Eric Oncins’ Remarkable Journey: From Coin Flip to Double Gold in PPA Asia
Introduction
In an extraordinary turn of events that reads more like a movie script than reality, professional pickleball player Eric Oncins transformed a last-minute decision determined by a coin flip into one of the most remarkable achievements in recent pickleball history. His journey to consecutive gold medals in Malaysia and Vietnam not only showcases the growing international appeal of pickleball but also highlights how sometimes the biggest opportunities in life come from taking unexpected chances.
The Fateful Decision
Just three days before the Malaysia tournament, Oncins had no plans to leave the United States. He was fully prepared to compete in the PPA Vintage Open in Sacramento when fate intervened. The catalyst was a phone call from JOOLA executives, desperately seeking a replacement partner for Tyson McGuffin after Federico Staksrud’s visa complications.
Initially resistant to the idea, Oncins jokingly demanded business class tickets as a condition for his participation. When faced with the final decision, he resorted to a coin flip – a moment that would prove pivotal in his career. The coin said go, and what followed was nothing short of spectacular.
Record-Breaking Success in Asia
The tournaments in Malaysia and Vietnam weren’t just successful – they were historic. In Malaysia, Oncins and McGuffin dominated the competition, dropping only two games throughout the entire event. But perhaps even more remarkable than their performance was the atmosphere. The record-breaking crowd of 7,906 fans created an electric environment unlike anything seen in American pickleball tournaments.
A New Tournament Atmosphere
The Asian tournaments introduced a different kind of pickleball atmosphere, more akin to soccer matches than traditional pickleball events. Fans actively participated during points, creating an energy that Oncins described as giving him “goosebumps, chills, just from being there.” This departure from the typically quiet American tournament style might hint at the future of professional pickleball entertainment.
The Making of a Champion
Oncins’ path to professional pickleball is as interesting as his recent success. Beginning in 2017, he balanced college tennis with pickleball tournaments, eventually living rent-free at Simone Jardim’s Nashville training house. His competitive nature was evident from the start, as demonstrated by a memorable money ball match with his future agent Johnny Goldberg, where his passionate outburst actually helped forge their professional relationship.
Impact on International Pickleball
These tournaments represent more than just personal victories for Oncins; they mark a significant milestone in pickleball’s international growth. The unprecedented attendance numbers and enthusiastic crowd participation demonstrate the sport’s potential to capture audiences worldwide, suggesting a bright future for professional pickleball beyond American shores.
What This Means for the Sport
The success of these Asian tournaments, coupled with Oncins’ remarkable story, highlights several important developments in professional pickleball:
- Growing international appeal and market expansion
- Evolution of tournament atmosphere and spectator engagement
- Emergence of new competitive opportunities for professional players
- Potential for different regional styles and approaches to the sport
Conclusion
Eric Oncins’ journey from a coin flip decision to double gold medal winner encapsulates the exciting direction of professional pickleball. It demonstrates how the sport continues to evolve and grow internationally, while reminding us that sometimes the biggest achievements in life come from taking chances on unexpected opportunities.
