“They said it was a novelty. They said it was niche. But by 2024, more than 500 athletes from over 40 nations stepped onto the court — and proved the world wrong.”
On October 26–27, 2024, the Pickleball World Cup returned to its roots in Lima, Peru — this time, not as an experiment, but as a global institution. What began in 2023 with just 14 teams has now evolved into the largest international pickleball tournament in the sport’s history.
From the strategy in Group F to the thrillers in the semifinals, the 2024 Pickleball World Cup showcased the diversity, depth, and legitimacy of pickleball as a professional international sport.
Year One Was a Statement. Year Two Was the Proof.
The 2023 Special Edition of the Pickleball World Cup introduced the idea: a national team competition designed not just for medals, but for cultural connection, development, and competitive credibility. Organized by Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses, founders of the Cabieses Foundation, the inaugural event made a bold promise — that pickleball could one day stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s premier racquet sports.
In 2024, that vision was tested — and confirmed.
2024: A Truly Global Field
With 43 nations divided across 8 groups, the second edition of the Pickleball World Cup brought together countries from every continent, offering a balanced mix of traditional sporting nations, emerging pickleball markets, and strategic wildcard entries.
Group Breakdown (Highlights)
- Group A: Host nation Peru opened strong against challengers from Europe and South America.
- Group C: Puerto Rico, 2023’s bronze medalists, cruised through group play with dominance.
- Group D: The USA, tournament favorites, faced early tests from China and Uruguay.
- Group F: Powerhouses Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador delivered the tightest margins.
This wasn’t recreational play. It was tactical, coached, and intense. Mixed doubles rotations. Strategic timeout usage. Shot tempo control. Nations came prepared.
Round of 16: Shifting Gears
The bracket play separated contenders from competitors.
Key Matchups:
- Puerto Rico vs Venezuela – textbook rally-to-finish control.
- USA vs Colombia – one of the highest-paced exchanges in the tournament.
- Peru vs Ecuador – arguably the most emotionally charged match of the year.
- Chinese Taipei vs Argentina – introduced elite net pressure play from East Asia.
Each match told a story — and none bigger than Guatemala’s rise, a team that only a year earlier had been a surprise finalist, now earning wins off seasoned European squads.
Quarterfinals to Final Four: Experience vs Momentum
Quarterfinals sharpened the edge:
- Puerto Rico outlasted Brazil in a disciplined, no-error match.
- USA overcame New Zealand, who had quietly become the tournament’s tactical darlings.
- Chinese Taipei stunned Guatemala, introducing precise third-shot transitions and double-stack formations.
- Peru, backed by a thunderous home crowd, advanced over Cayman Islands with elite shot variation.
The semifinal matchups set the tone:
Semifinal 1:
Puerto Rico vs USA
A match defined by baseline discipline and synchronized poaching — Puerto Rico’s composure outlasted the Americans in three tightly contested sets.
Semifinal 2:
Peru vs Chinese Taipei
Perhaps the most cerebral match of the tournament, Peru’s doubles chemistry and home-court edge narrowly overcame Taipei’s court geometry and defensive reads.
Championship: Puerto Rico’s Redemption
The 2024 final was the emotional climax of a two-year journey.
Puerto Rico vs Peru — a rematch steeped in history, culture, and unfinished business. The match itself felt less like a final and more like a statement. After finishing 3rd in 2023, Puerto Rico arrived with one goal: win.
With surgical precision and fearless energy, they executed a near-flawless performance, using aggressive mid-court pressure and sharp-angle dinks to dismantle Peru’s rhythm.
Final Score: Puerto Rico def. Peru (2–1)
🥇 2024 World Champions: Puerto Rico
Why This Tournament Matters
Here is why the 2024 Pickleball World Cup wasn’t just another international tournament. It was a watershed moment in the sport’s globalization. Here’s why:
- 43 countries participated — a 3x increase from 2023.
- Over 500 athletes competed — many trained in national systems or pro environments.
- Tactical coaching and analytics were observed at elite levels — a sign of growing professional infrastructure.
- Inclusion and visibility were central — countries like India, Vietnam, Slovakia, and Bermuda fielded teams for the first time.
This tournament proved pickleball isn’t just an American backyard game — it’s an international sporting ecosystem in rapid evolution.
Next Stop: The Fort, Florida – October 2025
As the curtain falls on Lima, a new stage is being prepared.
The 2025 Pickleball World Cup will take place at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — a state-of-the-art venue ready to host the most global edition of the event yet. With stronger national programs, expanding pro circuits, and Olympic-level ambitions, the stakes will be higher than ever.
Final Word
From the sun-drenched courts of Lima to the electric energy of Fort Lauderdale, the Pickleball World Cup has become more than a tournament — it’s a global movement.
A platform for pride.
A stage for rising stars.
A proving ground for the next generation of champions.
And in 2025, the world won’t just be watching. It’ll be competing for legacy.
If your interested on how everything started, check out our recap here on the Inaugural Pickleball World Cup that took place in 2023