Essay Contest Decides Who Deserves the National Stage. No Pressure

If your pickleball journey has been life changing, heartwarming, or even just weirdly inspiring, it might land you on a temporary court set up between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. The National Mall of Pickleball returns for its third year, and this time it comes with a twist. Eight lucky duos from across the country will be flown in for a free weekend in Washington DC, culminating in a high profile match on center court, and all you have to do is submit the best story about how pickleball changed your life.

The contest is accepting entries now through August 15, and past events have proven just how fast spots fill up. This year, instead of fighting over open court reservations, the tournament wants to hear from the community itself. Think of it like American Idol, but with third shot drops and heartfelt anecdotes. Whether you found love through pickleball, battled back from injury, or just needed something to do besides doomscrolling, your story might just earn you a shot at a once in a lifetime experience.

Even if your story does not win, the National Mall event is still a pickleball fan’s dream. Lessons, clinics, pro meetups, walk on games, and the whole thing is free. But for eight duos, it is about more than just another social media moment. It is about telling your story and earning a seat on center court, in one of the most iconic settings in the country. So go ahead, open that document, pour your heart out, and then start packing.