Hey there, pickleball fanatics and curious newcomers alike! I’m Alex Rivera—though most people just call me “Ace” on the courts—and I’m absolutely stoked to launch this weekly column right here on Pickleball Rookie. If you’re looking for someone to break down the latest gear, dissect professional tournament results, and generally geek out about all things pickleball with you, well, you’ve found your guy.
Let me tell you a bit about myself before we dive into this wild world of dinks, Erne shots, and the eternal debate over kitchen rules. I’m 54, semi-retired from 25 years in the tech industry (spent my time at various Austin startups), and about eight years ago, a knee injury from tennis led me to pick up a paddle for the first time. Best injury of my life, honestly. These days, I’m a solid 4.5-rated player, coaching beginners at local rec centers, and hitting the courts about four to five times a week. I’m not trying to go pro or anything, I just love the game, the community, and yes, the post-match trash-talking over craft IPAs with my buddies.
Why This Column, Why Now?
If you’ve been paying attention to the pickleball world lately, you know we’re in the middle of something special. This sport has absolutely exploded, and with that growth comes an avalanche of information—new paddles dropping every week, professional tournaments happening globally, rule changes, and enough drama to keep a soap opera running for years. That’s where “Ace’s Pickleball Pulse” comes in. Every week, I’ll be your guide through the noise, bringing you what matters most: gear reviews you can trust, tournament recaps that actually tell a story, strategy tips that’ll level up your game, and the occasional hot take that might ruffle some feathers.
The Scene This Week
Speaking of keeping up with the action, what a week it’s been in the pickleball universe! The inaugural MLP Cup just wrapped up at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, Texas, marking the kickoff to the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships. This wasn’t just another tournament—it’s a landmark event with a $50,000 prize pool and the first-ever MLP Cup trophy on the line. The format had teams competing across both Premier and Challenger levels, with everything from pool play to single elimination playoffs. Watching these elite athletes battle it out reminded me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place: the intensity, the strategy, the sheer unpredictability of every rally.
And get this—there was even a Collegiate World Championship happening simultaneously at the same venue, giving young players a taste of professional-level competition. The overlap of collegiate and professional play speaks volumes about where pickleball is headed. We’re building depth in this sport, folks, and that’s incredibly exciting.
Gear Talk: The Evolution Continues
Let’s talk paddles for a second, because if there’s one thing that gets my tech-nerd heart racing, it’s the innovation happening in paddle design. We’re seeing foam-core technology dominate the conversation right now—and for good reason. Paddles like the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF and the CRBN TFG4 are changing the game with their power, spin, and touch capabilities. The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta continues to impress as one of the most polished paddles on the market, while brands like JOOLA with their Perseus Pro IV are pushing boundaries in power without sacrificing control.
But here’s what I love most about paddle reviews: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some players need control for those finesse shots and strategic placement. Others want raw power to put balls away aggressively. And many of us fall somewhere in between, looking for that all-court versatility. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deep into specific paddle reviews, sharing my hands-on experience from the courts, and helping you figure out what might work best for your game.
What’s Coming in This Column
Each week, I’ll be covering different aspects of the pickleball world. Some weeks we’ll focus on gear—paddles, shoes, bags, and yes, even those quirky accessories that make court life easier. Other weeks, we’ll break down professional results, analyze player performances, and discuss what the pros are doing that recreational players can learn from. I’ll also share strategy tips, local tournament recaps from the Austin scene, and cultural observations about how pickleball is reshaping communities nationwide.
I want this column to feel like we’re having a conversation over coffee (or beer, depending on the time of day). I’ll keep the tech jargon minimal, the insights practical, and the tone approachable. Whether you’re a complete beginner trying to figure out the rules or a competitive 4.0+ player looking to sharpen your skills, there’ll be something here for you.
Let’s Build This Together
Here’s the thing about pickleball that separates it from other sports: the community. Sure, we’re competitive on the courts, but we’re also incredibly welcoming and supportive off them. I want this column to reflect that spirit. If you have questions, gear you want me to review, or topics you’d like me to cover, reach out!
The pickleball world is moving fast with new players joining daily, innovations in equipment happening constantly, and the professional scene evolving before our eyes. I can’t wait to explore it all with you, one week at a time. So grab your paddle, lace up those court shoes, and let’s dive into this beautiful, addictive, occasionally frustrating, always rewarding sport we call pickleball.
See you next week, and remember: life’s too short for bad dinks.
—Ace