On July 22nd, 2018, a significant event took place in the world of pickleball. The first-ever USA Pickleball National Championships were held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. This event marked a major milestone in the history of the sport, as it was the largest pickleball tournament to date, attracting over 2,000 players from across the United States and beyond.

The tournament featured a wide range of skill levels and age groups, from amateur enthusiasts to professional players. The competition was fierce, with players battling it out on the courts for the coveted title of National Champion in their respective divisions.

One of the most exciting moments of the tournament came during the men's singles final, where top-seeded player Ben Johns faced off against rising star Tyson McGuffin. The match was a thrilling display of athleticism and strategy, with both players showcasing their incredible speed, agility, and shot-making abilities. In the end, Ben Johns emerged victorious, claiming his first national title and cementing his status as one of the best pickleball players in the world.

The tournament also featured a celebrity pro-am event, where well-known figures from various industries teamed up with professional pickleball players for a fun and entertaining exhibition match. Among the celebrities who participated were actress Jamie Pressly and former NFL player Jake Plummer, who both showed off their impressive pickleball skills on the court.

The 2018 USA Pickleball National Championships not only provided a platform for the top players in the sport to showcase their talents but also helped to raise awareness about pickleball and attract new players to the game. The event was a resounding success and set the stage for even bigger and better tournaments in the years to come.

Today, the USA Pickleball National Championships remain one of the most prestigious events in the sport, drawing thousands of players and spectators from around the world. The tournament continues to grow in size and popularity each year, reflecting the rapid growth and increasing mainstream appeal of pickleball.