MLP Daytona Beach Preview: A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Pickleball Event

The world of professional pickleball is abuzz with excitement as the third consecutive weekend of Major League Pickleball (MLP) action approaches. The upcoming MLP Daytona Beach event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, marking the fifth stop of the 2025 MLP season. As we near the halfway point of the Premier Level matches, the stakes are higher than ever for the competing teams.

Event Details and Location Change

Originally slated for Salt Lake City, the event has been relocated to Pictona at Holly Hill in Daytona Beach, Florida. This change was necessitated by delays in preparing the St. Petersburg venue. Pickleball enthusiasts can mark their calendars for June 5-8, when the action will unfold at this Florida hotspot.

For those new to the sport or unfamiliar with MLP events, it’s worth noting that these tournaments bring together some of the best pickleball players in the world. They compete in a team format, representing different cities and vying for points that contribute to their overall standing in the league.

Catching Up on Previous MLP Events

To fully appreciate the context of the Daytona Beach event, it’s crucial to understand what has transpired in the previous MLP tournaments this season. Here’s a quick recap of the most recent events:

• MLP Phoenix: The Dallas Flash maintained their undefeated streak.
• MLP Austin: The 5s and Flash each earned an impressive 10 points.
• MLP Columbus: The Shock dominated, while the Johns brothers made headlines by stepping away.
• MLP Orlando: This event set the stage for the current standings heading into Daytona Beach.

These recaps provide valuable insights into team performances, player dynamics, and the evolving narrative of the 2025 MLP season.

Weather Considerations for Daytona Beach

Weather can play a significant role in outdoor pickleball events, and MLP Daytona Beach is no exception. The forecast indicates high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, coupled with humidity levels exceeding 80%. This combination presents unique challenges:

• Ball Speed: The hot and humid conditions will likely slow down the ball, altering gameplay dynamics.
• Player Endurance: The extreme weather will test players’ fitness and stamina.
• Potential Disruptions: Afternoon thunderstorms predicted for Saturday and Sunday could potentially interrupt matches.

These weather factors add an extra layer of complexity to the tournament, potentially influencing strategies and outcomes.

Tournament Structure and Team Participation

MLP Daytona Beach will feature nine Premier Level teams competing in a total of 26 matches. The distribution of matches among teams varies, with some playing more games than others. This uneven distribution can impact a team’s opportunity to earn points and climb the rankings.

Current Standings and Points System

As teams enter the Daytona Beach event, the current standings reflect the intense competition thus far in the 2025 season. The points per match (PPM) system used by MLP provides a clear picture of each team’s performance. Notable standouts include:

• St. Louis Shock: Leading with 2.88 PPM
• New Jersey 5s: Close behind at 2.3 PPM
• Texas Ranchers: Holding strong at 2.00 PPM

These standings set the stage for exciting matchups and potential shake-ups in the rankings during the Daytona Beach event.

Viewing Options for Fans

Pickleball enthusiasts have multiple ways to catch the action at MLP Daytona Beach:

• All matches will be available on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv App.
• Select matches will be broadcast on MSG Networks for viewers in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas on Sunday, June 8.

This extensive coverage ensures fans won’t miss any of the thrilling moments from the tournament.

Team-by-Team Analysis and Predictions

St. Louis Shock

The Shock enter Daytona Beach as the team to beat, boasting an undefeated record. With a strong lineup including Anna Bright, Kate Fahey, Hayden Patriquin, and Gabe Tardio, they face a challenging schedule against top competitors like LA and Texas.

Prediction: The Shock may face their first loss against LA but are expected to earn 15 out of 18 possible points, potentially dropping to second place overall.

New Jersey 5s

The 5s have a favorable schedule and a formidable roster featuring Anna Leigh Waters, Meghan Dizon, Zane Navratil, and Will Howells. Their toughest match is likely to be against Carolina.

Prediction: The 5s are expected to dominate, earning all 15 available points from their matches.

Texas Ranchers

With Etta Tuionetoa, Tina Pisnik, Christian Alshon, and Eric Oncins leading the charge, the Ranchers face tough challenges against LA and St. Louis. Their performance in these key matches will be crucial.

Prediction: Texas is projected to earn 13 out of 18 possible points, maintaining their fifth-place position.

LA Mad Drops

The Mad Drops, featuring Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Quang Duong, and Hunter Johnson, could be the dark horse of the tournament. Their matchup against St. Louis is particularly intriguing.

Prediction: LA is expected to secure 10 out of 15 possible points, solidifying their eighth-place standing.

Utah Black Diamonds

The Black Diamonds, with Allyce Jones, Genie Erokhina, Connor Garnett, and Tyler Loong, face a challenging schedule that could test their recent success from MLP Phoenix.

Prediction: Utah may struggle, earning only 4 out of 18 possible points, potentially dropping them out of playoff contention.

Chicago Slice

The Slice, recently shaken up by a trade bringing in Vivian Glozman, face a critical juncture in their season. Their performance could determine whether they rise into playoff contention or fall further behind.

Prediction: Chicago is expected to earn 6 out of 18 possible points, remaining on the fringe of the playoff picture.

New York Hustlers

The Hustlers, led by Domi Schaefer, Helena Spiridis, Zane Ford, and Donald Young, face an uphill battle as underdogs in all their matches.

Prediction: New York may only secure 1 point for the weekend, likely eliminating them from playoff contention.

SoCal Hard 8s

With a challenging schedule, the Hard 8s, featuring Judit Castillo, Irina Tereschenko, Ryan Fu, and Blaine Hovenier, will need to focus on key matchups against New York, Chicago, and Carolina to make an impact.

Prediction: SoCal is projected to earn 4 out of 18 possible points.

Carolina Hogs

The performance of the last-placed Hogs, led by the Johns brothers, Ben and Collin, along with Kaitlyn Christian and Tammy Emmrich, hinges largely on Ben Johns’ motivation level.

Prediction: If Ben Johns is motivated, the Hogs could surprise with 9 out of 18 possible points, potentially moving up to 13th place.

Conclusion

As MLP Daytona Beach approaches, the pickleball world eagerly anticipates the thrilling matches, potential upsets, and the impact this event will have on the overall standings. With top teams looking to maintain their dominance and underdogs seeking to make their mark, the tournament promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 MLP season.

Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan or new to the sport, MLP Daytona Beach offers an exciting opportunity to witness world-class athletes compete at the highest level. As the teams battle it out under the Florida sun, we’ll undoubtedly see spectacular plays, intense rivalries, and perhaps a few surprises that could reshape the landscape of professional pickleball.