With only two more tour stops before the PPA World Championship in Dallas, TX, the stakes were sky-high at the Citrus Classic PPA Challenger. Players battled not just for wins but for the few remaining spots in the season finale.

The beautiful Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Florida, welcomed more than 500 competitors for a weekend that felt as much like a festival as a tournament. From the moment players and fans checked in at registration, the energy was electric, thanks in part to a live DJ spinning tracks all weekend. Vendor tents lined the walkway to Center Court, and spectators staked out any patch of shade they could find, giving the whole event a tailgate vibe.

For the “Two Zeroes and a Pro” crew, this was the first outdoor tour stop, and the Florida heat was no joke. But while our squad had to pace itself, the players hardly seemed fazed.

"You have to drink a lot of water, get a lot of sleep, and eat a lot of food," quipped Greg Dow, when asked how he deals with playing in the heat.

Of course, an outdoor event in Orlando meant the weather was always going to be part of the story. Still, the Challengers we spoke with shrugged it off, knowing that everyone had to adapt their game to the same shifting conditions.

"The whole game feels slower outside versues inside," agreed Sanil Jagtiani and Oscar Serra, "Every speed up feels a little off pace, so it's something we'll all have to adjust to in real time."

Rain delays on Friday and Saturday pushed matches late into the night, with finals wrapping up as late as 1 a.m. EST. To make sure there were enough courts, basketball and tennis courts were transformed with portable nets and taped lines. The mix of surfaces kept players on their toes, forcing adjustments every time they moved from one court to another.

Day 1 wrapped up with a college showcase that brought serious energy under the lights. The University of Florida faced off against the University of Central Florida in an MLP-style format, and the crowd brought the noise. Florida came out on top and left with a massive championship belt to prove it.

Watching the Challengers adapt was nothing short of inspiring. From shifting formats, some matches changed from best 2 of 3 to first-to-15, to adjusting to the weather and different courts, every player had to stay sharp and flexible.

"I haven't played much outside at all," said Spencer Liang, "So the first part of my match was rough with the wind, but I was able to adjust and prevail 15-13 after being down 7-13."

Each Challenger tour stop this year has carried with it its own local flavor. In Portland, the weather forced everyone indoors, locked in, and grinding. In Fairport, the family atmosphere of the Valenti pickleball empire gave the event its unique charm. And in Orlando? It was pure outdoor grit. No hiding, no excuses, just players battling the elements and seeing who could rise above.

Before you check out the full results below, let’s give a big shoutout to the JOOLA Pros who showed up strong in Orlando: Jake Kusmider (get well soon!), John Lucian Goins, Chuck Taylor, Brandon French, Wil Schaffer, Josh Jenkins, and Ryder Brown.