Bermuda Joins Record Field as Pickleball World Cup Expands
IslandStats.com
The rapid global growth of pickleball has been vividly highlighted by the evolution of the Pickleball World Cup, an event conceived by siblings Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses just two years ago.
What started as the experimental 'Pilot Cup' in 2023 with just 14 countries, quickly scaled up in 2024 to become the first official Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, attracting 32 delegations and confirming the sport’s international appeal.
This year marks a massive step forward for the tournament. The 2025 event will be held in the United States for the first time, taking place at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from October 27th to November 2nd.
The numbers demonstrate the sport's explosive expansion: organisers expect 68 nations to compete in the Open division, 52 countries in the Senior division, and nearly ten countries fielding teams in a new Junior division.
The exciting team format continues to showcase pickleball's potential as a genuine international sport.
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda confirmed its participation, announcing a strong contingent ready to compete on the world stage.
The Open Elite Women’s team features Imani Phillips, Melisa Judd, Patricia Mills, and Naphisa Smith, while the Men’s team includes Gavin Manders, Ben Jones, Jamie Stowe, Tom Mills, and Mical Russell.
Bermuda will also be represented in the Senior Division. The Women's team comprises Tori Powell, Val Stevenson, Laverne Stowe, and Samantha Todd, with the Men's team consisting of Courtland Boyle, Mark Cordiero, Matt Dragonetti, and Ryon Outerbridge.
The presence of Bermuda's teams highlights the island’s commitment to growing the sport as it solidifies its place on the international calendar.
