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Bruno Faletto joins Chris Beaumont on the World Pickleball Podcast to explain how he went from one of Chile’s leading junior tennis players to a corporate career in New York, before leaving the security of full-time employment for another attempt at professional sport. Faletto was Chile’s No. 1 player in his age group and reached No. 8 in South America before a serious back injury interrupted his route towards professional tennis. He recovered to earn an ATP ranking, moved to the United States on a college scholarship and became a four-time NCAA Division II All-American at Saint Leo University. After graduation, Faletto stopped competing and built a successful sales career in Manhattan. Pickleball was initially supposed to fill the sporting gap. It gradually became something he could no longer treat as a hobby. In this episode, Faletto discusses: • The back injury that changed his tennis career • The financial reality of playing lower-level professional tennis • Why he walked away from tennis while playing some of his best matches • Discovering pickleball in New York in 2022 • Learning that power alone would not make him a professional player • Combining APP tournaments and moneyball events with a full-time sales job • Building a coaching business before leaving corporate employment • How five or six hours on court each day changed his consistency and confidence • Earning a PPA contract after his breakthrough 2026 season • His technical weaknesses and the jump from Challenger events to established PPA opposition • Representing the Grand River Rapids in the CNPL • His ambition to represent Chile in international pickleball • Preparing for fatherhood while building a professional sporting career Faletto also explains the mental change that told him he was ready for the next level. Previously, at 9-9 in a deciding game, he found himself hoping the opponent would miss. Now he believes he will win the point himself. Listen to the complete Bruno Faletto interview on the World Pickleball Podcast, hosted by World Pickleball Magazine’s Chris Beaumont. A fuller Players’ Voice feature with Bruno Faletto will appear in the September edition of WPM.

What does it really take to earn a living as a professional pickleball player? Chris Beaumont is joined by Shane Dunn, founder and CEO of Peak Pickleball Agency, to examine the business behind the professional game. Dunn explains how paddle contracts, tour agreements, sponsorships and appearance opportunities fit together, why prize money tells only part of the story, and how players outside the world’s leading names can build sustainable careers. They also discuss what brands are looking for, why personality and storytelling matter alongside results, how local coaches and facilities influence recreational players, and Peak’s expansion beyond traditional athlete representation. With professional pickleball creating talented players faster than it is creating commercial security, this is a revealing look at who can make a living from the sport, how they do it and what still needs to change.

You can spend hundreds on a paddle and hours working on technique. None of it helps much if the paddle starts moving in your hand. In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont is joined by Rob McEvoy, CEO of Thailand-based sports technology company Sahara Dry, to look at one of the less discussed performance problems in pickleball: sweat, grip and what actually happens between your hand and the paddle. Sahara Dry takes a different approach from traditional chalk and magnesium-based grip products. Rather than absorbing moisture, McEvoy explains how its modified silica technology is designed to repel it, allowing sweat to bead and move away from the hand. The conversation goes well beyond the product. McEvoy grew up in Rossendale in North West England, worked around professional rugby with Sale Sharks, Cornish Pirates and London Welsh, then moved to Thailand, where a university scientist who had spent more than a decade working with the material approached him about turning the technology into a consumer product. They discuss why pole dancing unexpectedly became crucial to Sahara Dry's early development, what gymnastics and shooting taught the company about grip, why Thailand provides an ideal testing ground for sweat management, and why pickleball, particularly the huge recreational market in the United States, has become an important target. Topics include: Why sweat changes paddle controlAbsorbing moisture versus repelling itThe science behind Sahara DryHow long grip products need to lastTesting sports technology in ThailandWhat pole dancing taught Sahara Dry about gripMoving technology between different sportsWhy pickleball has become an important marketThe challenge of getting players to try an unfamiliar productBuilding a sports technology company from Thailand A conversation about something most players notice only when it starts going wrong: the connection between hand, grip and paddle.

Six days. More than 60 courts. Some of the best players in Europe and North America. And somewhere around 150 combined hours behind the microphone. Chris Beaumont and Nick Hobbis are back from the NEC for the definitive review of the 2026 English Open. They revisit the performances that shaped the week, from Ignasi De Rueda singles breakthrough and the brilliance of Roos van Reek to Jack Munro and Richard Livornese's American statement, Marcello Jardim's senior dominance and the players who exceeded expectations without necessarily leaving Birmingham with gold. But this is about more than results. Chris and Nick discuss what it felt like inside the biggest indoor pickleball tournament yet staged, the volunteers who made it possible, the success of the Unity Cup and the community stories happening away from the championship courts. They also examine where the English Open needs to go next. Should professional players still be playing large round-robin groups? Does the pro division need an entry threshold? What did Stupa's video review and match data add to the broadcast? How should reviews be managed? And after the huge leap from Telford to the NEC, what does Pickleball England do for an encore? Plus Jake Bower's tactical intelligence, the extraordinary depth of the men's singles field, the gap between Europe and America, the rise of De Rueda, the relentless consistency of Van Reek, some outrageous ATPs and Ernies, and why the grassroots game must never become separated from the professional spectacle being built above it. The English Open grew up in Birmingham. Now comes the interesting part.

What does it take to build a professional pickleball league when the culture around the sport is still being created? World Pickleball Podcast sits down with National Pickleball League CEO Ron Shell for a wide-ranging conversation about the growth of the NPL in Australia, the arrival of New Zealand, and why building a successful league involves far more than putting good players on a court. Shell explains why he sees the NPL as a marketing vehicle for pickleball itself, why attracting people from outside the existing pickleball community matters, and how the league is trying to create venues, teams and events that people genuinely want to belong to. The conversation explores the emergence of real rivalries and player personalities, the role companies and communities can play in growing the sport, and why professional pickleball still has work to do before discovering the version of itself that truly works as a broadcast product. There is also a bigger question running through the episode: should emerging pickleball markets simply copy what has happened in the United States, or can countries such as Australia build something with its own identity? Ron Shell joins World Pickleball Podcast to talk culture, competition, community and the unfinished business of figuring out exactly what professional pickleball can become.

The countdown is on. With less than a week until the 2026 English Open begins at Birmingham's NEC, Chris Beaumont is joined by commentator Nick Hobbis to preview the biggest pickleball tournament outside the United States. Across more than an hour of analysis, they break down the biggest contenders, the international stars, the medal favourites and the storylines that could define one of the world's premier pickleball events. Among the topics discussed: 🏆 Who can stop Marcelo Jardim in the senior divisions? 🏆 Will Lee Whitwell complete another dominant week? 🏆 Why the Open divisions are deeper than ever. 🏆 Megan Fudge returns to defend her titles. 🏆 The players ready to announce themselves on the international stage. 🏆 Why moving to Birmingham's NEC could transform the English Open. 🏆 Behind the scenes of commentating one of Europe's biggest pickleball events. Whether you're playing, spectating or watching from home, this is your complete guide to the 2026 English Open. Subscribe to World Pickleball Magazine for daily news, features and analysis from around the world.

Most pickleball players know they should warm up, recover properly and look after their bodies. Far fewer actually do it. In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont speaks with RAD Roller founder Michael Mallory about why recovery should not begin only after something hurts, why harder pressure is not always better and how five to ten minutes of daily mobility work could help players stay on court for longer. Mallory explains how his own history of serious sporting injuries — including reconstructive surgery after both legs were badly damaged in a skiing accident — shaped his understanding of rehabilitation, movement and self-myofascial release. The conversation explores: Why pickleball players often mistake pain for effective recoveryThe difference between prehab, rehabilitation and everyday recoveryHow mobility restrictions can contribute to shoulder, elbow and knee problemsWhy light, fast pressure can be more useful than crushing a foam rollerWhat stretching can and cannot achieveHow the nervous system protects restricted movementWhy recovery needs to become as routine as brushing your teethThe five-minute daily habit Mallory recommends for players of every age This is not simply a discussion about recovery products. It is a practical guide to understanding what your body needs before and after you play. Because the best recovery programme is not the one you begin when you are injured. It is the one that helps stop you getting there.

Most pickleball players will spend more time thinking about paddles, shoes and technique than what they eat and drink before stepping on court. In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont is joined by Taylor Brower, registered dietitian at Skratch Labs, to explain how nutrition and hydration affect performance across a long pickleball day. They discuss the most common causes of late-match fatigue, why recreational players often underfuel without realising it, how much to drink before an early tournament start, when electrolytes matter, what caffeine can and cannot do, and how to eat between matches without feeling heavy. Taylor also explains the four Rs of recovery, why carbohydrate and protein work best together, how chocolate milk earned its reputation as a recovery drink, and the one nutrition habit she believes every pickleball player should change first. This is a practical, non-sales conversation for players at every level—from local league competitors to tournament regulars looking to stay sharper deeper into the day.

Professional pickleball has more money, more prize purses and more attention than ever. But has the infrastructure beneath the sport kept pace? Lee Whitwell joins Chris Beaumont to discuss the growing crisis around honour-system line calls and why she believes blaming referees misses the real problem. The conversation moves from questionable calls and player reputations into the deeper weaknesses surrounding the professional game, including video reviews, referee support, drug testing, player governance and the way controversy is packaged for social media. They also explore how behaviour at the top filters into recreational pickleball, where a player desperate to win can ruin the very environment that brings others back each week. Topics include: • Why disputed calls are becoming harder to ignore • Whether referees are being placed in impossible positions • Why pickleball may have invested in players before infrastructure • The risks of turning cheating and confrontation into content • How professional behaviour affects recreational culture • Why technology can support honesty but cannot replace it This is a wider discussion about credibility, culture and what kind of professional sport pickleball wants to become. Listen to the World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

Bob Winskowicz: Why Pickleball’s Next Performance Revolution May Start With Your Feet In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont is joined by Bob Winskowicz, founder and CEO of SQAIRZ, to explore one of the most overlooked areas of pickleball performance: footwear. Pickleball players spend countless hours analysing paddles, technique, strategy and training, but Bob believes the sport has largely ignored the foundation underneath every movement: the connection between the player and the court. Drawing on his background in golf, baseball and sports performance, Bob explains why balance, stability and ground force production are central to playing better and staying healthier. He shares the story behind SQAIRZ’s move into pickleball, the research behind its court shoes and why he believes traditional footwear design has not fully addressed the demands of a sport built around explosive lateral movement. In this wide-ranging conversation, Chris and Bob discuss: • Why pickleball movement creates unique footwear challenges • Why balance and stability matter as much as power • How the shape of a shoe can influence performance • The relationship between footwear and injury prevention • Competing against global sportswear giants as a specialist brand • The future of performance technology in pickleball and beyond Bob also reveals how the company’s thinking extends beyond sport, with the same principles of balance and stability being applied to everyday movement and reducing fall risk later in life. Is footwear the next major equipment conversation in pickleball? Listen to find out why the battle for better performance may begin before the paddle ever touches the ball. The World Pickleball Podcast brings you conversations with the players, coaches, innovators and decision-makers shaping the global game.

Most pickleball injuries do not start with a single moment. They build slowly, often unnoticed, in the background of regular play. In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, we speak with Laina Gossman, founder of Soul Insole, about the biomechanics of foot health and why it matters far more than most players realise. We explore how small imbalances in the feet can lead to common pickleball injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles strain, and knee discomfort, and why returning athletes are particularly vulnerable when they step back into competitive movement. Laina also explains the difference between rigid orthotics and softer support systems, and how foot stability can influence not just injury prevention, but performance, balance, and efficiency on court. This is a conversation about movement, recovery, and the hidden foundation of how players perform. Whether you are a beginner or competing at a high level, this episode challenges how you think about every step you take on court. Check out soulinsole.com to see their range of exceptional orthotics.

Professional pickleball player Zoey Weil joins Chris Beaumont on the World Pickleball Podcast for an honest discussion about some of the biggest talking points in the sport. Rather than revisiting her tennis background, Zoey gives her views on where professional pickleball is heading and tackles the biggest debates from the past month. In this episode we discuss: The rapid growth of the PPA Tour and Major League PickleballWhat really defines a professional pickleball player?The body bag debate and where the line should be drawnSportsmanship versus winning at the highest levelYoung teenagers competing against established professionalsPaddle technology, power paddles and whether some should be restrictedPlayer safety after the MLP scoreboard incidentRollout courts, bad bounces and tournament conditionsLifetime vs Franklin pickleballsMLP trades, team chemistry and the changing league landscapeWhat the future of professional pickleball could look like Zoey shares thoughtful, balanced opinions on many of the biggest issues currently facing the sport, offering a fascinating insight into life on the professional tour. 🎙️ Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast for weekly interviews with the biggest names in pickleball, breaking news, analysis and conversations from across the global game.

In this week's World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with one of the game's most analytical and innovative players, Connor Garnett. Connor's route into professional pickleball is anything but conventional. Before becoming one of the PPA Tour's leading competitors, he worked in investment banking, carefully weighing up the financial realities before deciding to pursue pickleball full-time. The conversation goes far beyond his playing career. Connor explains why every professional player is effectively running a small business, how he built the Twoey Nation brand around his trademark two-handed backhand, and why balancing business opportunities with elite performance is one of the sport's biggest modern challenges. The pair also explore how professional pickleball continues to evolve at remarkable speed, from the rise of young stars such as Tamashiro "Tama" Kaburaki to the tactical arms race that sees new shots constantly appear before opponents find ways to counter them. Along the way, Connor shares stories from hitting with Novak Djokovic at the US Open, discusses why Asia, Europe and North America are beginning to develop distinct playing styles, and explains why pickleball's different balls could eventually become the equivalent of tennis playing on different surfaces. In this episode:Why Connor left investment banking for professional pickleballThe business reality of being a modern professional playerBuilding the Twoey Nation brandThe origins of his famous two-handed backhandWhat hitting with Novak Djokovic taught himWhy junior players are changing the sportThe tactical evolution of professional pickleballHow different balls and regions are creating different styles of playWhy creativity is becoming pickleball's greatest competitive advantage Whether you're a competitive player, coach or simply fascinated by where the sport is heading, this is an insightful conversation with one of pickleball's sharpest minds. Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast for weekly conversations with the people shaping the global game.

Former Seattle Mariners draft pick, NCAA National Champion and 5.0+ pickleball player Billy Cooke joins the World Pickleball Podcast to explore one of the most overlooked areas of player development: reaction training. Billy explains how elite baseball has spent decades developing vision, hand-eye coordination and decision-making through small-ball training, and why those same principles could help pickleball players improve their speed at the kitchen line, react faster under pressure and become more consistent in fast hands battles. We also discuss: Billy's journey from professional baseball to competitive pickleballWhy baseball is often described as a "game of failure" and what pickleball players can learn from that mindsetHow reaction time can be trained rather than simply inheritedThe science behind small-ball training and visual processingWhy most players don't practise at game speedHow Max PB is adapting proven baseball training methods for pickleballWhether technology can give players a genuine competitive edge Whether you're trying to move from 3.5 to 4.0 or chasing professional competition, this episode offers practical insights into how better training can lead to better performance. 🎧 Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, innovators and personalities shaping the global game. 🌍 Read more at: https://worldpickleballmagazine.com

Most pickleball analytics today can tell you what happened. Very few can explain why. In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with Scott Ross, founder of PEWPEW Analytics, to explore one of the biggest unanswered questions in the sport. Has pickleball actually identified the things that matter most when it comes to winning? Football has expected goals. Baseball has on-base percentage. Golf has strokes gained. American football has EPA. What is pickleball's equivalent? Together, Chris and Scott discuss: • Why traditional pickleball statistics often fail to explain results • Whether DUPR's biggest weakness is not the rating itself, but the lack of explanation behind it • How smart courts, AI and player tracking could change the sport • Why most recreational players simply want to know: "How did I actually play today?" • Whether pressure, neutralisation and rally control might prove more important than winners and errors • The search for pickleball's potential Moneyball moment This is a conversation for players, coaches, club owners, sports data enthusiasts and anyone curious about where the next layer of pickleball may come from. Warning: Two sports analytics nerds may occasionally disappear down rabbit holes. Listen now.