The Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia) is staking its claim as the battleground for pickleball in Asia. Rather than just another tournament, it’s being built as a club‑based, semi‑professional league bringing together players from across the continent.
The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall vibrated with cheers, serves, and smashes on November 22–23, as the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Philippines Sectionals showcased the country’s top pickleball talent.
After two days of pulse-pounding action, Pickle Yard SOMO claimed the national crown and SO Chill snatched a surprise second berth to the PCL Asia Grand Finals in Shenzhen, China.
The Stakes: What’s On the Line
- 7 elite clubs will compete in Manila.
- A roster of 42 players across these clubs (6 per club) is expected.
- It’s a winner-take-all format: the champion gets the travel grant to China.
- The broader PCL Asia Finals have a $256,000 prize pool, with the top prize being US$30,000.
Day 1: Pools, Points, and Predictions
The first day set the tone for the weekend. Pool play and knockout rounds left fans on the edge of their seats, as perennial contenders clashed with emerging squads. By evening, the leaderboard had taken shape:
- Pickle Yard SOMO – 19 wins, 5 losses – top seed
- Pickle Yard Mandaluyong – 2nd seed
- SO Chill – 3rd seed
Fans weren’t just cheering, they were in the game!
The SportsPredict PCL Philippines Prediction Game lets enthusiasts make 20 free picks daily for a chance at ₱250,000. Day 1 saw Coach Carlo “Snakebite” L. of Pickle Yard PH perfect a flawless 20/20, walking away with the day’s jackpot.
Day 2: Upsets, Champions, and Continental Glory
The intensity doubled on Day 2. Quarterfinals quickly escalated to semifinals, where SO Chill pulled off a stunning upset against Pickle Yard Mandaluyong to earn a spot in the final.
In the championship showdown, Pickle Yard SOMO dominated with a clean 3–0 sweep of SO Chill, securing both the national title and their ticket to Shenzhen. But the drama didn’t end there: PCL Founder Steve Kuhn awarded a second continental slot to runner-up SO Chill, recognizing their exceptional play and sending both teams to represent the Philippines on the Asian stage.
Stars, Spectacle, and Pickleball Fever
The exhibition matches featured Filipino celebrities Daniel Matsunaga, Rodjun Cruz, Ariella Arida, and Phoemela Baranda, while international guests, including table-tennis star Adam Bobrow and pro pickleballer Rob Nunnery brought global flair.
Fans had the chance to win paddles, gear, and even boxes of Polland Hopia during interactive mini-games.
PCL Asia’s mascot, Tantan, kept spirits high, dazzling the crowd with both pickleball skills and dance moves, proving that hype is just as important as hustle.
Philippine Pickleball Takes Center Stage
Manila’s sectional isn’t just another tournament stop signaling that the Philippines is not only participating in the pickleball boom, but it’s deeply invested. A mall atrium transformed into a stadium, casual spectators became dedicated fans, and two homegrown clubs earned the right to shine on a continental platform.
For Filipino pickleballers, the stakes are personal: this is a chance to represent their clubs, their city, and their country on a regional stage. And for fans, it's a front-row ticket to witness the rise of Asian pickleball.
