PPA Vegas Cup: Men's Doubles - Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio vs Will MacKinnon/Luc Pham

Young Guns Take on Pickleball Royalty: A Thrilling Upset Bid in Vegas

In a PPA quarterfinal that captivated fans, teenage sensation Will MacKinnon and his partner Luc Pham pushed the sport's top duo to the brink, showcasing the rise of a new generation.

Las Vegas, Oct. 24, 2025 — On the grandstand court at the PPA Rate Vegas Cup presented by Holland America, a matchup that pitted pickleball's established elite against bold newcomers unfolded with electric intensity. Ben Johns (benjohns_pb), the 26-year-old dominant force in the sport, teamed with 20-year-old Gabriel Tardio (gabetardiopb) to face off against 17-year-old high school senior Will MacKinnon (YouTube Playlist) and 22-year-old Luc Pham (lucpham_). What was expected to be a routine quarterfinal in the pro men's doubles turned into a showcase of youthful audacity, with the underdogs refusing to back down against a pair boasting a 45-2 career record. Commentators Jim Kloss and Ava Ignatowich captured the excitement, noting the crowd's growing enthusiasm as the youngsters displayed fearless play, highlighting pickleball's evolving landscape where purists raised on the game challenge tennis converts.

Player Backgrounds and Strategies

• MacKinnon, a 17-year-old high school senior, has been immersed in pickleball since age 5, making him a "pickleball purist" without a tennis background.
• Pham, at 22, partners with MacKinnon for their first PPA event together, boasting a 5-0 record after upseting Ryan Fu and Tyson McGuffin.
• Johns and Tardio, with a 45-2 record, adapt by increasing speed-ups, targeting MacKinnon's aggressive dinks.
• Strategies highlight bold speed-ups from underdogs to create chaos, contrasting Johns' patient dinking style

In a match defined by generational contrasts, the commentators marveled at MacKinnon's unique technique. "You can almost tell that he's only played pickleball... almost everything is a roll," said Ignatowich, praising his ability to apply topspin for advantage. Kloss added, "Pickleball [is] more about placement than power. First one to get at the opponent's feet has the advantage." The underdogs' fearlessness shone through, with Pham's athletic resets and MacKinnon's rolls repeatedly catching Johns off guard, forcing the top duo to deviate from their usual patient game plan. This strategic boldness, born from youth and pure pickleball roots, kept the scores tight and the crowd engaged.

Key Moments and Hands Battles

• Intense hands battles emerge as the match's highlight, with quick reactions from the young duo standing out.
• Multiple net cords favor both sides, adding unpredictability; Johns benefits from several.
• MacKinnon's two-hand backhand rolls surprise Johns multiple times, passing him in dinks.
• Tardio's counters and scrappy winners, like a back-foot shot, showcase elite athleticism.

The hands battles electrified the grandstand, drawing a swelling crowd eager for upsets. "Favorite thing to see in a pickleball match? Hands battle... it's the most exciting part of the game," Kloss enthused, while Ignatowich lamented net cord winners as her "least favorite." MacKinnon's youth granted superior reaction times, enabling ambitious speed-ups from ankle height that even Johns, typically unflappable, mishandled occasionally. Pham's follow-ups, including big forehands after resets, kept points alive, turning routine exchanges into chaotic spectacles. These moments underscored the underdogs' refusal to play conservatively, injecting thrill into a matchup where Johns and Tardio ultimately prevailed but not without visible unease.

Fan Comments

• YouTube viewers praise MacKinnon's talent, calling him a "future star" and noting he made Johns "scream" and look "uneasy."
• Comments highlight specific rolls and hands, with one user counting three impressive rolls by MacKinnon.
• Fans urge PPA to sign MacKinnon and upload prior matches; suggestions for better partners like Patriquin or Daescu.
• Enthusiasm for the underdogs' boldness, with remarks on their NorCal roots and potential for quarterfinal consistency.

The online buzz reflected the match's infectious energy, with fans on YouTube celebrating the youngsters' performance. "That MacKinnon kids cracked... Damn that kids going to be at the top some day," wrote user SolaceInHD, echoing sentiments that MacKinnon was the court's best player. Others like Athletics005 noted, "I haven't seen BJ look that uneasy cross court before," while krishnakarur645 proclaimed him a "top 5 player right now." Calls for more exposure, including uploading their round-of-16 win, and admiration for facing the player whose name is on MacKinnon's paddle at just 17, captured the community's excitement. These reactions amplified the narrative of emerging talent challenging pickleball's hierarchy.

Summary

This quarterfinal at the PPA Rate Vegas Cup encapsulated pickleball's rapid evolution, as 17-year-old Will MacKinnon and 22-year-old Luc Pham nearly forced a third game against the unbeatable Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio. From MacKinnon's pickleball-pure upbringing on Bainbridge Island—where the sport was invented—to his bold two-hand backhand rolls that repeatedly outmaneuvered Johns, the match brimmed with surprises. Pham's athleticism complemented MacKinnon's aggressive dinks and speed-ups, creating hands battles that thrilled the growing crowd and prompted uncharacteristic impatience from the top duo. Though Johns and Tardio secured wins in two games (approximately 11-7 and 11-6), the underdogs' 5-0 PPA debut, including an upset over Fu and McGuffin, signaled a shifting guard. Commentators Kloss and Ignatowich highlighted the youths' fearlessness, with Ignatowich noting MacKinnon's rolling technique as a hallmark of his non-tennis roots. Fan reactions on YouTube further fueled the hype, labeling MacKinnon a future top player and urging his professional ascent. In a sport blending strategy, athleticism, and chaos, this clash illustrated how young purists are injecting fresh energy, potentially reshaping pro pickleball's landscape.

Pickleball Prodigies: Will's Wild Ride

(Verse 1) Yo, listen up young paddlers, grab your gear and let's swing, In Vegas at the PPA, where the court's the king. Will MacKinnon, just seventeen, high school senior star, Born on Bainbridge Island, pickleball from afar. Since age five he's been rollin', no tennis in his game, Pure pickle purist, settin' the court aflame. With Luc Pham at twenty-two, first time PPA pair, They upset Fu and McGuffin, breathin' that rare air.

(Chorus) Hey hey, roll that backhand, topspin on the fly, Speed up bold, don't be shy, reach for the sky! Hands battles poppin', net cords droppin' low, Young guns risin', stealin' the show! Pickleball dreams, from dinks to drives so fine, Learn the game, have some fun, victory's on the line!

(Verse 2) Ben Johns the goat at twenty-six, Tardio twenty young, 45-2 record, but these kids got 'em stunned. Will's two-hand rolls surprise, passin' Ben with ease, Aggressive dinks crosscourt, bringin' pros to their knees. Luc's resets athletic, chasin' every ball, Crowd's cheerin' loud, watch the underdogs stand tall. Foot faults and challenges, Ben's instant calls so right, But Will's birthday warmup with Ben at ten, what a sight!

(Bridge) Slow it down now, feel the jazz in your soul, Placement over power, that's the golden goal. Dink therapeutic, crosscourt from the right, Lob it sneaky, keep 'em guessin' all night. Net cords unfair, but keep that spirit high, Chaos on the court, young players touch the sky.

(Verse 3) Game one tight, 11-7 slip away, Game two fight, 11-6 but they made 'em pay. Fans on YouTube ravin', "Will's the next big thing," Made Ben uneasy, hear the paddles sing. From NorCal roots to pro stage glow, Bold speed-ups, hands quick as they go. Learn from this tale, practice every day, Pickleball's your world, come out and play!

(Chorus) Hey hey, roll that backhand, topspin on the fly, Speed up bold, don't be shy, reach for the sky! Hands battles poppin', net cords droppin' low, Young guns risin', stealin' the show! Pickleball dreams, from dinks to drives so fine, Learn the game, have some fun, victory's on the line!

Instrumentation and Vocal Arrangement Guidance:

• Verses: Acoustic guitar strumming folk patterns with light jazz swing; upright bass for groovy walk; brushed snare for subtle rhythm; male rap-style vocal delivery with storytelling flow, youthful energy.
• Bridge: Slowed tempo with finger-snapped jazz vibe; add soft clarinet or sax for melodic fills; upright bass prominent; female solo vocal for introspective tone, building to harmony tease.
• Chorus: Upbeat folk strum on guitar with 90's rap beat via handclaps; full band swing with bass and snare; 3-part harmony (male lead with two backups) for catchy, group-sing feel, emphasizing fun hooks.

How the Song Was Created

Crafting "Pickleball Prodigies: Will's Wild Ride" involved deliberate songwriting choices to blend educational content with an upbeat vibe for young pickleball players. The form follows a classic verse-chorus structure with three verses, a bridge, and repeated chorus, allowing narrative progression like a 1960s folk tale infused with 90's rap storytelling. Rhyme scheme uses AABB patterns in verses for rhythmic flow, creating lyrical hooks like "roll that backhand, topspin on the fly" to make details memorable—drawing from the article's highlights such as MacKinnon's two-hand rolls, age 17 background, and bold speed-ups. These concrete elements, including scores (11-7, 11-6), Bainbridge Island origin, and fan praise, educate subtly while rhyming to engage kids in learning strategy (e.g., "placement over power").

Instrumentation reflects the article's exciting, youthful tone: acoustic guitar and upright bass evoke 1960s folk warmth, symbolizing pickleball's grassroots roots, while brushed snare adds light jazz swing for fun energy matching the match's chaos. The 90's rap influence comes through in percussive elements like handclaps in the chorus, keeping it playful without overpowering the educational lyrics. Arrangement decisions prioritize build-up—verses focus on solo rap to spotlight story details like the upset over Fu and McGuffin, building intimacy; the bridge slows for reflection on shots like therapeutic dinks, using jazz fills to mirror strategic pauses in play; chorus explodes with harmony for communal joy, tying to crowd enthusiasm.

Vocally, male rap in verses conveys a mentor-like guide, while female solo in the bridge adds variety and emotional depth. Three-part harmony in the chorus fosters group participation, ideal for young audiences. Lyrics tie directly to article content by weaving in commentator quotes (e.g., rolls as "tricky") and fan buzz ("future star"), making it inspirational for aspiring players. For performance tips with juniors: encourage call-and-response in chorus to build confidence; use simple gestures mimicking rolls or dinks to kinesthetically teach; keep tempo lively (around 100 BPM) to match kids' energy, avoiding fatigue in group sings.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Pickleball Quarterfinal Upset Bid

1. What is the age of Will MacKinnon as mentioned in the article? a. 17 b. 20 c. 22 d. 26
2. Who are the commentators for the match? a. Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio b. Jim Kloss and Ava Ignatowich c. Ryan Fu and Tyson McGuffin d. Will MacKinnon and Luc Pham
3. What was the career record of Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio entering the match? a. 5-0 b. 11-7 c. 45-2 d. 11-6
4. Where was Will MacKinnon born? a. Las Vegas b. Newport Beach c. NorCal d. Bainbridge Island
5. What technique is repeatedly praised for MacKinnon in the hands battles? a. Two-hand backhand rolls b. Forehand slices c. One-hand backhand drives d. Crosscourt lobs
6. How many games did the match go to? a. Three b. Two c. One d. Four
7. What fun fact is shared about MacKinnon's 10th birthday? a. He won his first tournament b. He invented a new shot c. He warmed up with Ben Johns d. He switched to tennis
8. What do fans on YouTube urge the PPA to do regarding MacKinnon? a. Ban him for boldness b. Upload prior matches c. Partner him with Johns d. Retire his paddle
9. What is described as the most exciting part of the game by commentator Jim Kloss? a. Hands battles b. Net cord winners c. Dink rallies d. Speed-ups
10. Approximately what were the scores of the two games? a. 11-7 and 11-6 b. 11-0 and 11-1 c. 11-9 and 11-0 d. 11-3 and 11-3

Answer Key

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. A
10. A
    

On the October 27 episode of Pro Pickleball Updates with Zane Navratil Podcast, Zane showcased a clip from the Tyson McGuffin/Ryan Fu R16 match and a couple of highlights from the Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio QF match.

Pham and MacKinnon's Audacious Run Captivates PPA Las Vegas

As the PPA Rate Vegas Cup reaches its quarterfinals on Friday, all eyes turn to the men's doubles Grandstand Court for an eighth-match clash of eras: No. 40 seeds Luc Pham and Will MacKinnon, the tournament's breakout underdogs, against juggernaut top seeds Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio.

Las Vegas — Amid the neon glow of the PPA Rate Vegas Cup presented by Holland America, one narrative has eclipsed the star-studded field: the fairy-tale surge of 22-year-old Luc Pham and 17-year-old Will MacKinnon in men's doubles. Grinding through Monday's qualifiers, the pair vaulted into the Round of 16 via consecutive opponent withdrawals in the Round of 64 and 32. Their main-draw debut Thursday was pure magic—a gritty three-game stunner over No. 9 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Ryan Fu, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5.

Now, in Friday's spotlight matchup, Pham and MacKinnon—fueled by youth, NorCal grit, and improbable momentum—confront pickleball's apex predators: Johns and Tardio, whose 45-2 season record looms large. It's a David-vs.-Goliath tale primed for upset, one of three can't-miss quarterfinals at Darling Tennis Center, where the air crackles with possibility. (Source: Pickleball.com)

Luc Pham and Will MacKinnon get discussed on the

49:05 On 'The King Of The Court Podcast,' hosts Jimmy Miller and Tyler Loong rave about the underdogs' improbable run, from walkovers to stunning upsets and a gritty battle with the top seeds.

Las Vegas, Oct. 29, 2025 — In a lively segment on the King of the Court podcast, hosts Jimmy Miller and Tyler Loong dissected one of the PPA Rate Vegas Cup's most captivating storylines: the meteoric rise of 22-year-old Luc Pham (aka Luke Fam) and 17-year-old Will MacKinnon. What began as a qualifiers grind turned into a fairy-tale week of withdrawals, upsets, and respectability against pickleball royalty, with the duo earning props for their poise and potential. The Perfect Storm of Withdrawals Loong kicked off by crediting misfortune for the duo's entry: "Here's something interesting. Luke Fam and Will McKinnon. So that Will McKinnon is the guy, the kid of the referee that I told you about. Yeah. That was born on Bainbridge Island." Round of 64: Opponents Steven Monia and Uda Famizu withdrew (Miller quipped, "I assume because it's Vegas and Monia probably had a gambling debt"). Round of 32: Jay Devilliers family emergency forced a default from his team with CJ Klinger, paving another easy path. Stunning the No. 9 Seeds The real fireworks came Thursday: Pham and MacKinnon toppled No. 9 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Ryan Fu in three games. "Not so fast, my friend," Miller teased, invoking ESPN's Lee Corso. "Will McKinnon and Luke Fam beat Ryan Fu and Tyson McGuffin." Loong and Miller roasted Fu's inconsistency: "Ryan Fu has a decently high ceiling, but his floor is the depths of hell," Miller laughed, settling on "the hot magma." Respectable Stand Against the Kings Facing top seeds Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in the quarters, the kids fell in two but battled fiercely. "Seven and six. Yeah, that's good," Miller affirmed. Highlight? "**He actually had two dink winners on Ben," Miller revealed. "We warmed up with them that day," Loong shared. "He's good, dude. He looks really good," with tales of MacKinnon's inside-out shots drilling opponents—until they adjusted. Pickleball Prodigy in the Making At 17, MacKinnon's trajectory shone. "I've talked to him... when he started. He was like 10," Loong recalled. Miller sealed it: "When you were born on Bainbridge Island, it's in your blood. It literally is in your blood." The duo's Vegas saga? A respectable launchpad for Northern California's next stars, as Miller and Loong unanimously hyped.

The Dink Pod - First we are going to talk about Will MacKinnon.

Teen Pickleball Sensation Will MacKinnon Rallies Community Support for Pro Aspirations

With a $20,000 goal in sight, the 17-year-old rising star turns to fans and fellow players to fuel his journey from high school courts to international competition.

SANTA ROSA, CA (Oct. 26, 2025) — At just 17, Will MacKinnon is already turning heads in the fast-growing world of professional pickleball. Fresh off a breakout summer filled with upsets and podium finishes, the high school senior has launched the "Will to Win!" campaign on Better World, a crowdfunding effort aimed at covering the steep costs of turning his passion into a full-time career. As of today, the campaign has garnered $5,308 from 35 contributors, inching toward its $20,000 goal to support travel, event fees, and accommodations for tournaments across the country.

MacKinnon's story is one of precocious talent and relentless drive. Born on Bainbridge Island, Washington—the birthplace of pickleball itself—he's been wielding a paddle since age 5, eschewing the common tennis-to-pickleball pipeline for a purebred approach to the sport. This foundation has propelled him into the spotlight, where his aggressive dinks, two-hand backhand rolls, and fearless speed-ups have challenged even the game's elite.

A Summer of Breakthroughs

• Stood out as a rising star at the APP NextGen tournament in Kansas, earning a Player Development contract from the APP Pro Tour.
• Achieved a fourth-place finish in Men’s Pro at the PPA Challenger in Fairfield, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels.
• Delivered a standout performance at the PPA Vintage (Wooden Paddle) Open in Sacramento, defeating the Johnson twins in men's doubles and taking games off top pairs like Newman/DeVilliers and Tyra Black/Pablo Tellez.
• Recently pushed world No. 1 duo Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio to the limit in the PPA Rate Vegas Cup quarterfinals, earning widespread praise for his poise and skill.

MacKinnon's summer 2025 was a turning point, marked by rapid improvement and high-stakes victories that caught the eye of scouts and fans alike. The APP contract offers a pathway to the U.S. National Team, potentially representing the country in international events to expand pickleball's global reach. However, as with many emerging athletes, the financial hurdles are daunting. The deal requires participation in at least 50% of APP events but falls short of funding essentials like registration fees, flights, and lodging. "His game grew leaps and bounds," notes a campaign description, highlighting how these achievements have converged to make professional play a viable dream—albeit one needing community backing.

The 'Will to Win!' Campaign: Bridging the Gap

• Seeks donations to cover tournament-related expenses not addressed by the APP contract.
• Encourages non-monetary support, such as host housing in tournament cities.
• Emphasizes humility in accepting help from the pickleball community, which has already shown enthusiasm through unsolicited offers.
• Aims to sustain MacKinnon's momentum as he balances high school with pro aspirations.

Launched amid offers of support from admirers, the campaign positions MacKinnon as a beacon for young athletes in niche sports. "We are humbly requesting support in the form of donations from the Pickleball community to allay the costs involved in Will's journey," the page states. With 35 donors contributing $5,308 so far—about 26.5% of the goal—the effort underscores the grassroots spirit of pickleball. Beyond finances, it fosters connections, with some contributors offering lodging to ease travel burdens. This collective push reflects the sport's communal ethos, where players and fans rally to nurture talent.

Voices of Support: Donor Testimonials

• Michelle Reynolds ($100, 2 weeks ago): "Good Luck, Will! We're all rooting for you from Sonoma County!"
• Dan Gould ($50, 2 weeks ago): "GET IT WILL!!"
• William F. Rousseau ($100, 2 weeks ago): "Go Will Go! I am happy to support you on your dream of being the best Pickleball Player on Earth! :-)"
• Linda Cerini ($250, 2 weeks ago): "Good luck to Will on his journey to pro pickleball! This kid’s talent and heart are unreal, and it’s awesome to rally behind him!"
• Ana Anzore ($30, 2 weeks ago): (No message provided)
• Katie Lucey (Amount not specified, 2 weeks ago): "Happy to support Will - so talented! Dream Big, Will - You Got This! I (and all of Flyte) will be cheering you on your journey. You have already made us so proud!"
• Maree Creed and Mark Girotti ($500, 15 hours ago): "We feel like we've been on this journey since 2016!"
• Leisa Butler ($100, 20 hours ago): "Let’s GOOOO Will!"
• Jennifer Mori ($100, 20 hours ago): "I’m happy to support Will in his dream!"
• Shannon Utter ($250, 20 hours ago): "Woo hoo! Go Will!"
• Grant Wyborny ($100, 1 day ago): "Let’s go Will!"
• Janine Deardorff ($150, 1 day ago): "Wishing you the best in everything you do, Will!! Congratulations on your amazing Pickleball career!! Way to go!!"
• Freiburger Family ($100, 1 day ago): "Delighted to hear about Will's journey and continued success in all he does!"
• Carolyn Dilena ($100, 1 day ago): "Go Will!"
• Linda Cerini ($250, 1 day ago): "Facing the number 1 team in the world today! Gotta keep this kids dream going."
• Christa Brown (Amount not specified, 1 day ago): "I am so happy to support Will! He's such a great young man!"

The outpouring of encouragement from donors paints a picture of a tight-knit community invested in MacKinnon's success. Comments range from simple cheers like "Go Will!" to heartfelt endorsements of his "talent and heart." Repeat donor Linda Cerini, who contributed twice, referenced his recent Vegas matchup against the top-ranked team, tying the campaign to real-time excitement. Longtime supporters like Maree Creed and Mark Girotti evoke a sense of shared history, noting their involvement since 2016. These testimonials not only boost funds but also morale, reinforcing MacKinnon's path with emotional backing.

Summary

Will MacKinnon's "Will to Win!" campaign represents more than a fundraiser—it's a testament to pickleball's inclusive growth and the power of community in elevating young talent. At 17, MacKinnon has already notched impressive wins against pros, secured an APP contract, and eyed national team spots, but the realities of travel and fees demand external support. With $5,308 raised from 35 donors toward a $20,000 goal, the effort highlights his journey from Bainbridge Island prodigy to potential international ambassador. As donors rally with messages of pride and encouragement, the campaign could propel MacKinnon to new heights, inspiring the next generation of players in a sport that's exploding in popularity. For those interested in contributing, the Better World page offers a direct way to join the "Will to Win!" movement.