The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and Elite Island Resorts have proudly joined forces as headline title sponsors for the 2025 Pickleball English Open, which took place from 6th–10th August at the Telford International Centre in the UK.
The English Open is the largest pickleball tournament outside of America, with a record 2,300 players competing this year. Pickleball’s growth in the UK has been phenomenal, with over 50,000 active players and 800+ venues, and Antigua and Barbuda was showcased as the ultimate destination to enjoy the sport year-round.
This sponsorship is the result of close collaboration between ABTA’s UK and Europe office, led by Director of Tourism Cherrie Osborne, and Paula Whitehead, European Managing Director of Elite Island Resorts. Together, the teams collaborated to put Antigua and Barbuda in the spotlight, targeting one of the fastest-growing sports communities and connecting with key audiences who are passionate about travel, wellness, and active lifestyles.
Speaking about the event, Cherrie Osborne said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Elite Island Resorts on the 2025 Pickleball English Open. This initiative brought the warmth and spirit of Antigua and Barbuda directly to the UK’s largest pickleball event. Together, we showcased our incredible year-round facilities, vibrant culture, and welcoming hospitality to a highly engaged audience. We look forward to welcoming more pickleball players and fans to experience why Antigua and Barbuda is the Caribbean home of pickleball.”
Paula Whitehead added: “Partnering with ABTA as title sponsor of the Pickleball England English Open has been a great success, exceeding all expectations. From the moment participants arrived at the venue, we really made our mark as the home of Caribbean pickleball. It provided the perfect platform to showcase our world-class pickleball facilities to the world’s top players and teams at Europe’s biggest tournament for this fast-growing sport. With nearly 2,400 pickle balls from 42 countries across 41 courts, the engagement from players, clubs, and spectators was outstanding. There’s clearly a real appetite for combining the sport with a luxury holiday, and as we build on this momentum over the next year, we look forward to welcoming many of them to our resorts in Antigua.”
This year’s English Open was transformed into an Antiguan and Barbudan paradise with an authentic Antiguan steel band creating a lively Caribbean atmosphere, colourful island-themed backdrops and décor, tropical vibes throughout the event space, and the chance to win a 7-night all-inclusive luxury stay for two in Antigua, including daily pickleball.
The successful activation reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s positioning as a premier sports tourism destination. With direct UK flights, year-round sunshine, and unmatched facilities, the island offers the perfect combination of competition, wellness, and relaxation.
Elite Island Resorts is recognised as the Caribbean home of pickleball, offering world-class facilities across four beachfront resorts in Antigua, including Pineapple Beach Club, recently ranked the number one pickleball resort in the Caribbean. With tournament-grade courts (including night-lit options) set against breathtaking tropical views, Antigua has become a go-to destination for both professionals and social players.
For more information on Antigua and Barbuda, visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
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