On April 25th, 2018, a significant event in pickleball history took place when the first-ever US Open Pickleball Championships were held at the East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida. The tournament attracted over 800 players from 39 states and several countries, making it the largest pickleball tournament at the time.

The event was a major milestone for the sport, as it showcased the growing popularity and competitiveness of pickleball. Players of all skill levels, from amateur to professional, participated in the tournament, which featured singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events across various age divisions.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the performance of pickleball legend Kyle Yates, who won gold in both the Men's Pro Singles and Men's Pro Doubles (partnered with Dave Weinbach) events. Yates' victories further solidified his status as one of the top players in the sport.

The US Open Pickleball Championships also attracted significant media attention, with coverage from local and national news outlets. The exposure helped to raise the profile of pickleball and introduce the sport to a wider audience.

Since the success of the inaugural event, the US Open Pickleball Championships have become an annual tradition, drawing even larger crowds and featuring an ever-increasing prize pool. The tournament continues to be a marquee event in the pickleball calendar, attracting top players from around the world and showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer.