On March 5th, 2023, the first-ever Pickleball World Championships were held in Naples, Florida. The event attracted over 2,000 players from 30 different countries, showcasing the rapid growth and global appeal of the sport.

The tournament featured intense competition across various age divisions and skill levels. In the highly anticipated mixed doubles final, the American duo of Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright faced off against the Canadian pair of Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin. The match was a thrilling battle that went back and forth, with both teams displaying incredible athleticism and strategic play. In the end, Kovalova and Wright prevailed, winning the gold medal in a nail-biting three-set match (11-9, 9-11, 11-7).

Another highlight of the event was the men's singles final between Ben Johns, the top-ranked player in the world, and his rising rival, JW Johnson. The two Americans put on a spectacular show, with Johns ultimately claiming the title in straight sets (11-6, 11-8), cementing his status as the dominant force in the sport.

The Pickleball World Championships also featured a celebrity exhibition match, with former tennis greats John McEnroe and Andy Roddick facing off against each other in a light-hearted yet competitive battle. McEnroe, known for his fiery personality on the tennis court, brought the same energy to the pickleball court, entertaining the crowd with his antics and impressive skills. Roddick, however, proved to be a formidable opponent, and the match ended in a friendly tie.

The success of the 2023 Pickleball World Championships marked a significant milestone for the sport, demonstrating its ability to attract top talent, generate excitement, and unite players from around the world. The event set the stage for even greater growth and popularity in the years to come, solidifying pickleball's position as one of the fastest-growing sports in history.