Team Bermuda prepared to take on the world in pickleball
PAB Full Statement:
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB) today announced the rosters for both the Open and Senior teams that will represent Bermuda at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup and International
Tournament, taking place at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from October 27 to November 2, 2025.
Bermuda returns to the international stage as reigning Caribbean champions,
competing in their second consecutive World Cup appearance. The tournament
will feature unprecedented global participation, with over 60 nations converging
to compete in what promises to be the largest edition of the event to date.
Open (Elite) World Cup Competition
The Open World Cup will feature 68 delegations divided into 17 groups of four
(Groups A through Q), with the top two teams in each group advancing to the
knockout rounds. Bermuda has been drawn into Group I alongside Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The Open team enters this tournament building on their historic 2024 World Cup
performance in Lima, Peru, where they achieved a remarkable milestone by
advancing from their group stage to the knockout rounds. In Group E last year,
Bermuda secured impressive victories against Chile (population 19.5 million) and
Canada (38.2 million) to clinch second place, demonstrating that population size
need not determine competitive success. Their journey ended in a dramatic round
of 16 clash with the Cayman Islands that was ultimately decided in a dream
breaker tiebreaker after being deadlocked at 2-2, featuring two of the smallest
nations competing at the highest level.
“Our objective is clear: qualify from the group, earn our place in the knockouts,
and keep raising our level with each round,” said Gavin Manders, National
Director of Pickleball and Open Team Captain. “Each of these delegations brings
unique strengths and styles, and the key for us will be to control the tempo in
doubles, capitalize on opportunities in mixed, and be ready for the singles
tiebreaker format when it’s required.”
Senior World Cup Competition
The Senior World Cup brings together 52 delegations across 13 groups of four
(Groups A through M), with the top two teams in each group advancing to the
knockout phase. Bermuda has been drawn in Group L with China, Serbia, and
Trinidad & Tobago.
The Senior team’s 2024 World Cup campaign set a new benchmark for Bermuda,
as they dominated their Group B matches, defeating Colombia (52 million),
Panama (4.4 million), and Uruguay (3.5 million) to finish second and advance
alongside group winners USA. Their remarkable run continued with a memorable
victory over Mexico (population 132 million) in the round of 16, before facing the
eventual champions, the United States, in the quarterfinals – a remarkable
achievement that established Bermuda’s senior players as a competitive force on
the global stage.
PAB President and Senior Team Captain George Thomas emphasized the
significance of the tournament: “It is a privilege to represent Bermuda in our
second consecutive World Cup campaign, arriving as the reigning Caribbean
champions and carrying the momentum of last year’s breakthrough on the global
stage. Our mission is straightforward: embrace the challenge, honor the flag, and
showcase Bermudian resilience and spirit on the courts each day of competition.”
2025 Pickleball World Cup – Open (Elite) Team
Women:
– Imani Phillips
– Melisa Judd
– Patricia Mills
– Naphisa Smith
Men:
– Gavin Manders (Captain)
– Ben Jones
– Jamie Stowe
– Tom Mills
– Mical Russell
2025 Pickleball World Cup – Senior Team
Women (in alphabetical order by last name):
– Tori Powell
– Val Stevenson
– Laverne Stowe
– Samantha Todd
Men (in alphabetical order by last name):
– Courtland Boyle
– Mark Cordiero
– Matt Dragonetti
– Ryon Outerbridge
Captain (non-playing): George Thomas
Co-Captain (non-playing): Sarah Fox
The teams’ selection reflects the remarkable growth of pickleball in Bermuda and
the unwavering support of families, sponsors, and the community. Both squads
have been preparing intensively for the challenge ahead, ready to represent the
island nation with pride and determination on the world stage.
