Nobody saw this coming.
The Columbus Sliders pulled off one of the most shocking and unforgettable playoff runs in Major League Pickleball (MLP) history, going from underdogs to 2025 MLP Champions in New York City.
This blog breaks down how it all happened—from strategic masterstrokes to dreambreaker drama—and why this run will be remembered as one of the greatest in pro pickleball.
How the Columbus Sliders Took Down the League’s Best
The Sliders’ path to the title wasn’t just difficult—it was historic. In back-to-back-to-back matches, they eliminated:
Dallas Flash — the defending champions (quarterfinals, and the team that chose to face Columbus thinking it was the easier matchup)
St. Louis Shock — the #1 seed and regular season powerhouse (semifinals)
New Jersey 5s — last year’s runner-up and midseason champions (finals)
In a league full of stacked rosters and championship experience, Columbus flipped the script.
The Strategy Behind the Upsets
One of the biggest storylines from the 2025 MLP Finals was the Sliders’ relentless strategy.
In women’s and mixed doubles, they targeted opponents with constant speed-ups and pressure, especially against Kate Fahey of the Shock.
In men’s doubles, Andrei Daescu and CJ Klinger used their length and aggressive play to neutralize the league’s best offensive duos.
Their discipline in dreambreakers—the tiebreak format that often decides playoff matches—proved to be the ultimate difference.
It wasn’t just talent. It was execution, tactics, and composure under pressure.
Dreambreaker Dominance
Pickleball fans know: dreambreakers are the most nerve-wracking part of MLP. And the Sliders thrived in them.
Their size, quick hands, and ability to stay calm in high-stress points made them almost impossible to topple when it came down to singles battles. In both the semifinal against St. Louis and the Finals against New Jersey, they leaned on this advantage to close out their opponents.
The Finals in New York City
The stage couldn’t have been bigger—MLP Finals at Central Park in New York City.
The Sliders and the New Jersey 5s battled through multiple dreambreakers, and fans witnessed everything from strategic adjustments to fiery rallies. In the end, Columbus proved they could beat the 5s’ firepower by sticking to their game plan and stepping up in the biggest moments.
Beyond the Court: Narratives and Drama
The Cinderella run wasn’t just about the scores. It was about the storylines:
The Dallas Flash chose Columbus in the quarterfinals, thinking it was the safer matchup. That gamble backfired.
Questions about chemistry on the Sliders roster were answered with teamwork and grit.
On-court smack talk and even an airplane banner added extra flavor to the New York weekend.
It all added to the drama—and to the legend of this championship.
Why This Run Matters
The 2025 MLP season will be remembered for many reasons, but the Columbus Sliders’ path to the championship set a new standard for what’s possible in pro pickleball:
Underdogs can win it all.
Strategy and execution can beat reputation.
And dreambreaker resilience is the ultimate weapon.
This wasn’t just a championship. It was a reminder of why fans love Major League Pickleball—anything can happen.
Watch the Full Recap
Want to see how it all went down? Check out the full match breakdown and recap video here:
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