The 2025–2026 PPA Tour season is entering its decisive phase with only two main circuit events remaining, but the upcoming tournaments in Sacramento and Atlanta are set to determine the final lineup for the PPA Tour Finals.
These events represent the last opportunity for players to earn crucial ranking points and secure qualification for the Finals, scheduled from May 4 to 10 in San Clemente, California. The invite-only event features the top performers across disciplines and follows a pool play format rather than a traditional knockout structure.
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Qualification is based on the Race rankings, which account for total points accumulated since the 2025 Atlanta Pickleball Championships. Players must finish inside the top eight in singles and mixed doubles, or top 16 in men’s doubles, to qualify. Unlike the rolling PPA rankings, the Race rewards consistent participation and performance throughout the season.
A total of 3,000 points remain available, with 1,000 points on offer at the Sacramento Open and 2,000 at the Atlanta Championships, setting up a high-stakes finish.
Men’s Singles: Cut-Line Pressure Builds
Chris Haworth leads the standings with 13,600 points, followed closely by Federico Staksrud and Hunter Johnson. However, the most intense battle lies around the qualification cut line.
Just 100 points separate seventh-placed John Lucian Goins from ninth-placed Gabe Joseph. With Goins not competing in Sacramento, both Jack Sock and Joseph have a major opportunity to break into the top eight.
The draw could deliver a high-stakes clash between Sock and Joseph in the semifinals, though both face tough paths, with potential matchups against Haworth and Johnson respectively.
Men’s Doubles: Tight Race for Final Spots
In men’s doubles, Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns sit comfortably at the top, but the race for the final qualification spots remains extremely close.
Jaume Martinez Vich holds the 16th spot with 4,150 points, just ahead of Augie Ge at 4,075. Both players will compete in Sacramento, with Martinez Vich pairing with Blaine Hovenier and Ge teaming up with Dekel Bar.
Matt Wright, currently 15th, is not competing, leaving the door open for both Martinez Vich and Ge to climb further with a strong showing.
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Men’s Mixed Doubles: Khlif vs Oncins
The final qualifying spot in mixed doubles is shaping up to be a direct contest between Noe Khlif and Eric Oncins, with Jonathan Truong still in contention from behind.
All three players will feature in Sacramento, with Khlif partnering Meghan Dizon, Oncins teaming up with Tyra Black, and Truong playing alongside Jessie Irvine.
With minimal points separating them, performances over the next two events will be decisive.
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(Written by Evince Das)
