The World Pickleball Podcast

Podcast by Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson

The World Pickleball Podcast

Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson chat about the world game of pickleball, uncovering the most fascinating pickleball stories from across the globe in their own fun, unique style. This podcast is perfect for all pickleball fans, especially those who want to know more about what is happening outside of the USA (though hey, the US folks will love it too!) Join us weekly for a light-hearted but very serious world pickleball fix.

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Latest episodes

12 March 2026

PPA Asia, Nick Kyrgios, and the English Open in Global Pickleball Focus

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down another busy week across the global pickleball landscape.

The show opens with a look at what Chris and Gordon have been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth of World Pickleball Magazine and its expanding global coverage of the sport.

From there, the hosts dive into the biggest stories on the professional circuit. The discussion begins with the PPA Tour action from the Newport Beach Open, analysing the key performances and storylines from one of the tour’s major early-season stops. The Professional Pickleball Association calendar continues to expand globally with events across North America, Asia and Australia.

Chris and Gordon also touch on the PPA Asia expansion, including the upcoming Hanoi Cup in Vietnam where top stars like Anna Leigh Waters are expected to headline the tour’s growing international presence.

The conversation then shifts to the business side of the sport, including tennis star Nick Kyrgios increasing his involvement in pickleball through investment and partnership with the rapidly expanding pickleball club operator The Picklr, highlighting the sport’s accelerating commercial momentum.

The episode also highlights grassroots innovation, including a hybrid inclusive pickleball tournament in the UK, demonstrating how the sport continues to evolve through new formats designed to bring different levels and communities together on court.

Finally, Chris previews key upcoming events on the international calendar, including details around the English Open Pickleball Championships, before finishing with a look inside the latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine.

Whether you follow the professional tours, the business of pickleball, or the sport’s growing grassroots movement, this episode connects the biggest developments shaping the global pickleball scene.

Topics covered in this episode include:

PPA Tour action and results from the Newport Beach Open
Expansion of the PPA Tour into Asia
Nick Kyrgios’ increasing investment in pickleball
Innovative hybrid pickleball tournaments in the UK
English Open Pickleball Championships updates
The latest issue of World Pickleball Magazine

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly analysis, interviews, and conversations with the players, coaches and leaders driving pickleball’s global rise.

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06 March 2026

Jack Munro on Reaching No. 1 on the APP Tour and Staying There

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with Jack Munro, the #1 ranked male player on the APP Tour, to discuss his rise to the top of professional pickleball.

Jack shares the story behind his journey through the competitive ranks, detailing the training, mindset, and strategic evolution that helped him reach the number one position on the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour. From early breakthroughs to navigating the pressure that comes with being the player everyone is chasing, this conversation offers rare insight into life at the top of the professional game.

Chris and Jack also explore the current state of the APP Tour, the level of competition across the professional circuit, and how the global growth of pickleball is shaping opportunities for elite players. The discussion includes Jack’s approach to singles and doubles strategy, maintaining consistency across tournaments, and what it takes to stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Whether you follow the APP Tour closely or want to understand what it takes to become the world’s top-ranked pickleball player, this episode delivers an inside look at elite performance and the future of professional pickleball.

Topics covered include:

Jack Munro’s journey to #1 on the APP Tour
Training, mindset, and elite player preparation
The current state of the APP professional circuit
Strategies for staying at the top of the rankings
The future of professional pickleball

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping pickleball around the world.

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25 February 2026

Matthew Barlow and his PPA Mesa Cup Shock Run: 72nd Seed to Men’s Singles Semi-Finals

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with one of the breakout stories of the season: Matthew Barlow, the 72nd seed at the PPA Mesa Cup who stunned the draw by advancing all the way to the men’s singles semi-finals.

Matthew shares the inside story of his remarkable run, detailing the matches, mindset shifts, and tactical adjustments that carried him deep into one of the most competitive events on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. From underdog status to centre-court spotlight, this conversation explores what it takes to compete against top-ranked professionals when expectations are low and pressure is high.

Chris and Matthew also discuss preparation at the elite level, the mental resilience required to win back-to-back upsets, and what this breakthrough result means for Matthew’s future on the PPA Tour.

Whether you follow professional pickleball rankings, love an underdog story, or want insight into high-performance singles strategy, this episode delivers a compelling look at one of the standout performances from the PPA Mesa Cup.

Topics covered include:

Matthew Barlow’s semi-final run at the PPA Mesa Cup
Upset victories and tactical adjustments in men’s singles
Mental resilience in professional pickleball
What a deep tournament run means for rankings and career momentum

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and personalities shaping professional pickleball worldwide.

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24 February 2026

PPA Mesa Cup Recap, NCPA Amazon Prime Deal, and Queensland Tour Success

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson to break down a packed weekend across the global pickleball landscape.

The discussion opens with full analysis of the PPA Mesa Cup, including key results, standout performances, and what the tournament means for rankings and momentum on the Professional Pickleball Association calendar. Chris and Gordon examine the evolving competitive picture as the season gathers pace.

The episode also celebrates Gordon’s success on the Queensland Pickleball Tour, offering insight into the growing strength of the Australian scene and what regional tours are doing to elevate player standards across the Asia-Pacific region.

Off the court, the hosts explore a significant development for collegiate pickleball: the NCPA securing a broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV. The move signals another step forward for media exposure, commercial growth, and the sport’s expanding presence on major streaming platforms.

From professional tour action to grassroots and collegiate expansion, this episode connects the dots across the sport’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Topics covered include:

PPA Mesa Cup results and analysis
Professional Pickleball Association tour developments
Queensland Pickleball Tour highlights
NCPA broadcast deal with Amazon Prime and PickleTV
The growth of collegiate and international pickleball

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly news, analysis, and conversation from across the world of pickleball.

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18 February 2026

Estee Widdershoven: Belgium’s First PPA Pro and Europe’s Pickleball Rise

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont speaks with Estee Widdershoven, the first Belgian player to be signed to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour—a landmark moment for Belgian and European pickleball.

Estee shares her journey from discovering pickleball to reaching the professional ranks, offering insight into the training, mindset, and sacrifices required to compete on the world stage. The conversation explores what her PPA signing means for the growth of pickleball in Belgium and across Europe, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing international players entering the American-dominated professional circuit.

Chris and Estee also discuss the evolving global pathway in pickleball, the rising standard of European competition, and how breakthrough moments like this can inspire the next generation of players across the continent.

Whether you follow professional tours, international development, or the future of European pickleball, this episode provides a compelling look at a historic step forward for the sport.

Topics covered include:

Estee Widdershoven’s signing with the PPA Tour
The rise of pickleball in Belgium and Europe
Training, mindset, and life as an emerging professional
Global pathways into professional pickleball

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players and leaders shaping pickleball worldwide.

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13 February 2026

Wes Gabrielsen on WPBL Glory, Hall of Fame Legacy, and WV Wine & Pickle

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont is joined by co-host Gordon Watson and special guest Wes Gabrielsen—Head Coach of the Dilli Dillwale, champions of World Pickleball League Season Two, and a 2022 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee.

Wes reflects on the Dilli Dillwale’s title-winning campaign, sharing insight into team culture, preparation, and the tactical decisions that shaped their run to the World Pickleball League championship. The conversation explores what high-performance coaching looks like in modern professional pickleball and how franchise leagues are accelerating the sport’s global growth.

Beyond the court, Wes also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, including his lifestyle brand and hospitality venture, WV Wine & Pickle, offering a look at how leading figures in pickleball are building businesses that extend the sport’s culture and community. Listeners can explore more at wvwineandpickle.com and follow the brand’s latest updates on Instagram.

From championship coaching lessons to the evolving global pickleball ecosystem, this episode provides rare insight from one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Topics covered include:

Dilli Dillwale’s World Pickleball League Season Two triumph
Coaching philosophy and high-performance team culture
The global impact of franchise pickleball leagues
Wes Gabrielsen’s Hall of Fame journey
WV Wine & Pickle and life beyond competition

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and leaders shaping pickleball around the world.

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