers tennis players another sport to fall in love with and something that is easier on their bodies.
There are also other racquet and paddle sports popular around the world that are similar to pickleball like soft tennis, paddle tennis, platform tennis, etc. Regardless, the transition from international players is made with relative ease, because most have a background in a racquet or paddle sport prior.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 countries around the world that are the most passionate about pickleball:
United States: The United States is the birthplace of pickleball, and it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular country for the sport. The game was first played in 1965 in Washington state, and it has since spread across the country. The United States Pickleball Association has over 68,000 members, and there are over 38,000 courts in the country. So, if you’re traveling across the U.S., you’re sure to find a pickleball court near you using the “Pickleball Court Locator” on your Main Court App.
Canada: Pickleball has gained a huge following in Canada, with over 50,000 members in the Pickleball Canada Association. The sport is particularly popular in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. The Canadian Pickleball Federation hosts a number of tournaments each year, including the Canadian National Pickleball Championships.
Spain: Pickleball has become extremely popular in Spain, with over 36,000 members in the Spanish Pickleball Federation. The sport is particularly popular on the Costa del Sol, where many expats have introduced it to the locals. If you’re planning a sunny vacation in Spain, why not pack your paddle and join a local game of pickleball?
Australia: Pickleball has taken off in Australia in recent years, with over 20,000 members in the Pickleball Australia Association. The sport is particularly popular in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. If you’re heading Down Under, you can easily find a pickleball court and fellow enthusiasts for a game or two.
Mexico: Pickleball has become a popular sport in Mexico, with over 12,000 members in the Mexican Pickleball Association. The sport is particularly popular in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta.
Japan: Pickleball has gained a following in Japan, with over 4,500 members in the Japan Pickleball Association. The sport is particularly popular among the older generation.
India: Pickleball has become popular in India, with over 3,000 members in the Pickleball India Association. The sport is particularly popular in the city of Bangalore.
Italy:Pickleball has gained a following in Italy, with over 1,500 members in the Italian Pickleball Association. The sport is particularly popular in the region of Tuscany. If you’re touring Italy, make sure to check out the local pickleball scene in Tuscany.
United Kingdom: Pickleball is gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, with over 1200 members in the Pickleball England Association. The sport is particularly popular in the south of England.
France: Pickleball has become popular in France, with over 1000 members in the French Pickleball Association. The sport is particularly popular in the region of Provence.
The Future of International Pickleball
Pickleball is transcending boundaries, connecting enthusiasts from diverse corners of the globe. As it surges in popularity, the passion for pickleball knows no borders. From the birthplace in the United States to the scenic courts of Spain and the sunny beaches of Mexico, this racquet sport is creating an international community of players who share a common love for the game. With its easy-to-learn techniques and inclusive nature, pickleball is uniting people of all ages and backgrounds. As more countries embrace this sporting sensation, the future of international pickleball shines brightly, promising exciting matches, new friendships, and countless stories of camaraderie that stretch far beyond the pickleball court.