The Best Moments from Major League Pickleball's 2024 Playoffs
Last Edited
Nov 25 2024
Category
News
In one of the most electrifying weekends in pickleball history, the Dallas Flash etched their name into Major League Pickleball lore, claiming the 2024 Premier Level Championship.
A perfect blend of youthful swagger and veteran precision, the Flash—featuring JW and Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black, and Augie Ge—toppled the top-seeded New Jersey 5s in a dramatic best-of-three series at the Vulcan MLP Playoffs in Orlando.
After dispatching the No. 2 seed St. Louis Shock in the semifinals, Dallas faced an uphill battle against the 5s, who boasted an undefeated record in DreamBreakers.
But on Sunday, the Flash rewrote the script, shocking the crowd and sending their opponents home with a 3-1 victory in the deciding Match 3.
The championship moment came with Black and Ge defeating Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells in mixed doubles. Ge’s dominance in the middle and Black’s defensive grit carried Dallas to a 25-21 victory and the Pritchard Cup.
The Dallas Upset
If the Flash’s journey was a movie, it had everything—rising stars, high-stakes showdowns, and underdog triumphs.
New Jersey kicked off the playoffs in familiar fashion, winning the first match’s DreamBreaker.
But Dallas roared back, breaking New Jersey’s streak with their own DreamBreaker win in Match 2, led by Jorja’s Augie’s ‘Gladiator’-worthy showing.
Match 3 was a rollercoaster:
- New Jersey’s Navratil and Howells stunned the Flash with an opening win in men’s doubles.
- Dallas answered as Jorja and Black delivered their first women’s doubles win of the day, taking down the seemingly unstoppable Waters and Humberg.
- JW and Jorja Johnson continued their mixed doubles dominance, securing a third straight win over Navratil and Humberg.
Finally, in the deciding mixed doubles game, Ge and Black dismantled Waters and Howells, completing the Flash’s incredible climb to the championship.
Challenger Level Shoutout to the Frisco Pandas
Over on the Challenger level, the Miami Pickleball Club emerged victorious, defeating the Chicago Slice to clinch the title.
...But not to be overlooked, the Frisco Pandas—now managed by The Kitchen—made it to the playoffs, showing that big moves are brewing for them.
Keep an eye on this squad as they rise through the pickleball ranks.
A Look Ahead
With the 2024 season wrapped, the league now turns its attention to 2025.
The Flash's victory proves that grit, belief, and a little swagger can go a long way...and they are sure to have more of the latter after this win.
Meanwhile, fans will be watching closely as MLP announces year-end awards and gears up for next season.
Join Pickleball’s Greatest Community
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to be the most well-informed pickleball fan on the court, featuring news, giveaways, and much more!
