Vietnam’s pickleball scene just reached a new level with the successful Facolos Champion 2025 tournament, held on January 19th. This event marked Vietnam's first-ever large-scale tournament that was 100% DUPR submittable, attracting over 300 players across various categories. Long Hoang Nguyen, the organizer behind the event, played a pivotal role in making it happen, helping to bring international standards to the rapidly growing pickleball community in Vietnam.

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This tournament was more than just a local competition; it represented a significant step forward for pickleball in Vietnam. With the integration of the DUPR system, the Facolos Champion 2025 tournament achieved a level of professionalism and credibility that placed Vietnam on the global pickleball map. Players now have the opportunity to compete and rank against international players, pushing the sport's development in the country even further.

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DUPR’s Role in Shaping Vietnam’s Global Reputation

The adoption of the DUPR system, was one of the defining features of the Facolos Champion 2025. This was a landmark decision for Vietnam’s pickleball community, marking the country’s first fully DUPR submittable event. 

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“Adopting 100% DUPR was a significant milestone for competitive pickleball in Vietnam. DUPR brought transparency, fairness, and professionalism to our tournaments. With DUPR, players can compare their skills with athletes worldwide, driving them to improve,” Nguyen explains.

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A Tournament for All Skill Levels

The Facolos Champion 2025 was designed to appeal to pickleball players of all skill levels. With four distinct categories, ranging from Newbie Men's Doubles to Advanced Doubles, the tournament offered an inclusive experience that allowed both newcomers and experienced players to compete. 

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Organizers also arranged pre-tournament training sessions for those newer to the sport, ensuring they were well-prepared for the competition. This thoughtful approach created an environment that fostered growth and camaraderie within the community.

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“The Vietnamese pickleball community responded to the tournament with great enthusiasm,” says Nguyen. “The over 300 participants demonstrated the sport's rapid growth. Players praised the organization, professionalism, and opportunities for networking and learning.”

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Challenges of Organizing a Large-Scale Event

Organizing an event of this size was no small feat, and Nguyen faced numerous challenges along the way. From securing the right venue to managing player registrations and sponsorships, every detail required careful planning. One of the most significant obstacles was integrating the DUPR system, which wasn’t initially supported by a local Vietnamese platform. 

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However, Nguyen and his team rose to the occasion by creating a simplified registration process and providing clear instructions to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

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“Organizing such a large-scale tournament required meticulous planning,” Nguyen shares. “The most significant challenge was collecting DUPR IDs due to the lack of a Vietnamese platform integrated with the DUPR API. To overcome this, we created a simplified online registration form, provided detailed instructions, and regularly updated information on our communication channels.”

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Fostering a Competitive, Yet Supportive Environment

A core goal of the Facolos Champion 2025 was to create a competitive atmosphere that was also supportive, particularly for newcomers. By offering multiple categories, the tournament allowed participants to compete within their skill levels, ensuring that everyone had a fair chance. 

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Nguyen’s strategy for fostering this balance between competitiveness and camaraderie was evident in the event’s organization. Players from all backgrounds had the opportunity to learn from each other while enjoying the thrill of competition.

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“We aimed to create a healthy competitive environment by designing the tournament with various skill levels, allowing players to choose suitable categories,” Nguyen says. “Collaborating with pickleball clubs and sponsors expanded our reach and enhanced tournament quality.”

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Vietnam’s Growing Pickleball Community

While pickleball is rapidly growing in Vietnam, Nguyen believes there is still immense potential for further expansion. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, the Vietnamese pickleball community is exceptionally passionate. 

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The Facolos Champion 2025 tournament played a crucial role in building on that passion, drawing players from across the country to participate. According to Nguyen, this level of enthusiasm signals that the sport is gaining serious traction and shows no signs of slowing down.

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“While pickleball in Vietnam is growing rapidly, there is still much potential,” says Nguyen. “Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, the Vietnamese pickleball community is exceptionally passionate and enthusiastic.”

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Looking to the Future

The success of the Facolos Champion 2025 sets a new standard for future pickleball events in Vietnam. Nguyen hopes this tournament will not only inspire future competitions but also attract sponsors and players from around the world. The professionalism and global recognition brought by the DUPR system are key factors in elevating Vietnam’s pickleball scene to new heights.

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“We hope Facolos Champion 2025 will set a precedent for more professional pickleball tournaments in Vietnam,” Nguyen says. “It will establish a new standard for organization and attract more sponsors and players.”

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Advice for Future Organizers

Nguyen’s experience organizing the Facolos Champion 2025 gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to run a successful pickleball tournament. He advises future organizers, whether in Southeast Asia or globally, to prioritize meticulous planning, community building, and collaboration with local businesses and organizations. 

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These elements, he believes, are critical to creating a successful event that will continue to grow the sport.

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“To successfully organize a pickleball tournament, organizers should plan meticulously: define goals, target audience, budget, and required resources,” Nguyen advises. “Seek support: collaborate with organizations, businesses, and the community for financial and human resources.”

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He also suggests building and connecting the community through the creation of a fair and transparent playing field. The goal should be to foster a connected and supportive community.  

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A Personal Victory

For Nguyen, the success of the Facolos Champion 2025 tournament is not just a professional accomplishment—it’s a personal victory. His vision for pickleball in Vietnam is becoming a reality, and the event demonstrated just how far the sport has come in such a short period. With this event, he is one step closer to realizing his goal of making Vietnam a global hotspot for pickleball.

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“The success of Facolos Champion 2025 is a source of great pride for me and our organizing team,” Nguyen reflects. “It demonstrates the growing popularity of pickleball in Vietnam. My vision is to make Vietnam a global pickleball hotspot.”

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As Vietnam continues to embrace pickleball, it is clear that the Facolos Champion 2025 tournament marks just the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting future for the sport in the country and beyond.