The Red Rock Open is one of the most anticipated events on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, drawing top-tier talent and enthusiastic fans to St. George, Utah. As we look ahead to the 2025 edition, scheduled for March 26-30, the spotlight is on the prize money, which continues to reflect the sport’s rapid growth and increasing professionalism. This article dives into the latest details about the Red Rock Open Pickleball Prize Money for 2025, offering a comprehensive breakdown of payouts, key players, event highlights, and what this means for the future of professional pickleball.
With pickleball’s popularity soaring, the PPA Tour has solidified its position as the premier professional circuit, and the Red Rock Open officially titled the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open is a standout stop. Whether you’re a player, fan, or simply curious about the financial stakes, this guide has everything you need to know about the 2025 prize money and more.
Overview of the Red Rock Open 2025
The Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open is set to take place from March 26-30, 2025, at the Little Valley Sports Complex in St. George, Utah. Known for its stunning red rock backdrop and world-class facilities, this tournament attracts the biggest names in pickleball, including stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. As part of the PPA Tour’s 2025 calendar, the event promises fierce competition across men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
The PPA Tour has a reputation for offering substantial prize pools, and the Red Rock Open is no exception. While exact figures for 2025 are still being finalized, we can draw insights from past events, current trends, and official announcements to provide an accurate picture of what’s at stake.
Prize Money Breakdown for Red Rock Open 2025
The PPA Tour has consistently raised the bar for pickleball prize money, with a record-breaking $5.5 million purse across 25 events in 2023. For 2025, the tour is expected to increase its total payout, potentially exceeding $6 million for the season, driven by growing sponsorships from brands like Carvana and Black Desert Resort. The Red Rock Open, classified as an “Open” event with 1,000 ranking points for winners, typically features a significant share of this pool.
Based on historical data and the PPA’s payout structure, here’s an estimated prize money breakdown for the 2025 Red Rock Open:
| Event Category | Gold Medal | Silver Medal | Bronze Medal | Total Payout per Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | $10,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 | ~$20,000-$25,000 |
| Women’s Singles | $10,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 | ~$20,000-$25,000 |
| Men’s Doubles | $12,000/team | $6,000/team | $3,000/team | ~$25,000-$30,000 |
| Women’s Doubles | $12,000/team | $6,000/team | $3,000/team | ~$25,000-$30,000 |
| Mixed Doubles | $12,000/team | $6,000/team | $3,000/team | ~$25,000-$30,000 |
Total Estimated Red Rock Open Pickleball Prize Money 2025: $100,000-$150,000
Key Notes on Prize Money:
- Equal Pay: The PPA Tour maintains its commitment to equal payouts for men’s and women’s events, ensuring parity across all categories.
- Pro Qualifiers: Players advancing from the Pro Qualifier Draw to the Main Draw are eligible for prize money, adding an extra layer of opportunity.
- Sponsorship Boost: With Black Desert Resort as a title sponsor, the prize pool could see an uptick compared to previous years, potentially pushing the total closer to $150,000.
These figures are projections based on the PPA’s 2023 average event payout of $120,000-$150,000 for Opens and the tour’s stated goal of increasing player earnings by over 60% from 2022 levels. Final numbers will be confirmed closer to the event, but expect a lucrative payout that reflects pickleball’s rising status.
How Prize Money Has Evolved in the PPA Tour
To understand the 2025 Red Rock Open Pickleball Prize Money, it’s worth looking at the PPA Tour’s financial trajectory. In 2022, touring pros earned an average of $96,000 from payouts alone, with top players like Ben Johns pulling in over $200,000. The 2023 season saw a massive 83.3% increase in the total purse, jumping from $3 million to $5.5 million. For 2025, the PPA continues to prioritize “bigger and better,” hinting at even higher earnings potential.
The Red Rock Open has mirrored this growth. In 2024, the event (then called the Selkirk Red Rock Open) offered a competitive purse, with winners in major categories reportedly taking home upwards of $10,000-$12,000. With the sport’s global expansion and new international series planned for 2025, the Red Rock Open’s prize money is poised to climb further, cementing its status as a must-watch tournament.
Top Players to Watch at Red Rock Open 2025
The prize money isn’t the only draw competition at the Red Rock Open is fierce, featuring the world’s elite players vying for both cash and PPA ranking points. Here are some standout names expected to compete in 2025:
- Ben Johns: The #1-ranked male player, known for dominating singles, doubles, and mixed events. His Triple Crown wins (all three categories) at past PPA events make him a favorite.
- Anna Leigh Waters: The top female pro, Waters consistently sweeps titles and could rake in significant earnings at Red Rock.
- Dylan Frazier & James Johnson: A dynamic men’s doubles team that took gold at the 2024 Red Rock Open, splitting a hefty payout.
- Tina Pisnik & Lea Jansen: Women’s doubles champs in 2024, they’ll aim to defend their title and the prize money that comes with it.
- Marietta Wright & Benjamin Johns: A mixed doubles powerhouse, their chemistry could lead to another big payday.
These players, along with rising stars from the Pro Qualifier Draw, will battle it out on St. George’s courts, making the Red Rock Open a showcase of skill and strategy.
What Sets the Red Rock Open Apart?
Beyond the prize money, the Red Rock Open offers a unique experience that elevates its appeal:
- Venue: The Little Valley Sports Complex boasts 24 outdoor courts with lights, surrounded by Southern Utah’s iconic red rock scenery.
- Broadcast Reach: Matches are streamed live on YouTube (@ppasidecourts) and broadcast on networks like ESPN and Tennis Channel, amplifying exposure for players and sponsors.
- Amateur Opportunities: Alongside pros, amateur brackets allow players of all levels to compete, with medalists earning discounted entry to the United Pickleball Championships in Dallas (November 2025).
- New Format: Debuted in 2025, the “hybrid draw” format extends play to quarterfinals midweek, with semifinals on Saturday, giving fans more weekend action.
This blend of professional prestige and inclusivity makes the Red Rock Open a cornerstone of the PPA Tour.
Economic Impact of Prize Money on Players
For professional pickleball players, the Red Rock Open’s prize money is more than just a paycheck it’s a lifeline. In 2023, the PPA projected a 63.9% increase in average player earnings, pushing many into six-figure territory when combined with Major League Pickleball (MLP) payouts. In 2025, this trend continues, enabling more athletes to pursue pickleball full-time.
Take a player like Mary Brascia, who claimed her first singles gold at the 2024 Red Rock Open. Her $10,000+ winnings, paired with sponsorships from brands like Selkirk, highlight how prize money is transforming careers. For doubles teams, splitting $12,000-$15,000 per event adds up quickly over a 25-tournament season.
Future Trends: What’s Next for Pickleball Prize Money?
The Red Rock Open Pickleball Prize Money 2025 is a microcosm of broader shifts in pickleball. The launch of the Pickleball World Series in March 2025, backed by The Times Group, promises a staggering $15 million across six events, dwarfing the PPA’s current offerings. While the PPA remains the dominant U.S. tour, this global push could pressure it to further boost purses.
For the Red Rock Open, expect incremental increases in 2025, potentially reaching $150,000-$200,000 as sponsors like Black Desert Resort deepen their investment. The PPA’s international expansion, including the Australia Pickleball Open in January 2025, also signals a commitment to growing the sport and its financial rewards worldwide.
How to Follow the Red Rock Open 2025
Want to stay updated on the prize money and action? Here’s how:
- Official Website: Check ppatour.com for live scoring, brackets, and ticket info.
- Streaming: Watch amateur and pro matches on YouTube (@ppasidecourts) or catch finals on major networks.
- Registration: Pros and amateurs can sign up via pickleballtournaments.com deadlines close March 23, 2025.
- Social Media: Follow @ppatour for real-time updates and player highlights.
Conclusion: A Lucrative Stage for Pickleball’s Best
The Red Rock Open Pickleball Prize Money for 2025 underscores the sport’s evolution from a niche pastime to a professional powerhouse. With an estimated $100,000-$150,000 on the line, top players will descend on St. George to compete for cash, glory, and PPA ranking points. As the PPA Tour continues to innovate and expand, events like the Red Rock Open are setting the stage for pickleball’s bright financial future.
Whether you’re rooting for a favorite pro or planning to play, the 2025 Red Rock Open promises excitement, competition, and a payout worth watching. Mark your calendars for March 26-30 this is one event you won’t want to miss!
