The courts at SM City East Ortigas erupted with excitement on July 19, 2025, as the SM Pickleball Super Series: Battle of Champions reached its thrilling conclusion. Four elite teams (The Zone, Chill Pickleball Club, Picklebears, and Dink & Drink) battled through rapid-fire rallies in a winner-takes-all finale that would determine the Philippines' representative at the continental stage.
Champions Rise to the Occasion
When the final point was scored, Dink & Drink stood victorious, hoisting the Super Series trophy and securing something far more valuable: the golden ticket to represent the Philippines at the Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia) Grand Finals. The championship comes with an all-expense-paid trip to Shenzhen, China, where they'll compete on August 9–10, 2025, at the prestigious Ramsports Stadium.
The victory caps off an impressive tournament run that saw three leg winners and one wildcard team compete in a single-day format that tested endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude.
A Gateway to Asian Pickleball Elite
The Pickleball Champions League Asia represents the region's premier amateur club circuit, and the Philippines' inclusion marks a significant milestone for the sport's growth in the country. Co-founded by Steve Kuhn (the visionary behind Major League Pickleball and the globally recognized DUPR rating system), PCL Asia brings together champions from Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and now the Philippines. Kuhn's vision for the region is ambitious and clear:
"Today it's Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Singapore, the Philippines. Tomorrow? Asia will be the epicenter of the pickleball universe."
This victory further highlights the explosive rise of pickleball in Asia, where countries like the Philippines are gaining recognition on the international stage.
Corporate Backing Signals Mainstream Appeal
The Battle of Champions showcased impressive commercial support through a comprehensive sponsor village featuring PCL Asia, adidas PH, Selkirk PH, Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, Cignal TV, Polland Hopia, and SM Supermalls. This diverse backing (spanning sports brands, telecommunications, media, and retail) demonstrates the growing mainstream appeal and commercial viability of pickleball in the Philippines.
Blueprint for Future Growth
The Super Series proved more than just a tournament; it established a replicable model for high-stakes pickleball events in the Philippines. By successfully staging a mall-based competition that attracted grassroots clubs, media attention, and continental sanctioning, the event created a template for expansion. The formula combines accessible venues, competitive integrity, and professional presentation—ingredients that could fuel the sport's growth nationwide.
The tournament also demonstrated the clear pathway from local courts to international competition, providing aspiring players with tangible goals and achievable milestones.
The Road to Shenzhen
With less than three weeks to prepare, Dink & Drink faces an intensive preparation period. The team will need to analyze regional competition, refine their strategies, and peak at precisely the right moment for the continental showdown. Their performance in Shenzhen will not only determine their individual success but could also influence the Philippines' standing in Asian amateur pickleball.
A strong showing would establish the Philippines as a legitimate force in regional pickleball and likely inspire a new generation of players to take up paddles across the archipelago.
After Dink & Drunk Wins, The Philippines Heads to PCL Asia Grand Finals
The SM Pickleball Super Series: Battle of Champions represents more than a single tournament victory. It's a launching pad for Philippine pickleball's international ambitions. As Dink & Drink prepares for their Shenzhen debut, they carry the hopes of a growing pickleball community that's ready to make its mark on the Asian stage.
The foundation has been laid, the pathway established, and the momentum building. Philippine pickleball's journey to continental recognition is just beginning.
Stay tuned to PickleAsia for comprehensive coverage of the PCL Asia Grand Finals and continued updates on the rapidly expanding Asian pickleball scene.
