Pickleball Caribbean Nations Cup Championships: Cayman Islands Dominates, Bermuda Takes the Crown
The Cayman Islands recently showcased their pickleball prowess at the inaugural Pickleball Caribbean Nations Cup Championships, where teams from five other countries competed in a thrilling tournament.
The event, sanctioned by the Pickleball Federation of the Americas, took place from 6-9 Feb., with the Caribbean Championships kicking off the action before the Nations Cup segment took center stage over the weekend. The tournament saw youth players from various countries racking up medals, setting the stage for intense competition.
Pickleball Cayman manager Steve Thompson expressed his excitement at the turnout for the event, noting that the local facility had never seen such a large crowd. With nearly 500 people in attendance, the atmosphere was electric as teams from Bermuda, Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago battled it out against the dominant Cayman team.
While Cayman triumphed in the senior division, taking first place ahead of Bahamas and Bermuda, the open division finals saw a fierce showdown between Cayman and Bermuda. The match was reminiscent of their previous encounter at the Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, where Cayman emerged victorious.
However, this time, Bermuda managed to secure a win in a tense singles match, avenging their previous loss to Cayman. Thompson praised the level of competition at the tournament, with teams playing their hearts out for their countries.
Looking ahead, Thompson revealed plans to expand the tournament and attract more participants in the future. With the growing popularity of pickleball in the region and the development of more facilities, the goal is to host the event in different countries each year. Bermuda is being considered as the potential host for next year’s competition, with discussions already underway.
Overall, the Pickleball Caribbean Nations Cup Championships was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and passion for the sport in the region. With plans for expansion and increased participation, the tournament is set to become a staple event in the Caribbean sports calendar.
