Columbus, OH – 05/10/2025 – The Columbus Sliders, a premier franchise in Major League Pickleball (MLP), are thrilled to announce the launch of their own Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) event, scheduled for April 19. This milestone event will be organized by Fernando Esquivel, who has been appointed as the Tournament Director, bringing extensive expertise in event management and competitive play.

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The MiLP event marks a pivotal step in the Sliders’ mission to foster talent development, expand community engagement, and create a direct pipeline for players aspiring to reach the professional ranks. By hosting their own MiLP event, the Columbus Sliders are investing not just in their franchise's future but also in the broader growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

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"We’re excited to host our first The Dink Minor League Pickleball event and provide players with a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment," said Fernando Esquivel, Director of Operations. "Fernando Esquivel’s leadership as Tournament Director ensures a top-tier event that aligns with the Sliders’ commitment to excellence on and off the court."

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This event also strategically aligns with the upcoming Major League Pickleball event in Columbus just weeks later on May 1st-4th, creating a seamless pathway between MiLP and MLP for fans, players, and sponsors alike. The synergy between these events offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage the local pickleball community, attract new fans, and spotlight emerging talent.

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"The Columbus Sliders’ commitment to hosting their own Minor League Pickleball event is a testament to the rapid growth and impact of MiLP within the pickleball community,” said Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball at DUPR. “By creating more opportunities for players to compete at a high level, they’re not just developing talent—they’re helping to build the future of the sport. We’re thrilled to support this event and look forward to seeing the energy and competition it brings to Columbus." 

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Event Highlights:

• Date: April 19
• Location: Pickle & Chill in Columbus, OH
• Format: Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) tournament, with top talent competing for recognition and advancement opportunities
• Player Opportunities: all players who sign up for the amateur tournament presented by the MLP on May 1-4, will receive a discount and be able to play in MiLP for $5 per player, and winners of each division will earn medals for their division. 
• Tournament Director: Fernando Esquivel, known for his expertise in organizing high-caliber pickleball events

Registration details are available via dupr.com/minorleague for players interested in competing. Fans can look forward to an action-packed day of pickleball, community activities, and opportunities to connect with the Sliders family.

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About Columbus Sliders‍

The Columbus Sliders are a proud franchise in Major League Pickleball, dedicated to excellence, community engagement, and the growth of pickleball at every level. Through innovative events, player development programs, and a passion for the game, the Sliders are shaping the future of pickleball in Columbus and beyond. They are going into 2025 with a strong roster and ambitious mentality.

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About MiLP

Minor League Pickleball (MiLP), owned and operated by DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), is the premier amateur pickleball tour and a one-of-a-kind platform offering players a “play like the pros” experience. Modeled after Major League Pickleball, MiLP has been empowering amateur teams to compete at the highest level for several years. Teams participate in a series of local events that culminate in the highly anticipated Nationals event each year. With its unique team-based format,

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Minor League Pickleball has not only grown to become the largest amateur pickleball tour but has also served as a proving ground for future professional players. Notable alumni like Connor Garnett have made the leap to the pro ranks, showcasing the league’s ability to develop talent. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills or compete for glory, Minor League Pickleball is the ultimate pathway for passionate players to elevate their game.

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About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

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Kyrill Hartog
VP Marketing & Communications
kyrill@mydupr.com

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