Inside the Life Time Open: Where $250,000 in Prize Money Meets Professional Singles Pickleball
Professional pickleball is witnessing something truly special this weekend. The Life Time Open represents a bold departure from traditional tournament formats, bringing together the world’s elite players for a pure singles competition that will test their physical limits and mental fortitude. With $50,000 awaiting each champion and a grueling best-of-five format that pushes players beyond their comfort zones, this tournament stands as one of the most significant events of the professional pickleball season.
A New Chapter in Professional Pickleball Competition
The Life Time Open breaks the mold of conventional pickleball tournaments in several fundamental ways. Unlike typical professional events that blend amateur brackets with professional play and feature multiple disciplines including mixed doubles and gender doubles, this tournament strips away everything except the purest form of competition: singles play among the world’s best.
Taking place at the Life Time Peachtree Corners facility just outside Atlanta, Georgia, this venue has established itself as a cornerstone location for professional pickleball over recent years. The facility has hosted numerous Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) events, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for top-tier competition.
Life Time’s commitment to pickleball extends far beyond simply hosting tournaments. The company has strategically integrated pickleball courts into many of its clubs over the past five years, recognizing the sport’s explosive growth and cultural relevance. This commitment reached a significant milestone just over two months ago when Life Time’s LT Pro 48 Pickleball became the official ball of the Carvana PPA Tour, further solidifying the company’s position as a major player in professional pickleball’s infrastructure.
What Makes This Tournament Different
The format of the Life Time Open presents a stark contrast to what players typically encounter on the professional circuit. Every match consists of the best three out of five games to 11 points, using side out scoring with the requirement to win by two points. This format demands exceptional cardiovascular conditioning and mental resilience, as most professional players rarely compete in matches extending to five full games.
The tournament’s open format adds another layer of intrigue. While the Life Time Open operates as a partner of the PPA Tour, it welcomes all professional players regardless of tour affiliation. This means competitors from the APP Tour and international players can test themselves against PPA-signed professionals, creating matchups that might not otherwise occur during a typical season. This inclusive approach generates genuine uncertainty about outcomes and ensures fans witness the absolute best talent the sport has to offer, regardless of organizational boundaries.
Physical fitness will undoubtedly become a decisive factor as players advance through the later rounds. The cumulative fatigue from playing extended matches, combined with the warm and humid Georgia weather conditions, will separate those who have prepared comprehensively from those who have focused primarily on technical skills. Players must balance aggressive shot-making with energy conservation, knowing that a quarterfinal or semifinal victory means little if they arrive at the finals completely depleted.
How to Watch Every Moment
The tournament organizers have structured the viewing experience to ensure fans can follow the action from the opening matches through the crowning of champions. On Friday, October 17, the Round of 64 and Round of 32 matches will stream from 9am through 8pm ET on the PPA Tour YouTube Channel, providing free access to the early stages where upsets often emerge and future stars announce themselves.
Saturday’s action intensifies as the tournament moves into the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals. Coverage begins at noon ET on Pickleballtv, continuing through 8pm. The evening sessions from 6pm to 8pm will also air on FS2, bringing the competition to a broader audience through traditional cable television.
Sunday delivers the tournament’s crescendo with the Semifinals, Bronze medal matches, and Finals. Pickleballtv provides comprehensive coverage from 10am through 6pm ET, while ESPN2 will broadcast the Finals from 3pm to 5pm, giving the tournament premium exposure on one of sports broadcasting’s most prestigious networks.
Weather Concerns and Environmental Factors
The outdoor venue introduces environmental variables that could significantly impact play. Weather forecasts indicate warm and humid conditions throughout the weekend, with humidity levels approaching 70 percent. These conditions will accelerate fatigue and potentially affect ball behavior, as higher humidity can make pickleballs feel heavier and play slightly slower.
The primary meteorological concern centers on Sunday’s finals. Morning rain is forecast for the day’s crucial matches, though organizers hope precipitation will clear before the ESPN2 broadcast window. Rain delays or damp court conditions could dramatically alter match dynamics, potentially favoring players with more conservative playing styles or superior movement on slick surfaces.
The Women’s Draw: Elite Talent and International Stars
The women’s bracket features 42 competitors, with the top 22 seeds receiving byes directly into the Round of 32. This leaves 20 players battling through the Round of 64, competing for the 10 available spots to advance. You can follow along with the Women’s Bracket throughout the tournament.
Parris Todd enters as the top seed despite carrying injury concerns after rolling her ankle during last week’s PPA Virginia Beach Cup. Her ability to compete at full capacity remains questionable, though her competitive spirit and technical excellence could overcome physical limitations.
Lea Jansen brings multiple PPA Tour victories and consistent top-seven world rankings in women’s singles to the competition. Her game combines strategic court positioning with the ability to generate pace when opportunities arise, making her dangerous in extended rallies.
Kaitlyn Christian has established herself as one of 2025’s most successful players, capturing multiple PPA Tour titles including victories in Australia and at the Las Vegas Open. Her recent form suggests she’s peaking at the right moment, and the five-game format may actually favor her methodical approach to matches.
Judit Castillo represents perhaps the most intriguing contender in the women’s field. With victories on both the PPA Tour and APP Tour over the past two years, she’s proven herself adaptable to different competitive environments. Widely regarded as one of the most athletic women in professional pickleball, the extended format could showcase her superior conditioning.
The international contingent adds significant depth to the field. Pei Chuan Kao from Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) captured the APP Fort Lauderdale Open earlier this year, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure at the highest level. Her compatriot Ting Chieh “Jamie” Wei, who participated in the UPA Trailblazer program this year, has notched impressive victories over established PPA professionals including Lina Padegimaite and Marcela Hones.
Simone Jardim’s presence adds historical significance to the tournament. With over 30 gold medals on the PPA Tour—six in singles competition—she’s earned recognition as one of the greatest female players in pickleball history and holds a place in the Pickleball Hall of Fame. While her playing schedule has become more selective, her technical mastery and competitive experience make her perpetually dangerous.
Katerina Stewart represents the emerging generation of elite players. Her gold and silver medals on the APP Tour this year mark her as a rising talent worth monitoring closely. Players like Stewart often perform without the pressure that accompanies top seedings, allowing them to play freely and produce upsets.
Bobbi Oshiro doesn’t regularly compete in singles tournaments, but her athletic capabilities are undeniable. As one of the most physically gifted players on the APP Tour with three silver medals this year, her decision to enter signals serious intentions. The singles format could reveal dimensions of her game that doubles play doesn’t fully showcase.
Salome Devidze carries a unique distinction into the tournament: she’s the last player to defeat Anna Leigh Waters in singles competition, accomplishing that feat in June 2024. As a singles specialist, she understands the nuances of one-on-one competition better than most, and her experience in extended matches could prove invaluable.
The Men’s Draw: Deep Field and International Contenders
The men’s competition began with 52 players competing through qualifiers, fighting for 16 spots in the main draw. The main bracket features a complete Round of 64, ensuring every competitor must win multiple matches to claim the title. Follow the Men’s Bracket to track results.
Federico Staksrud leads the men’s seeding after recently winning the PPA Sacramento Vintage Open. His credentials extend beyond singles success—he held the number one overall seed in men’s doubles on the PPA Tour for over a year and a half, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest competitive level. His doubles success translates to singles through superior court awareness and the ability to read opponents’ tendencies.
Connor Garnett has accumulated multiple PPA Tour victories over the past two years while maintaining remarkable consistency. He’s never been seeded lower than fifth in any PPA tournament during that span, reflecting both his technical prowess and mental reliability under pressure.
Chris Haworth recently made headlines by signing with the PPA Tour and immediately justifying that decision by winning the Virginia Beach Cup. That victory propelled him into the tour’s top 10 rankings, and his momentum heading into this event makes him exceptionally dangerous. His game features aggressive baseline play and the confidence that comes from recent success.
Jaume Martinez Vich presents a fascinating paradox. Despite never capturing gold on the PPA Tour, he consistently ranks among the top 10 players and is regarded as one of pickleball’s most entertaining competitors. His creative shot selection and willingness to attempt spectacular plays make him must-watch television, and the breakthrough victory that has eluded him could arrive this weekend.
The international flavor in the men’s draw runs deep. Phuc Huynh from Vietnam arrives on a high after winning the MB Vietnamese Cup, with victories over several world-ranked players demonstrating his legitimate elite status. International players often carry less pressure than their American counterparts, allowing them to compete freely and produce surprising results.
Armaan Bhatia from India recently signed with the PPA and brings two gold medals in singles from this year’s APP Tour. His transition between tours has been seamless, suggesting the game translates well across different competitive environments and that his skills are well-rounded enough to succeed anywhere.
Noe Khlif, originally from France but now US-based, has competed on the PPA Tour for over a year while seeking his first singles medal. That hunger for breakthrough success could fuel an inspired performance, and the best-of-five format might suit his game better than standard scoring.
Donald Young brings a unique pedigree to professional pickleball. The former high-level professional tennis player reached as high as eighth in the world in singles tennis before transitioning to pickleball in early 2024. He possesses one of the most powerful drives in professional pickleball, and his tennis background provides superior court sense and shot anticipation. His Georgia residence creates a home-court advantage that could manifest in both familiarity with conditions and local crowd support.
John Lucian Goins, known as “Looch” in pickleball circles, has captured back-to-back PPA Tour victories this year despite his teenage status. His rapid ascension positions him as a regular top-10 finisher, and young players often approach major tournaments without the weight of expectation that burdens established professionals.
Will Howells doesn’t frequently compete in singles tournaments, but his APP Tour victory this year proves his capabilities. The former University of Notre Dame captain brings elite athleticism that could produce upsets, particularly if he catches more favored opponents in early-round matches before they’ve found their rhythm.
Alex Crum emerged on the singles scene earlier this year and has already defeated several top PPA Tour professionals. Players establishing themselves at the professional level often combine technical skills with a fearlessness that comes from having nothing to lose.
Grayson Goldin signed with the PPA Tour in mid-2025 after winning on the APP Tour. He’s seeking his first significant run as a PPA-signed player, and the unique format of this tournament could provide the perfect stage for announcing himself as a legitimate contender.
Understanding Professional Singles Pickleball for Newcomers
For those less familiar with professional pickleball, singles competition differs substantially from the doubles format that many recreational players experience. In doubles, players can rely on their partner to cover court areas, retrieve difficult shots, and provide strategic support. Singles removes that safety net entirely, requiring players to cover the full court width and depth while managing their energy over potentially long matches.
The best-of-five format used at the Life Time Open intensifies these demands exponentially. In a typical professional tournament, matches are usually best two out of three games. Extending this to five games means players might need to win 33 or more points to claim victory in a single match, and they might play multiple such matches over a tournament weekend. This requires training that emphasizes cardiovascular endurance, muscular stamina, and mental resilience alongside technical shot-making skills.
Side out scoring, which the tournament employs, means only the serving player or team can score points. If the receiver wins a rally, they don’t earn a point—they earn the opportunity to serve and then score. This system extends rallies and points, creating longer matches than rally scoring would produce. Combined with the requirement to win by two points, games can extend well beyond the 11-point target if players trade points near the end.
The prize money structure reflects pickleball’s growing professionalism and popularity. A $50,000 winner’s purse for each gender represents substantial compensation and signals that professional pickleball is maturing into a sport where elite players can earn significant income. For context, many professional athletes in established sports work years before earning five-figure prize checks, while pickleball players can now achieve this in a single weekend.
Tournament Predictions and Final Thoughts
Predicting outcomes in a tournament with this format and field depth requires considering multiple factors beyond simple skill rankings. Physical conditioning, recent form, injury status, and mental approach all play crucial roles.
In the women’s draw, expect semifinalists to include Liz Truluck (benefiting from Parris Todd’s ankle concerns), Judit Castillo (whose athleticism thrives in extended formats), Bobbi Oshiro (bringing superior fitness and explosive power), and Amanda Hendry (possessing the consistency to outlast opponents). The finals should feature Judit Castillo defeating Bobbi Oshiro, with Castillo’s combination of technical precision and physical superiority proving decisive in the final games.
The men’s semifinals will likely feature Federico Staksrud (riding recent momentum and elite court sense), Jaume Martinez Vich (finally capturing the breakthrough he’s approached multiple times), Chris Haworth (continuing his post-signing hot streak), and John Lucian Goins (whose youth and recent victories suggest he’s ready for this stage). The finals should see Haworth defeat Staksrud, with Haworth’s aggressive baseline game wearing down Staksrud over five potential games.
Regardless of who ultimately claims the titles and the $50,000
