Paddletek and Major League Pickleball are introducing a new high-stakes event this summer to bring amateur players into the pro pickleball spotlight.

The first-ever Paddletek One Point Challenge will debut July 9–12 during MLP’s Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event will feature 128 amateur doubles teams competing in a one-point-per-round, single-elimination format, where each matchup comes down to one rally-scoring point.

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With $25,000 on the line and a format built around instant pressure, the challenge gives amateur players a rare chance to compete at an MLP event while adding a fast, unpredictable fan experience to the tournament weekend.

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How it works

  • The tournament follows a single-elimination format with a $25,000 total prize pool on the line (winning doubles team will play each other in a single-point singles round; winner earns $20,000 and runner-up takes home $5,000).
  • Players who register with a partner are guaranteed to compete with that partner through the Amateur Round of 16. All other amateur pairings will be assigned.
  • Opposing matchups are randomized through the Amateur Round of 16.
  • A referee will conduct a coin flip to determine serve/receive or side selection.
  • Any team using more PaddleTek paddle(s) (maximum one per player) than their opposing team will automatically “win” the coin flip.
  • Starting positions may be selected by players through the Amateur Round of 16.
  • The referee will: Announce the start and end of each match, monitor for foot faults, overrule line calls only upon request and when confident in the decision.
  • Matches utilize rally scoring to 1 point, with no side-outs.
  • The winner of the point wins the match.

Following the completion of the Amateur Round of 16.

  • 16 MLP professional players and personnel will be added to the draw on Saturday to form a second Round of 16.
  • MLP players will draft their amateur partners.
  • Teams will be seeded based on the average DUPR rating of each pair.
  • These amateur-pro teams will remain together for the remainder of the tournament.
  • Matchups will be made based on seed for the remainder of the tournament.
  • Amateur players must begin play on the right side (both serve and receive of serve).

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Following the doubles final:

  • The two winning teammates (one pro and one amateur) will compete in a one-point singles match to determine the grand prize winner.
  • The amateur player will automatically win the coin flip as a handicap.

Find more information about the Paddletek One Point Challenge here or register here.