Vikings on a Mission: Miami Pickle Games 2024

Stepping into The Miami Pickle Games, I felt that familiar rush of excitement and curiosity. I wasn’t just there to capture photos. I wanted to see what this new era of pickleball events was really about and to quietly introduce Valhalla Pickleball to the crowd.

I’d attended a few events before, including a pro tournament and a pickleball pop-up during Art Basel, but this one promised something different. As a South Florida local, I couldn’t miss what was being called “the premier pickleball party in the country.”

The day started with a drive south from the Treasure Coast into the heart of the Gold Coast. As I crossed the bridge into Key Biscayne, the massive concrete form of Marine Stadium rose in the distance, a fitting backdrop for a gathering of modern warriors. Photography of the structure was restricted, but I managed a few quick shots on my phone before heading inside.

Right past the entrance, I spotted familiar faces: The Pickleballin’ Lifestyle Club. I’d first met co-founders Stephanie Allen-Tunsil at the Pickle Basel event a few months earlier. Their mission to bring diversity into the sport and introduce more of the Black community to pickleball is one we’re proud to support. We caught up, shared a few laughs, and kicked off the day with a quick photo.

As I moved through Vendor Village, I met Estefania, a vibrant product model with unmistakable energy. Between conversations about gear, she mentioned her passion for fire performance. By the end of our chat, we were already tossing around ideas for a future Viking-themed collaboration.

Balancing the roles of photographer and brand founder kept things interesting. I wanted to stay focused on shooting, but my Valhalla Pickleball gear naturally drew attention. Each conversation became a chance to share the idea behind the brand, one that celebrates boldness, camaraderie, and the fearless spirit of play. The response was immediate and positive. People understood what we were about the moment they heard it.

That’s what continues to inspire me about pickleball. It’s more than just a sport. It’s a community that welcomes everyone to the court, where competition meets connection, and where a shared love for the game brings people together, regardless of background.

The Miami Pickle Games felt like another small victory, a chance to connect, capture, and carry the Viking spirit forward. Although it remains to be seen whether this event will come back, one thing is for certain, the journey for Valhalla Pickleball is just beginning and the energy and support from days like this make it clear the tribe is growing.

Til Valhalla.