PPA Tour Asia Debuts 2025 Calendar with China Slam at the Center Stage
PPA Tour Asia has officially announced its inaugural 2025 season — and the spotlight is firmly on the China Slam, the marquee event in the continent’s first major professional pickleball circuit.
New Asian Era for Pickleball
The 2025 calendar features five tournaments, spanning across Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, and China:
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Panas Kuala Lumpur Open (July 3–6)
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Hong Kong Open (Aug 21–24) at Kai Tak Arena
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Sansan Fukuoka Open (Aug 26–31) in Japan
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China Slam (Oct 1–5), coinciding with China’s Golden Week
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Kuala Lumpur Cup (Oct 9–12)
Three-Tier Structure: Slam, Cup & Open
PPA Tour Asia adopts a three-tier format to accommodate a wide range of talent:
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Slam: 2,000 ranking points, ~US$1 million prize pool
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Cup: 1,500 points, estimated US$500,000 in payouts
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Open: 1,000 points, minimum US$50,000 prize money
This structure ensures that both global pros and regional players have meaningful opportunities to compete and grow.
China Slam: Why It Matters
The China Slam is more than just another stop — it’s the tour’s centerpiece. Scheduled from October 1–5, it falls during China’s national Golden Week, making it a strategic moment to gain massive exposure.
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It’s part of the UPA International Championship Series, reinforcing PPA Tour Asia’s role as a bridge between Asian talent and the global pro scene.
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With top pro players expected to participate, the Slam sets the bar high and serves as a major milestone for pickleball’s growth in Asia.
Leadership & Vision
Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, expressed her excitement: “From Malaysia to China, these events will showcase the best talent while creating new opportunities for players and fans across the region.”
Her leadership underscores the tour’s commitment to building a strong pro-am ecosystem as pickleball expands in Asia.
What’s Next
More events are expected to be added to the 2025 schedule as the tour grows. Points earned on this circuit will count toward the PPA Tour Asia Rankings, with players vying for the prestigious No. 1 title.
Also, fans across Asia will get to witness elite pros from the U.S., Australia, and Asia compete — elevating the sport’s presence across continents.