2025 PPA Points Update: The Race for the Finals Heats Up

As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour season, the race for qualification to the prestigious PPA Finals is intensifying. With seven events completed and numerous more on the horizon, let’s dive into the current standings and analyze the emerging trends across all divisions.

Understanding the PPA Points Race

The PPA Tour operates a season-long points race to determine which players qualify for the PPA Finals, typically held in early December. This year’s Finals location, date, and title sponsor are yet to be announced, but the stakes remain high as players vie for those coveted spots.

Qualification for the Finals is based on accumulated points throughout the season, with the following breakdown of eligible players:

Top 8 women’s singles players
Top 8 men’s singles players
Top 16 women’s doubles players
Top 16 men’s doubles players
Top 8 women in mixed doubles
Top 8 men in mixed doubles

The format ensures eight teams compete in each doubles event at the Finals. Once the qualifiers are determined, a unique “draft” process occurs where top-seeded players select their partners, adding an intriguing strategic element to the Finals lineup.

Points System Breakdown

The PPA Tour features three types of events, each offering different point values:

Slams: 2,000 points for winners
Cups: 1,500 points for winners
Opens: 1,000 points for winners

Points are awarded based on a player’s finish in each event, with values decreasing for lower placements. For example, in an Open tournament, reaching the quarterfinals in mixed doubles would earn each partner 200 PPA Points.

2025 Season Progress

Seven events have contributed to the 2025 PPA Race Points standings so far:

With 11 more tournaments scheduled and potential additions to the calendar, we’re approximately 35-40% through the 2025 season. This presents an opportune moment to assess the current standings and project potential outcomes.

Women’s Singles: A Battle at the Top

The women’s singles division has seen intense competition, with Anna Leigh Waters recently reclaiming the top spot after a strong start from Kaitlyn Christian. The current standings reflect a mix of established stars and rising talents:

Anna Leigh Waters
Kaitlyn Christian
Kate Fahey
Lea Jansen
Brooke Buckner
Parris Todd
Helena Jansen
Catherine Parenteau

Notable storylines include the absence of Jorja Johnson and Lacy Schneemann from the top 16, despite their substitute appearances in last year’s Finals. Additionally, strong performances from international players like Andie Dikosavljevic and Somer Dalla Bonna in Australia have added intrigue to the rankings.

Men’s Singles: Parity and Potential Shifts

The men’s singles division showcases the incredible depth of talent in professional pickleball:

Federico Staksrud
Christian Alshon
Ben Johns
Hunter Johnson
Jaume Martinez Vich
Connor Garnett
Zane Ford
Quang Duong

Federico Staksrud has maintained his dominance for over a year, while Alshon recently secured his first two singles wins on tour. Ben Johns, a perennial favorite, currently sits in seventh place but has participated in fewer singles events this season.

The high level of parity in men’s singles suggests that the final standings could see significant shifts. Players like Noe Khlif (17th) and JW Johnson (20th) are poised to make late-season pushes for Finals qualification.

Women’s Doubles: Established Partnerships and New Challengers

The women’s doubles division features a mix of consistent top performers and emerging partnerships:

Anna Leigh Waters
Catherine Parenteau
Anna Bright
Rachel Rohrabacher
Hurricane Tyra Black
Parris Todd
Jorja Johnson
Etta Tuionetia

The top five pairs appear to have secured their Finals spots, barring unforeseen circumstances. However, the race for the remaining positions is tight, with only 200 points separating qualification from elimination.

Emerging storylines include the strong performances of Vivian Glozman, Jackie Kawamoto, and Lea Jansen, who did not qualify last year. Conversely, previous qualifiers Mari Humberg, Callie Smith, and Lucy Kovalova currently find themselves outside the top 16.

Men’s Doubles: Consistency at the Top, Battles Below

The men’s doubles division showcases both established partnerships and evolving team dynamics:

Ben Johns
Andrei Daescu
Gabe Tardio
Christian Alshon
Federico Staksrud
Hayden Patriquin
JW Johnson
CJ Klinger

The top six players have demonstrated remarkable consistency, rarely missing semifinal appearances. However, the high level of parity and frequent partnership changes in men’s doubles make predicting the final standings challenging.

Collin Johns presents an interesting case study, having won 2,000 points with Ben at the PPA Masters but accumulating only 950 points with various partners since. His ability to find a consistent partner could significantly impact his Finals chances.

Mixed Doubles: The Most Competitive Field

Mixed doubles arguably presents the most challenging path to Finals qualification, with only eight spots available for each gender. Current standings include:

Women’s Mixed Doubles:

Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Bright
Jorja Johnson
Hurricane Tyra Black
Catherine Parenteau
Tina Pisnik
Kate Fahey
Etta Tuionetoa

Men’s Mixed Doubles:

Ben Johns
Christian Alshon
JW Johnson
Federico Staksrud
Hayden Patriquin
Dekel Bar
Andrei Daescu
Gabe Tardio

The top players in mixed doubles have established strong partnerships, making significant changes in the standings less likely as the season progresses. However, the competition for the final spots remains intense, with players like Gabe Tardio and Jessie Irvine fighting to maintain their positions.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 PPA Tour continues, expect fierce competition across all divisions. While some players have established strong leads, the race for Finals qualification remains open in many categories. Factors such as consistent partnerships, strategic tournament selection, and peak performances in high-point events will play crucial roles in determining the final standings.

Stay tuned for further updates on the PPA Points Race as we approach the season’s climax and the highly anticipated PPA Finals.

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