Bálint Bakó is one of the most interesting players in European pickleball right now, and in this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris Beaumont sits down with the Hungarian star to explore the journey behind his rise.

From his background in the demanding Hungarian junior tennis system to his rapid emergence as one of Europe’s leading singles players, Bakó opens up on the moments that shaped him, the matches that changed his belief, and the realities of trying to build an international career in pickleball from Europe.

He reflects on his breakthrough in Malmö, the lessons learned from major battles across the continent, the pain of his injury in Rome, and the huge experience of competing in the World Pickleball League in Mumbai. Bakó also discusses what separates the best Asian and American players from Europe’s top names, and why he believes the gap is not talent, but exposure, opportunity, and repetition at the highest level.

This is a conversation about ambition, pressure, funding, growth, and what it really takes to try to break through in the global game.

In this episode, we cover:

• Bálint’s tennis background and how he found pickleball
• Why Malmö became a turning point in his career
• His singles mindset and how he sees his own game
• What he learned from top European rivals
• The injury moment in Rome and how he responded
• Life inside the World Pickleball League in Mumbai
• His biggest win so far against Dang Hoang Nguyen
• Why European players need more exposure to close the gap globally
• His goals for the rest of 2026

If you enjoy the podcast, make sure you follow World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms, and head to worldpickleballmagazine.com for daily global pickleball news, analysis, and interviews.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont and co-host Gordon Watson break down another fascinating week across the global pickleball landscape, from emerging tours in Asia to major industry developments.

The conversation opens with discussion around the D-Joy Tour and the rapid rise of pickleball in Vietnam, including insights from recent conversations with top European player Ben Cawston and the significance of Vietnam being announced as a future host of the Pickleball World Cup. Chris and Gordon explore what this means for the sport’s expansion into Southeast Asia and how new markets are accelerating pickleball’s global reach.

Attention then turns to the UK, where English Open registrations are set to open, sparking a wider discussion around the increasing cost of entering pickleball tournaments and what that means for accessibility, participation, and the long-term health of the competitive scene.

The episode also highlights one of the more unique growth stories in North America, with churches in Quebec being converted into indoor pickleball facilities, reflecting the ongoing demand for court space and the creative solutions emerging to meet it.

Finally, Chris and Gordon address a significant industry development, discussing Gamma filing for bankruptcy and what the news could signal for the pickleball equipment market, brand competition, and the broader business landscape of the sport.

From grassroots innovation to global expansion and industry shake-ups, this episode connects the key storylines shaping pickleball’s continued growth worldwide.

Topics covered include:

• D-Joy Tour and pickleball growth in Vietnam
• Vietnam announced as a future Pickleball World Cup host
• English Open registrations and tournament entry costs
• Quebec churches converted into pickleball facilities
• Gamma bankruptcy and its impact on the industry

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In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, host Chris Beaumont sits down with one of the most dominant forces in global pickleball right now: Ben Cawston, the RTA European No. 1 in Men’s Doubles, reigning European Champion, and one of the fastest-rising players in the sport.

At just 23 years old, Ben has already built a remarkable sporting résumé. A former World No. 1 in rackets and the youngest Rackets World Champion in over a century, he transitioned into pickleball in 2023 and has since taken complete control of the European scene. Alongside his partner Théo Platel, he remains unbeaten in Europe, with 17 European Pro gold medals and a record-leading 5.807 DUPR rating, the highest of any player competing on the continent.

In this conversation, Ben breaks down his dominant 2026 season, including recent gold medal performances in Vienna, Rome, and Barcelona, and explains the tactical chemistry behind his unstoppable partnership. He also reflects on his unique sporting background, from tracking 185mph rackets shots to becoming one of the most feared players at the pickleball kitchen line.

The discussion then expands to the global stage. Ben shares insights from competing on the PPA Tour, his experience in PPA Asia, and his role as a star international player in the World Pickleball League. He also analyses his narrow loss to top American pros at the Hangzhou Open, offering a clear view of how close Europe’s best are to breaking through at the highest level.

From European dominance to global ambition, this episode provides a rare look at one of the sport’s most fascinating crossover athletes and what the future of international pickleball may look like.

Topics covered include:

• Ben Cawston’s dominance in European pickleball
• Partnership success with Théo Platel
• RTA rankings and DUPR performance metrics
• Transition from rackets world champion to pickleball pro
• Competing on the PPA Tour and PPA Asia
• World Pickleball League and global expansion
• Tactical insights into elite doubles play

Subscribe to the World Pickleball Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and innovators shaping pickleball worldwide.