US Senior Pickleball Nationals Return: A Championship Built for Players 50+
Everything you need to know about the 2025 US Senior Pickleball National Championship Presented By Humana
Pickleball keeps pulling in new players of all ages, but there’s something special about the 50+ crowd. They don’t just show up to play, they bring decades of grit, wit, and community spirit to the court.
That’s exactly why US Senior Pickleball (USSP) exists: a tournament series created by seniors, for seniors.
This December, the organization is setting the stage for its biggest event yet: The 2025 US Senior Pickleball National Championship at Pictona in Holly Hill, Florida (Dec. 5–8). And if you’re a senior player, this is the one tournament that’s truly built with you in mind.
About United States Senior Pickleball
USSP is a not-for-profit organization with the largest community of senior pickleball players in the country, with a simple mission: give players 50 and older a place to compete, connect, and celebrate the sport on their own terms.
Membership runs $20 a year, and it’s not just about the perks (though the $10 discount on every tournament entry is nice). It’s about fueling a system that prioritizes senior athletes, whether through grassroots clinics, certified tournaments, or their Championship Series that stretches across the country.
They are driven by a mission to enrich the lives of seniors through pickleball. They offer free and low-cost clinics to teach people how to play, offer open play sessions, casual round robins, and events that foster community, fun, fitness, and friendship.
Think of it like a club that understands your pace, your priorities, and, honestly, your sense of humor.
“US Senior Pickleball is dedicated to helping seniors live their best life ever through fun, friendships, and fitness playing pickleball.” - Tony Schneider – President, US Senior Pickleball
What to Expect at the USSP 2025 Nationals
So what makes this championship stand out? For starters, it’s the only national pickleball championship designed exclusively for players ages 50–80+.
- When: December 5–8, 2025
- Where: Pictona at Holly Hill, a world-class venue with 49 courts, including 13 covered courts and a 1,200-seat championship stadium
- Who: Players in five-year age brackets (Masters Divisions at 50+, 55+, 60+; Legends Divisions at 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+)
Last year’s USSP National Championship Presented by Humana in Arizona drew 629 players from 32 states and Canada. This year? Expect north of 850-1000 competitors. And because of the round-robin format, everyone gets meaningful matches, no flying across the country only to be bounced after two games.
“The US Senior Pickleball National Championship is by far the best national championship for players age 50-85+, designed specifically for players who prefer to compete with others their age in a round robin format, and not pay unreasonable registration costs.” - Karen Thomas - Director of Marketing, US Senior Pickleball
Pictona also makes it feel like a pickleball vacation. You’re minutes from Daytona Beach, and the facility itself has a restaurant, concessions, and plenty of space to relax between games.
Sharpen Your Game with the Pros: Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin
Here’s something unique for 2025: a Pro Demonstration Event featuring Dayne Gingrich, a senior pro and coach, alongside Jill Martin, the "Pickleball Yogi", co-authors of 'The Pickleball Mindset'.
Together, they’ll run two sessions covering the mental side of the game (think confidence, focus, and resilience) as well as on-court tactics tailored to senior athletes.
Tickets for this 5-hour event are only $25, and free if you’re a USSP Ambassador.
Registration for USSP National Championship Presented by Humana is Open
If you’re 50 or older, this tournament isn’t one to miss. It's the perfect opportunity to test yourself against peers in your own age group, in a format designed to maximize playtime and fairness.
In their words, it's about:
- Competing in an environment that understands senior athletes
- Meeting new players and reconnecting with familiar faces
- Playing at a facility that feels like pickleball paradise
- Turning December into both a competition and a Florida getaway
The 2025 US Senior Pickleball National Championship Presented by Humana at Pictona is shaping up to be the highlight of the year for senior players. Grab your spot today and get ready to play your best pickleball in December.
