Where community, travel, and the world’s fastest-growing sport come together!

In this special award episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we reveal the TOP 10 Most Special Places to Play Pickleball in Europe 2025/2026 — selected by our international jury as part of the Dinks & Destinations Awards.

From Alpine courts to Mediterranean sunsets, from architecturally stunning indoor venues to resort-style pickleball escapes — these 10 destinations represent the best, most unique, most unforgettable places to play in Europe today.

We also look at the rise of sports tourism and the explosive growth of pickleball travel across Europe, including expert insights from two leaders in the field.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

✅ Why sports tourism (USD 618B in 2024 → USD 2 trillion by 2032!) is reshaping the way Europeans travel
✅ Why pickleball holidays are booming in Europe’s off-season tourism window
✅ How travel organisations are building communities — not just trips
✅ Why players are now choosing destinations based on courts, coaching & community vibes
✅…and of course:🎉 The official announcement of the TOP 10 Dinks & Destinations Award Winners!

🏆 TOP 10 MOST SPECIAL PICKLEBALL PLACES TO PLAY 2025/2026

• Austria / RACKET REVOLUTION - @racketrevolutionpickleball
• Switzerland / PICKLEBALL HUB BASEL - @pickleballhubschweiz
• Netherlands / DINX PICKLEBALL THE HAGUE - @dinx.pickleball
• Germany / TOP PICKLEBALL STUTTGART - @top_pickleball_stuttgart
• Croatia / KLUB 002 (Split) - @pickleball_split_klub002
• Croatia / ARETHA CRUISE - @via_croatia & Bookings via VibeGetaways
• France / LE LOGIS - @lelogiscognac & booking request via Mrs. Butikofer
• Spain / PLAYA DE LA LUZ - @hotelplayadelaluz & Reballution Cup 2026 by Pickleball Rota
• Italy / TENNIS-PADEL-PICKLEBALL CLUB ALBA - @tennisclubalba

Special thanks to our expert voices. Go check out their Pickleball vacation packages!

• Zuhal Polat (PSO Travel) – WEB &  Instagram @psotravel
• Tom Corfield (Pickleball Pro Retreats)  - WEB & Instagram @pickleballproretreats

SPONSOR //

Thanks to our partner - Dinking Times - for supporting this episode. All top ten winner will be showcased in issue 4 (2026) of the European Pickleball magazine.

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Ideas? Want to get in touch or send some cabin crew love? Email us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @raqtfamily for the latest Pickleball tournaments and events across Europe – and @pickleball_passport_podcast so you never miss a new episode.

SEASON ENDS HERE //
Season 1 wraps with this episode — thank you for listening, sharing, exploring Europe’s Pickleball world with us and being part of the journey! Your energy, messages, and love for the game made this first season unforgettable.

From the Adriatic coast to Central Europe’s hidden gems – Pickleball is thriving across a region bursting with energy, community, and creativity!

In this eighth episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we hand the mic to four inspiring voices who are shaping the game in Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia.

How do you start a pickleball scene from scratch?

What makes night sessions on the Croatian coast so special?

And how are new players turning passion into national movements across Central Europe?

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN EPISODE 8 // 

✅ How Croatia built Europe’s largest pickleball club – from 20 players to 1,500 members

✅ Why Slovakia’s all-female leadership is redefining community & creativity (with a side of wine!)

✅ How Hungary’s federation and tournaments are paving the way for pros – including the Santa Claus Cup

✅ How two sisters are building Slovenia’s pickleball future – courts, clinics & community vibes near Lake Bled

✅ A shared vision: grassroots passion fueling Europe’s next pickleball wave

TIME STAMPS //

(00:00)–(02:40) – Intro & Episode Flight Plan
(02:41)–(08:57) – Croatia Spotlight with Natko Petresic
(10:26)–(19:13) – Slovakia Spotlight with Viktoria Kanichova
(20:16)–(31:45) – Hungary Spotlight with Bakó Bálint Gergő

(31:46)-(end) Wrap-Up & Landing

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Natko Petresic (Croatia) – Instagram: @natko.petrisic / Club: pickleball-002.hr/split
• Viktoria Kanichova (Slovakia) – Instagram: @viki_kanich / Web: slovakpickleball.com
• Bálint Gergő Bakó (Hungary) – Instagram: @bakobalint_pb / @pickleball.hungary 
• Thea & Sandra (Slovenia) – Instagram: @tspickleball / Web:  tspickleball.si 

ABOUT RAQT //
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
Plan. Play. Compete.

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast or @raqtfamily

Stories and voices from the DACH Pickleball community

In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we’re flying straight into the heart of Europe: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Three countries, three unique Pickleball stories – from the legendary Bainbridge Cup in Essen, to Switzerland’s creative Alpine courts, all the way to Austria’s iconic Road to Arlberg tournament finals.

Once again, we hand over the mic to the people who shape the game: players, coaches, and community leaders who live and grow Pickleball every day.

What makes Pickleball in central Europe so special? Where are the best places to play? And how do these countries see their role in shaping the future of Pickleball in Europe?

Sit back, grab your paddle, and join us for this DACH deep dive.

What you’ll hear in Episode 7:

• How Pickleball in Germany grew from its very first club in 2013 to more than 70 clubs today
• Why Switzerland is leading with hubs, innovation, and Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena
• How Austria combines community vibes with pro-level ambitions through the Road to Arlberg and the first Pickleball Academy
• Unique challenges: hall time, youth development, and keeping the sport fun
• A vision for a strong, united European Pickleball community

(00:00)–(03:44)– Intro & Episode Flight Plan
(03:45)–(13:10) – Germany Spotlight with Katherina “Catie” Preis
(15:02)–(20:45)– Switzerland Spotlight with Dominik Kuhn
(21:30)–(27:30) – Austria Spotlight with Stefan Grubmüller
(27:31)–(29:22) – Wrap-Up & Landing

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Katherina Preis – Germany - Instagram: @catieworks
• Dominik Kuhn – Switzerland - Instagram: @pickleballcorner / Website: pickleballhub.ch 
• Stefan Grubmüller – Austria - Instagram: @sg_pickleballaholic

MENTIONED LINKS FOR THE SHOWNOTES //

• Interactive map of all Pickleball courts & clubs in Germany: pickleballcorner.de
• Europe’s biggest indoor Pickleball arena (7 dedicated courts, Winterthur): pickleballcorner.ch
• Courts in Austria: Indoor facility: Racket Revolution Wiener Neustadt / Outdoor courts Graz: hartbeigraz.at

ABOUT RAQT //
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.
Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
Plan. Play. Compete.

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast.

Stories and ideas from youth players
In this episode of Pickleball Passport, we hand the mic to the next generation: 8 young players between 13 and 18 from across Europe share how they discovered the sport, what needs to change to support youth pickleball – and their big visions for the future.

Whether you're a parent, player, club leader or federation member – this episode is your chance to hear what youth players actually need, want, and wish for.
Also: Stay tuned to learn more about inspiring initiatives worldwide and our special JOOLA gear giveaway!

What you’ll hear in Episode 6:
• Why Europe needs to take youth pickleball more seriously
• Honest perspectives from 8 junior players on competing, learning, and growing in the sport
• Initiatives like NJP and Junior PPA – what Europe can learn
• Ideas on how clubs, federations, and organizers can take action
• Why this is more than just “a kids’ topic”

TIME STAMPS //
(00:00)–(02:01)– Intro
(02:02–(05:25) – Youth Pickleball in Europe: Where are we at?
(05:26)-(10:35) – Global inspiration: NJP, Junior PPA & more
(10:36)–(56:02)– Voices from the Players Lounge: Youth take the mic
(56:30)–(57:44) – Wrap-Up & JOOLA Giveaway

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:
• Xavier David from the Netherlands – Instagram @xavierdavids14 & @PickleballPower
• Piet Bemelmans from Belgium – Instagram @pietbemelmans.pickleball
• Jannick Degering from Germany – Instagram @sfd75ev
• Harry & Gracie Hamilton from Ireland – Instagram @harry.hamilton.pb / @graciehamilton.pb
• Dani & Beni Haijnal from Ireland – Instagram @thedanihajnal / @benihajnal
• Arwid Dahlin from Sweden – Instagram @arwiddahlin_pb

LEARN MORE – LINKS //
• NJP – National Junior Pickleball
• Junior PPA Tour
• European School Education Platform: eTwinning Pickleball Project

QUESTION OF THE WEEK //
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
What does your club or country do to support kids and youth in Pickleball?
Comment on RAQT's Instagram @raqtfamily post for this episode and use #pickleballpassport to join the conversation.

.EPISODE SPONSOR //
Thanks to JOOLA EUROPE for supporting this episode.

• Check out the JOOLA Europe Shop
• Follow on Instagram @joolaeurope.pb

ABOUT RAQT //
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.
Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
Plan. Play. Compete.

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected]

Tea, tradition & top-tier Pickleball.

In this fifth episode of Pickleball Passport, we land in one of Europe’s most exciting Pickleball destinations: England.
Home to the first European Pickleball Championships, over 45,000 active players, two national podcasts and a thriving community that blends high-level play with deep-rooted connection – England sets the bar in more ways than one.

But what exactly makes the English scene so special? And what can other countries learn from it?

What you’ll hear in Episode 5:

• How Pickleball England became a nationally recognized governing body
• Why the English community is known for being both competitive and humble
• What coaches & players are doing to grow the sport across all levels
• Why pros like Thaddea Lock lead by example
• And how English Pickleball culture could inspire the rest of Europe

TIME STAMPS // (->Moritz to complete)

(00:00)–(01:58) – Intro

(01:59)–(09:27) – Facts & Figures about Pickleball in England
(09:28)–(24:05) – Shane Crook about Community
(25:00)–(30:44) – Richard Love about Coaching and the National team
(32:23)–(55:14) – Thaddea Lock about the players vibe and competition
(55:15)–(57:51) – Wrap-Up

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //

Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:
• Shane Crook (@8gonko) – Community player & tournament traveller
• Richard Love (@misterlove_pb) – National team player & captain 50+, full-time coach
• Thaddea Lock (@thaddea23) – England’s national team player & captain 19+ & one of Europes few full-time pro player

LEARN MORE – LINKS //

• Pickleball England Website: https://www.pickleballengland.org
• Taster Sessions & Club Map: https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions
• Find a Coach: https://www.pickleballengland.org/find-a-coach
• English Open 2025: https://www.pickleballengland.org/2025-english-open
• Pickleball52 News Platform: https://www.pickleball52.com

• Pickleball Bros: Instagram @thePickleballbros
• Podcast „What a Pickle“ – Link  
• Podcast „Everything But The Kitchen Dink“ – Link 
• Sustainability initiative Myllie Smythe - wearecrackd.com

Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. 

ABOUT RAQT //

RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.

GET IN TOUCH //

Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected]

Coaching certifications, referee pathways & the Rrise of PB Academies

In this fourth episode of Pickleball Passport we dive into how Europe is stepping up its game – literally.

With player numbers growing fast, it's not just about hitting dinks and drives anymore – it's about building quality in coaching, refereeing, and training culture. But what programs do we currently have in Europe and how can you become a coach or referee?

(00:00)-(00:33) – Intro

(00:34)-(02:29) – Topic Overview 

(02:36)-(08:40) – Coaches

(08:43)-(22:07) – Sarah Ansboury (PPR) Players Lounge

(22:09)-(25:12) – IPTPA Certification

(25:14)-(31:55) – Rob Williams (IPTPA) Players Lounge 

(31:58)-(37:19) – Detail Information on Coaching 

(37:21)-(46:13) - Maria Munz (EPF) Players Lounge

(46:53)-(57:39) - Referee Stefan Players Lounge

What you’ll hear in Episode 4:

• The two main international coach certification programs currently offered in Europe: PPR – Professional Pickleball Registry (official partner of USA Pickleball) & IPTPA – International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association
• What they cost, how they work, and what makes them different
• What kind of coach Europe really needs – and what makes a great one
• How referee education is coordinated by the EPF (European Pickleball Federation)
• Why most players still get the role of referees totally wrong 😉
• Plus: real voices from the community – including Pro Player, Coach & Vice President of the PPR Coach Sarah Ansboury (PPR), Rob Williams (IPTPA), Maria Munz (EPF) and Referee Stefan from Belgium

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & EXPERTS //

Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Sarah Ansboury (PPR, USA) – @sarahansboury & @pprpickleball 
• Rob Williams (IPTPA, UK) – @robwilliamspb & @IPTPA
• Maria Munz (EPF, DE) – @europeanpickleballfederation
• Stefan Entbrouxk (Referee, BE) – @stefanentbrouxk

LEARN MORE – LINKS //

• PPR Certification Workshops & Program: https://pprpickleball.org/events_workshop/
• IPTPA Certification & Program Overview: https://iptpa.com/ & UK Info via: https://www.pickleballengland.org/iptpa/
• EPF Referee Program & Federation Info: https://europeanpickleballfederation.org/

SHARE YOUR PB STORIES! //

We’d love to hear thoughts! 

Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. 

ABOUT RAQT //

RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.

GET IN TOUCH //

Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected]

In this third episode of Pickleball Passport, we launch our first COUNTRIES SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL.
We take you to the courts, coastlines, and clubs of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France – with insights directly from the players, coaches, and community voices shaping the sport.

What you’ll hear in Episode 3:
• How Pickleball is organized in these four Southern European countries
• The hottest hotspots to play – from courts near the beach to wine-country clubs
• New competitive formats for pro players – and where to find them
• Culture, challenges & what makes each country unique

Voices from the Player’s Lounge:

• Eleana R. (Italy) – @eleanarod_pb
• Pep C. (Spain) – @pepcanyadell
• Kelly M. (Portugal) – @pickleballalgarveportugal
• Cyril D. (France) – @cyrildirandpickleball

Sponsor Shout-Out
This episode is sponsor-free – for now.
We're building the first-ever podcast platform dedicated to Pickleball in Europe. If your brand wants to connect with the most passionate, fast-growing Pickleball audience, get in touch at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @raqtfamily.

Tell us your story!
We'd love to hear your thoughts! Tell us, in which country in the south of Europe would YOU love to play?

Comment on our Instagram post or use the hashtag #PickleballPassport to share your thoughts.

ABOUT RAQT
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things Pickleball in Europe – from club events to international tournaments, plus the RAQT App to help you track and join events.
 Available on the App Store & Google Play.

Get in touch
Have feedback, want to be featured, or interested in sponsoring a future episode?
Email us: [email protected]

ABOUT THIS EPISODE //

Welcome to Episode 2 of Pickleball Passport – a RAQT.com podcast, your go-to source for competitive pickleball across Europe and beyond.

This time, we’re getting court-ready for 2025 with a deep dive into tournament formats, leagues, must-play events and real advice from players and organizers across the continent.

In this episode, we explore how tournament formats shape your experience, where top players are planning to compete, and which tournaments should be in your calendar for the rest of 2025. 

What you’ll hear in Episode 2:

• Round Robin, Double Elimination & Team formats – and why they matter
• What makes a tournament “worth traveling for” – according to top players
• Europe’s team & league formats, including the UK’s Premier Pickleball League
• Special guest interview: Filipe Paszkiewicz from the PEAK League
• Upcoming tournament highlights fort he second half of 2025
• What organizers should know to build better events
• PLUS: A super special Pickleball giveaway with 6 paddles and 1 Set of balls, powered by Pickleballcorner.de. If you live in Europe and love Pickleball – no matter your level – this give-away is FOR YOU! :)

TIME STAMPS //

(00:00) – Intro
(02:03) – Tournament formats: world formats & competitive play in Europe
(06:20) – For tournament starters: what you need to know & what you’re really signing up for when… 

(09:00) – Insights & challenges Europe’s currently facing & what what players enjoy about competitive play

(15:00) – Leagues (Germany, Belgium, LPP Portugal, Serbia, France, UK)

(17:03) – exlusive insights from UK’s Premiere Pickleball League Co-Founder Ed Hares

(22:00) – series/tours/circuits & Interview with special guest Filipe Paszkiewicz from PEAK League

(41:30) – what makes a tournament worth the trip

(44:15) - Tips for first time tournament player & competitive play organizers from experienced top players49:45 – hot tournament picks, must-visit events & tournaments for your second half of 2025!
(57:28) – Pickleball Paddle XL Give-Away details
(57:54) – Wrap-up & what to expect in the upcoming episode 3

***

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES //

Thanks to our amazing players & Pickleball influencer for sharing their insights:

• Mike Tonet (Belgium) 
• Agostina Nepote (Spain) 
• Ed Hares (England, Premiere Pickleball League) 

EPISODE SPONSOR //

This episode is proudly powered by Pickleballcorner.de – the online store for the European Pickleball community. From paddles to passion – Europe’s home for everything pickleball, shipping Europe wide!

INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY – 7 WINNERS, 7 PRIZES //

In collaboration with pickleballcorner.de – the online shop for everything Pickleball in Europe - we’re giving away Pickleball gear worth over 600€ in total value:

• 6 different Paddles from PIBA Sports & Holbrook Pickleball
• 1 set of Franklin x40 balls

More info: on instagram @raqtfamily & @pickleballcorner.de! Giveaway closes: June 1, 2025

TOURNAMENTS COMING UP // 

• Pickleball World Cup (October 27th – November 2nd in Florida/USA for national teams / OPEN format for everyone!)
• European Pickleball Championships (2nd edition, organized by the European Pickleball Federation in September Rome/Italy: national teams and the PRE-EPC open for everyone!)

(Exklusive on RAQT.com)

• hottest Picks: Diadem Diadem Halton Open in Halton/UK (June ’25)   Reballution Cup in Rota/Spain (June ’25), Barcelona Open (July ’25), Malta Pickleball International in Malta (June ‘25)
• Team competitions: Lions Brno Open - Team Cup 2025 in Trenčín/Slovakia (June ’25), 
• Series: PEAK LEAGUES (June 26-29th Stockholm, Sweden)

ABOUT RAQT //

RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.

GET IN TOUCH //

Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or sponsor a future episode?
Email us at: [email protected]

We give European Pickleball a voice!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE //
Welcome aboard Pickleball Passport, the first-ever podcast dedicated to the European Pickleball community. Powered by RAQT.com, the go-to platform for Pickleball tournaments, leagues, and events across Europe, this podcast explores the rise of Pickleball across the continent!

The journey begins and we take you on a special journey about how Pickleball is taking off across Europe – from grassroots movements to growing national federations, and from local pioneers to international ambitions.

This episode paints a picture of a sport in motion – one that is rapidly growing, but developing very differently in each country.

What you’ll hear in Episode 1:

• How Pickleball began in countries like Turkey, Ireland, Sweden, and beyond
• What challenges players and organizers have faced building the sport locally
• Why the growth differs from one nation to another – and what role federations, clubs and communities play
• Exclusive guest interview: Fatih Dervent, Board Member of the European Pickleball Federation (@europeanpickleballfederation), on the movement's challenges and potential
• Real stories and voices from the Players Lounge –authentic stories from top players and influencers across the continent

TEST YOUR PB KNOWLEDGE//
Which of these countries was NOT part of the inaugural European Pickleball Championships in 2024?

• Sweden
• Spain
• Ireland
• Netherlands

The correct answer will be revealed in the episode, so don’t miss out!

TIME STAMPS //

(00:00) - Introduction, welcome & what you can expect from this podcast

(02:51) - „Europe“ – the big picture

(05:33) – Differences to the US

(08:05) - Challenges of Pickleball in Europe

(29:14) – DUPR & rankings in Europe & Competitive Play

(23:37) – How the sport is organized in different countries of Europe

(48:10) – Interview with special guest Fathi Dervent, Board member oft he European Pickleball Federation (EPF)

(01:00:00) – Wrap-Up & what to expect from upcoming episode 2

PLAYER’S LOUNGE VOICES // 

A huge thank you to the amazing players from the Players Lounge who contributed their voices to this episode:

• Mustafa Enestebik (top player)// Turkey
• Pim Huberts (top player & volunteer at Pickleball Amsterdam) // Netherlands
• Howard Castillo (intermediate player & founder of Dinking Times) // Ireland
• Boris Paque (top player) // Belgium
• Jens Larsson (raqt.com founder) // Sweden
• Marc Declercq (top player) // Spain
• Scott Mayo // Wales
• Karolina Owczarek // Poland

EPISODE SPONSOR SHOUTOUT // 

This episode is proudly powered by Dinking Times – Europe’s first and only magazine dedicated to the Pickleball community, a project from the Dinking Hub.

ABOUT //

RAQT.com is your ultimate destination for all things Pickleball in Europe, offering a comprehensive platform for tournaments, leagues, and events across the continent with some oft he most beautiful locations to play. Follow us on instagram for updates @raqtfamily.

GET IN TOUCH //

We’d love to hear from you! Feedback? Ideas? Want to be one of the player’s lounge voices or special guests? Interested in sponsoring one of the episodes Or just send us some Pickleball Cabin Crew love? Drop an air-letter (E-Mail) to [email protected].