By Steve Price / CBS8 / November 4, 2026
More than 2,400 players have descended on Point Loma for the 17th annual USA Pickleball National Championships from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8, showcasing a sport that continues to explode in popularity across the country.
Nearly half of the competitors are at least 60 years old, highlighting pickleball’s broad appeal among older athletes, while also drawing younger players looking for competition and community.
For many participants, the excitement of the tournament is undeniable. “That was so intense!” player Monika David said after a hard-fought match at the Barnes Tennis Center.
The sport’s rapid rise has turned pickleball from a recreational pastime into a lucrative professional endeavor. According to USA Pickleball CEO Mike Nealy, top players are now earning significant income through tournament winnings and endorsement deals.
“Pros are making some good money now with endorsements as well,” Nealy said. “But we’re talking some million-dollar-plus players, absolutely.”
The sport’s popularity has skyrocketed, growing from about 4 million players nationwide to roughly 24 million over the last five years.
Part of the appeal, he said, is pickleball’s accessibility.
“Easy to play, very friendly. You’re getting some exercise, but you can play doubles so it’s not overexertion, so it’s something pretty much anyone can play,” Nealy said.
But competitors say the sport should not be mistaken for an easy activity. Injuries can happen, especially as players become more competitive.
Tom Couser learned that lesson the hard way. Now recovering in a walking boot and using a scooter, he recalled the moment he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
“Next thing you know, it felt like someone hit me with a hammer in my heel and completely ruptured my Achilles,” Couser said.
The national championships feature both professional and amateur divisions. While there is a noticeable difference in skill between the two levels, participants say enthusiasm remains high throughout the event.
“It’s nationals, you gotta get dressed up. I mean it’s the biggest event of the year,” said competitor Kirk Beitz, who showed up in a Tuxedo T-Shirt.
For Monika David, who traveled from Northern California to compete in the 50-and-over division, inspiration comes from watching athletes decades older than herself continue to compete at a high level.
