WPBL February Vibes Check: Champions Crowned & A Global Spectacle!

Hey WPBL Fam! February was UNREAL! From crowning our Season 2 Champions to hosting an epic festival and seeing a Bollywood superstar on the court, this season delivered on every level. Let’s dive into the highlights!

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Grit, Glory and Gold: Dilli Dillwale Are Champions!

After a season defined by resilience and belief, the Dilli Dillwale have been crowned champions of Season 2 of the World Pickleball League! Following an opening-day loss to the formidable Chennai Super Champs, the team executed a remarkable turnaround under the guidance of coach Wesley Gabrielsen.

• Overcame defending Season 1 champions, Bengaluru Jawans, in a high-intensity semi-final.
• Edged out Chennai 3–2 in a nail-biting final.
• Stand-out contributions from Max Manthou, Trang Hyunh, Erik Lange, Mihae Kwon, and Vinh Hien Truong.

Displaying unity, grit, and a never-say-die spirit, Dilli transformed early adversity into ultimate triumph.

The Maestro of Season 2: Max Manthou

Max Manthou of the Dilli Dillwale has been named Player of the League for Season 2! Known on the court as “Purple Jesus,” the former Division I tennis player and author of A Pickleball Gospel combined athletic excellence, tactical intelligence, and leadership.

• Finished 5th in the men’s category of the Band of Honour.
• Delivered crucial performances in men’s doubles with Erik Lange and mixed doubles with Trang Hyunh.

Guided the team in the dressing room with his wealth of experience from hundreds of pro matches.

Swiggy Serv’d Festival Elevates the WPBL

The WPBL truly delivered on its promise of being the world’s biggest pickleball festival—both on and off the court—at the iconic Jio World Gardens. In collaboration with Swiggy Scenes, the fan zone was transformed into the Swiggy Serv’d Festival, a massive celebration of food, entertainment, and community.

• Diverse cuisines and beverages from some of Mumbai’s finest restaurants.
• Live music, mini golf, and engaging fan activations.

A dedicated pickleball court for fans to experience the sport firsthand.

A Star-Studded Rally: Fans Play with Aamir Khan

In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, fans got the chance to share center court with Bollywood icon Aamir Khan! Through an exciting lucky draw competition on January 7th, three lucky winners were selected on the spot during the semi-finals halftime. They played two thrilling doubles matches alongside Aamir and WPBL stars Jack Foster and Lorena Duknic, delivering high-energy rallies and roaring cheers from the crowd.

A Truly Global Showcase

Season 2 proved the WPBL’s powerful global footprint, bringing together an extraordinary mix of cultures and playing styles that elevated the standard of play.

• 56 elite athletes.
• Representing 16 countries.
• Spanning five continents.

With players from the US, Vietnam, India, Poland, New Zealand, and beyond, the WPBL has firmly positioned itself as a premier global platform for top-tier pickleball talent.

Battle of the Clans: Local Pride Takes Centre Court

We strengthened our community connect with the “Battle of the Clans”—an inter-neighborhood showdown at Jio World Gardens. Passionate local picklers were given the rare opportunity to compete on the same stage as international stars, battling for bragging rights and the title of best local picklers in town. Fueled by friendly rivalries, it embodied our mission to grow the sport at the community level.