Opening pickleball tournament brings top-level players to Iisalmi

Close rallies, courtside encouragement and a total of 79 matches. Mailamestari’s opening pickleball tournament on 22.2.2025 brought recreational and competitive players to Iisalmi for a shared day of play. It was Mailamestari’s first major event, bringing enthusiasts and competitive players together to test their skills. The hall’s courts saw impressive performances and hard-fought battles for the medals.

High-level competition in every category

The tournament featured three categories: open competitive doubles, mixed doubles and recreational doubles. Each category delivered high-quality pickleball, with players giving their best and spectators enjoying exciting contests.

🏆 Competitive category medallists:

🥇 Autti/Kiviranta – Gold

🥈 Huuskonen/Pelanne – Silver

🥉 Suikkanen/Toivonen – Bronze

🏆 Mixed doubles medallists:

🥇 Team Suikkanen – Gold

🥈 Sanna Antikainen/Samu Kiviranta – Silver

🥉 Sara Kärkkäinen/Jonne Toivonen – Bronze

🏆 Recreational category medallists:

🥇 Helmi/Kurikka – Gold

🥈 Kauhaset – Silver

🥉 Lappalainen/Husso – Bronze

A packed schedule kept matches going all day

The tournament began at 9.00, with the start of the open competitive doubles. The sport’s characteristic pace and tactical play kept spectators captivated from the morning onwards. Mixed doubles began at 11.05, and the day’s final matches finished in the evening as the recreational winners were decided. The last medal ceremony took place at 19.40, giving all the medallists their well-earned recognition.

The tournament spirit – better together!

Mailamestari thanks all participants, organisers and spectators for a wonderful event. The tournament would not have been possible without the players’ passion and the community’s contribution. Throughout the day, the hall had a warm, encouraging atmosphere, with everyone playing hard but fairly.

“The positive pickleball spirit was palpable, and it was a joy to see so many enthusiastic players taking part,” said tournament organiser Jouni.

Mailamestari at the heart of pickleball events

Pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing racket sports, and the Mailamestari.fi hall in Iisalmi aims to offer even more opportunities to play in future. The tournament’s success shows that Iisalmi is ready to claim its place on Finland’s pickleball map!

🔹 Interested in the sport? Follow upcoming events and training opportunities at Mailamestari.fi!