#USA #Atlanta #LT Open #Lea Jansen #Christopher Haworth

Champions of the LT Open

This past weekend in Atlanta, the inaugural LT Open showcased the best in professional singles pickleball, culminating in an exciting atmosphere where top athletes competed fiercely for prestige and financial rewards. Presented by Life Time, this groundbreaking tournament brought together over 140 players from around the globe and featured a notable prize pool of $250,000.

Notable Victories

Lea Jansen and Christopher Haworth emerged victorious, each claiming a champion's trophy along with a hefty prize of $50,000. The Women's Singles title went to Jansen after a competitive four-game match against Parris Todd. Haworth, representing the men's division, secured his crown following an intense five-game clash with Federico Staksrud. Both finals showcased the physicality and skill inherent in high-stakes pickleball, as athletes displayed remarkable endurance and strategy.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi had a front-row seat to the dynamic matches, presenting checks and accolades to both champions. Agassi, who serves as the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board Chair, expressed his excitement about the event's potential to elevate the sport.

A Vision Realized

The founder and CEO of Life Time, Bahram Akradi, expressed his dreams of creating an event reminiscent of ancient gladiatorial contests. He mentioned how the LT Open embodies this vision, aiming to set a standard for professional pickleball with its exclusive singles format. Akradi's enthusiasm was matched by the excitement of the crowd, as thousands gathered at Life Time Peachtree Corners to enjoy live matches, entertainment, and exclusive giveaways.

The LT Open did not just focus on the competition but also aimed to enhance the player experience. For the first time in U.S. tournaments, on-site paddle testing was conducted using a GNG machine, ensuring all paddles met necessary standards for fair play—a significant step towards promoting integrity in the sport.

Growing the Sport

The event highlighted Life Time's commitment to expanding pickleball across its facilities, where interest has surged over the past year. More than 3.1 million players engaged in pickleball within Life Time's clubs in just the first half of 2025, a substantial increase from previous years. This growth is indicative of society's rising passion for the sport, and Life Time is leading the charge with its top-tier amenities—featuring 32 dedicated pickleball courts at Peachtree Corners, complete with seating for spectators and a pro shop.

Jansen and Haworth's victories symbolize more than personal achievements; they herald a new chapter for singles pickleball on a national stage, as organizers look forward to the LT Open’s future and its potential as a premier tournament worldwide. They have inspired new participants while energizing established players, making pickleball not just a game but a community.

For those eager to relive the intense moments, the matches were live-streamed and are available for replay on platforms like PPA Tour YouTube and PickleballTV, allowing fans to experience the championship atmosphere from the comfort of their home.

Looking Ahead

Life Time continues to promote health and well-being while innovating in sports experiences that meet the enthusiasm of modern athletes and fans alike. With Jansen and Haworth's triumph etched into the annals of pickleball history, the LT Open is poised to grow, representing an exhilarating growth trajectory for this exciting sport.

Stay tuned for what comes next in this thrilling world of pickleball and follow Life Time's journey as they redefine athletic competition. For more updates, check out Life Time's official site and follow their social media channels.