Major League Pickleball Daytona Beach Recap: Upsets Shake Up the Standings

The recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Daytona Beach delivered some unexpected twists and turns, shaking up the standings and proving that parity is alive and well in professional pickleball. This recap will dive deep into the surprising upsets, standout performances, and key takeaways from an action-packed weekend at Pictona at Holly Hill.

Unexpected Upsets Steal the Show

One of the most compelling storylines heading into the Daytona Beach event was the apparent lack of parity between the top and bottom teams in the Premier Level. The top eight teams had dominated the bottom eight with a combined 42-0 record. However, Daytona Beach turned that narrative on its head with three major upsets:

• The last-place Carolina Hogs stunned the Texas Ranchers in a Dreambreaker
• The ninth-place Utah Black Diamonds toppled the third-place New Jersey 5s, also in a Dreambreaker
• The LA Mad Drops (8th place) handed the first-place St. Louis Shock their first loss of the season in yet another Dreambreaker

These unexpected results injected a new level of excitement into the competition and demonstrated that on any given day, any team can prevail in the high-stakes world of professional pickleball.

Team Standings Shuffle

The upsets and overall tournament results led to some movement in the team standings. While no team experienced a dramatic fall, several teams made positive strides:

• The LA Mad Drops were the biggest climbers, jumping up three spots in the standings
• The Utah Black Diamonds, while remaining in 9th place, significantly improved their points per match (ppm) average
• The St. Louis Shock and New Jersey 5s, despite early losses, rebounded strongly to maintain their positions near the top of the standings

These shifts in the standings have set the stage for an intriguing second half of the MLP season, with teams jockeying for playoff positions and looking to build momentum.

Standout Performances

Several players and teams distinguished themselves with exceptional performances in Daytona Beach:

LA Mad Drops

The Mad Drops emerged as the only undefeated team of the event, showcasing their potential as title contenders when at full strength. Their women’s duo of Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto proved particularly formidable, securing victories against some of the league’s top female partnerships. The team’s prowess in Dreambreaker situations was also on full display, suggesting they may have the best clutch performers in the league.

Utah Black Diamonds

Building on their strong showing in Phoenix, the Black Diamonds continued to impress in Daytona Beach. Their upset win over the New Jersey 5s was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s improved ppm average puts them in a strong position to challenge for a higher ranking in future events.

St. Louis Shock

Despite suffering their first loss of the season, the Shock demonstrated why they’re considered one of the top teams in the league. Their response to the defeat was nothing short of dominant, winning their next five matches with a combined game record of 19-1. This bounce-back performance showcased the team’s mental toughness and ability to refocus after setbacks.

Teams Facing Challenges

While some teams flourished, others struggled to meet expectations:

Texas Ranchers

The Ranchers entered the event with high hopes but left with more questions than answers. Their loss to the last-place Carolina Hogs was particularly surprising, and their struggles in Dreambreaker situations (0-3 on the season) have become a significant concern. The team’s inability to consistently capitalize on their talented roster has led to a slight drop in the standings.

Chicago Slice

Despite a pre-tournament trade acquiring Vivian Glozman, the Slice failed to make significant strides in Daytona Beach. Remaining in 11th place with a 1 ppm average, the team faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. Their performance in the remaining matches of the season will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.

SoCal Hard Eights, New York Hustlers, and Carolina Hogs

These three teams find themselves in precarious positions after Daytona Beach, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Each would need a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season to have any chance of postseason play. While individual bright spots emerged (such as Domi Schaefer for New York and Blaine Hovenier for SoCal), these teams will need to find more consistent success to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings.

Looking Ahead

The MLP Daytona Beach event has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 season. With increased parity and several teams still in contention for playoff spots, every match takes on added significance. Fans and players alike will be eagerly anticipating the next MLP event in San Clemente, where teams will look to build on their Daytona Beach performances or bounce back from disappointments.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on these key storylines:

• Can the St. Louis Shock maintain their dominance and secure the top seed for the playoffs?
• Will the LA Mad Drops continue their ascent up the standings and establish themselves as true title contenders?
• Can any of the bottom teams string together enough wins to make a late playoff push?
• How will teams adjust their strategies and lineups to improve their Dreambreaker performance?

With the level of competition and excitement on display in Daytona Beach, the remainder of the 2025 MLP season promises to be a thrilling ride for pickleball fans around the world.

Understanding MLP for Newcomers

For those new to Major League Pickleball, it’s important to understand the unique format and terminology used in the league:

• Dreambreaker: A tiebreaker format used to decide matches that are tied after regulation play. It typically involves a series of short games or points to determine the winner.
• Points per match (ppm): A metric used to rank teams based on their average performance across all matches played.
• Premier Level: The top tier of competition in MLP, featuring the most skilled and accomplished players.
• Mixed doubles: A format where teams consist of one male and one female player, which is a crucial component of MLP matches.

MLP events feature a team-based format, with each franchise fielding a roster of male and female players. Matches typically include men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles games, with the overall winner determined by the cumulative results across these formats.

The league’s structure, with its emphasis on team play and fast-paced action, has helped to elevate pickleball’s profile and attract a growing fanbase. Events like Daytona Beach showcase the sport’s potential for dramatic comebacks, strategic depth, and athletic excellence.

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, MLP serves as a prime example of how the sport can be packaged for a broader audience while maintaining the excitement and competitiveness that draw players and spectators alike.

For more information on Major League Pickleball and upcoming events, you can visit the official MLP website.