MLP New York Event Recap: Excitement, Upsets, and Rising Stars

The seventh event of Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) 2025 regular season has concluded at the Sportime Randall’s Island in New York City, bringing together 12 of the 22 MLP teams, including six Premier Level teams. This event showcased thrilling matches, unexpected outcomes, and emerging talents that have reshaped the league standings. Let’s dive into the action and explore the key highlights from this exciting weekend of pickleball.

Premier Level Team Standings: A Closer Look

The MLP New York event significantly impacted the Premier Level standings, with several teams making notable moves. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the teams fared:

The Hogs’ Impressive Climb

One of the most remarkable performances came from the revamped Hogs team. They made a substantial leap in the standings, moving up four spots to secure the 12th position. This climb was fueled by their impressive showing, earning 10 points from five matches – an average of 2 points per match. The team’s mixed doubles performance was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating their improved chemistry and strategic play.

Their narrow loss to Brooklyn (20-22) in what was arguably the most competitive match of the weekend showcased their potential to challenge top-tier teams. With this momentum, the Hogs have transformed into a genuine playoff contender. To secure a spot, they’ll need to maintain an average of 1.67 points per match in their remaining six fixtures – a challenging but achievable goal given their current form.

Columbus Sliders’ Dominant Run

The Columbus Sliders emerged as the standout team of the event, securing all 15 available standings points. Their undefeated streak in New York was impressive, although it’s worth noting that two of their matches were against the struggling NY Hustlers, who currently occupy the last place in the standings.

What sets the Sliders apart is the exceptional individual performances of their players. According to publicly available stats, the five Sliders who competed in New York ranked first through fifth in terms of player rankings. This collective excellence bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming Mid-Season Tournament.

Brooklyn’s Continued Excellence

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team maintained their impressive form, solidifying their fourth-place position in the standings. Their performance in New York was nothing short of spectacular, particularly the women’s team, who dominated their matches. Brooklyn accumulated 11 points from four matches, a feat made even more impressive considering they played with on-site alternate AJ Koller as a substitute for the second consecutive event.

The team’s ability to excel even without their full roster speaks volumes about their depth and adaptability. As they approach full strength, Brooklyn is shaping up to be a formidable challenge for the top-ranked teams in the league.

Orlando Squeeze’s Underwhelming Performance

While the Orlando Squeeze managed to maintain their eighth-place position, their performance in New York fell short of expectations. They secured only six points out of a possible 15, a result that could impact their playoff positioning. Despite this setback, Orlando remains on track for a playoff berth, but their final regular-season event will be crucial in determining their seeding and potential first-round matchup.

Individual Performances and Notable Moments

Erik Forsythe’s Inspiring MLP Debut

One of the most heartwarming stories of the event was the MLP debut of Erik Forsythe, affectionately known as the “Jungle Cat.” Forsythe, a 37-year-old elementary school teacher and father of three, was called upon as an on-site alternate for the New York Hustlers when Donald Young suffered a shoulder/neck injury during a match.

Forsythe’s unexpected entry into the tournament drew comparisons to the movie “The Rookie,” as noted by broadcaster Drew Fellios. His performance alongside Zane Ford and Helena Jansen in subsequent matches not only helped the Hustlers remain competitive but also captured the imagination of fans and fellow players alike.

Challenger Level Shakeup

The Challenger Level saw significant changes during the New York event. The Nashville Chefs went undefeated, narrowing the gap between themselves and the league-leading Las Vegas Night Owls. This performance has intensified the competition at the top of the Challenger Level standings.

Another standout in the Challenger Level was the Bay Area Breakers. With Sam Querrey away on commentating duties at Wimbledon, the team brought in Collin Johns as a substitute. Johns’ impact was immediate and substantial, as he posted an impressive 8-2 record overall. This performance has catapulted Johns to the top of the Challenger Level player rankings, adding another layer of intrigue to the level’s competitive landscape.

Playoff Picture Coming into Focus

The New York event played a crucial role in shaping the playoff landscape:

• Four teams officially clinched playoff berths: St. Louis Shock, Dallas Flash, Columbus Sliders, and Brooklyn Pickleball Team.
• The New Jersey 5s, despite their strong position, haven’t mathematically secured a playoff spot yet. They’re likely to do so in the next regular season event.
• Teams like the Hogs and Orlando Squeeze are now in a race to secure the remaining playoff spots and improve their seeding.

Looking Ahead: Mid-Season Tournament

As the dust settles on the New York event, attention now turns to the Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This tournament, held in conjunction with the Beer City Open, promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 MLP season. Teams will be looking to capitalize on their New York performances or bounce back from disappointments as they vie for mid-season honors and valuable momentum heading into the latter part of the regular season.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in the MLP Season

The MLP New York event has proven to be a significant milestone in the 2025 season. From the Hogs’ remarkable ascent to Erik Forsythe’s fairy-tale debut, and from the Sliders’ dominance to the reshuffling in the Challenger Level, this event has set the stage for an exciting second half of the season.

As teams and players regroup for the Mid-Season Tournament, the lessons learned and momentum gained in New York will undoubtedly play a crucial role. With playoff berths secured, battles for seeding intensifying, and new stars emerging, the MLP continues to deliver thrilling pickleball action that captivates fans and elevates the sport to new heights.

The coming weeks promise even more excitement as the race for the playoffs heats up and teams fine-tune their strategies for the crucial matches ahead. Pickleball enthusiasts around the country will be eagerly watching as the drama unfolds in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable MLP seasons to date.