Pickleball has a history of fewer than 50 years. Yet the sport has made a mark in the hearts of sports lovers. But, do you know where it is growing the fastest?

Played by more than over 5 million people worldwide, with 62 countries officially registered with the International Federation of Pickleball. It is a sport on the rise, reaching five continents. So are you aware of which countries have taken a particular liking to this sport?

America, Canada, a vast majority of European countries, and India are the countries where Pickleball is growing at an alarming rate. Experts believe that if the progress rate is maintained, Pickleball being a full-time professional sport isn't a reality far away.

Still, there is a lot more behind the reason for this success than what meets the eye. If you want to know why these countries are liking Pickleball, read this guide to know the complete picture. Learn all the growing countries' names and the reason behind them

I have been involved as a rabbit fan of the sport for 2+ years. I have utilized data from the website of the International Federation of Pickleball.

Countries Where Pickleball is The Fastest Growing Sport

The following are the countries where Pickleball is growing at the fastest rate:

1. The United States of America

The birthplace of Pickleball United States of America is the number one place for the sport's growth. Pickleball is growing at its fastest pace here because of the following reasons.

Home Country Advantage

The biggest reason America is the fastest growing country for Pickleball is that in 1965 it was the home country where the sport was invented. Everything related to the sport, its rules, equipment, playing conditions, regulatory body, etc., was decided here.

This is why people of this country have a deeper connection with the sport than in other places. Pickleball started its journey here and, after five decades, has infiltrated 62 countries, but it would have been zero if it wasn't for the efforts of Americans who made this sport popular in the first place.

Likened Especially By Baby Boomers

Another and quite possibly the most prominent reason why Pickleball is growing in popularity in America at such an impressive pace is because of the Baby boomers. Widely regarded as the greatest American generation, they have taken a particular interest in the sport.

Baby boomers were the generation who saw the rise of tennis, badminton, and ping pong to what they are today. They also won the world championship in those sports the most number of times. So when they were offered a sport that was an amalgamation of the three, they loved it in their retiring days.

Pickleball is widely reported as the perfect blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. However, the effort and ferocity required to play it are a lot milder compared to the other three, and this is why America's greatest generation has embraced it with open arms.

Recreational Sport of Choice for Overweight/Sick Americans

The final reason for the exceptional growth of Pickleball in the USA, according to my research, is that it is the choice of recreational sport for old, overweight, and sick Americans. Doctors suggest their patients take up Pickleball because it is a light-sport that helps them achieve mobility.

In cities where most Americans with diabetes, obesity, and heart issues reside, like in Omaha and Seattle, Pickleball is the most famous sport there.

2. Canada

Canada is second on the list of countries where Pickleball is the fastest growing sport. According to the Pickleball Ontario organization, which represents one of Canada's major cities, Pickleball has more than doubled its number of players since 2020. Nowadays, various professional and semi-professional competitions in Canada have made Pickleball compete with the big sports.

3. Spain

Spain was one of the founding members of the International Federation of Pickleball and where the first Bainbridge Cup was held. If you are unaware, the Bainbridge Cup is the world cup equivalent of Pickleball. Spanish Pickleball Open Championship is widely regarded as the marquee event of the sport for Spain. It is attended by thousands of enthusiastic fans where all the top players play.

4. England

A core member of the Pickleball sport ever since its boom in popularity. England is another country playing its part in making Pickleball a household sport.

England is one of the few countries that have even established region-wise representation for their Pickleball representative organizations. They are divided into six groups: North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, and East Midlands.

These organizations actively promote Pickleball on a county level and are responsible for organizing countless Pickleball tournaments to generate interest among the general public.

5. Germany

Germany is the most recent European country who have taken an extreme liking to the sport of Pickleball; hence they are also the country where it is growing at one of its fastest paces. Like Spain, Germany has also enjoyed hosting Bainbridge Cup, which proves their enthusiasm for the sport.

Lovers of badminton and tennis took interest in Pickleball was only a matter of time, and they have embraced it with the utmost admiration.

6. India

With over a billion sport-loving people who are champions in badminton and tennis, India took to Pickleball like a fish to water. Since then, Pickleball has spread to 16 Indian states, with over 3000 players registered in the country. Plus, many professional events have gone under the country's roof. Due to India's vast commercial market, you can be a professional here if you want to.

The participants attend national and international competitions, and tens of thousands of fans cheer them on almost every month. The formation of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) was a watershed moment in Indian Pickleball history. Pickleball has systematically grown in India since then.