The 2023 Men’s Pickleball Oregon Cup

 

Triumph and Camaraderie at the 2023 Oregon Cup

Oregon's Best Pickleball Players Gather for Intense Competition and Community

CLACKAMAS, Ore. - The crack of paddles and pops of pickleballs echoed throughout RECS on September 30th, as 32 of Oregon's top male players faced off in the 2023 Oregon Cup. This exciting annual tournament brings together amateur and professional pickleball athletes from across the state for a day of fervent competition and friendship.

The distinctive atmosphere was palpable as crowds cheered on their hometown favorites. Players embraced the energy, upping their games to enthralling levels. "The crowd definitely makes the nerves go up - it makes you want to hit the best shots, get the highlight-reel shots," commented one competitor.

Kevin Richards, founder of RECS and organizer of the Oregon Cup, described the elated vibe: "I love the atmosphere here - it's been a blast."

The tournament's structure maximizes engagement for both players and spectators. Athletes play quick rounds against randomly assigned opponents in a round-robin format, rather than being eliminated. This keeps excitement high, as anyone can take the title. "It's a little more fun than a regular tournament - you're getting a lot of matches in and seeing a bunch of friends you haven't seen in months," said one player.

Fans relished opportunities to cheer on skilled players they know from local leagues and lessons. "Most of these people are players themselves, so they're watching some of the highest level play, probably picking up some things for their own games," Richards commented. "I think they're enjoying it based on the sound I'm hearing from the group."

Richards founded RECS in Clackamas in 2022 on the pillars of recreation, exercise, competition and socialization. He rediscovered his passion for pickleball a decade ago and was compelled to share it. "It just checks all those boxes," he said. Now pickleball is RECS most popular activity, taking advantage of Richards' intentionally multi-use facilities.

The Oregon Cup holds special meaning for Richards as a showcase for the state's burgeoning pickleball scene. "It's really an honor to host the Oregon Cup. I've been blown away by the talent and quality of people here today," he said.

Participants relished the chance to represent their hometowns against Oregon's pickleball elite. "Having my first opportunity to play out here with all friends and family has been a lot of fun," said one first-time Cup qualifier from Bend.

Professionals who compete nationally appreciated the unique chance to team up with their Oregon peers. "This is one of their favorite events of the year. They travel the country playing tournaments, but this is a favorite because they get to play with their friends," Richards explained.

Upon closing the 2023 event, Richards reflected: "Today was a wonderful event. I think the experience was really positive - a lot of smiling faces from players and spectators."

He looks forward to bigger and better Oregon Cup tournaments as pickleball continues gaining popularity across Oregon and worldwide. But for now, the state's tight-knit pickleball community can revel in a day of athleticism, passion and camaraderie.