Pickleball, e-Sport and the transformation of Vietnamese sports

VHO - In the picture of contemporary Vietnamese sports, besides familiar competitions such as football, badminton, athletics or volleyball, a new breeze is forming. From Pickleball to e-Sport gradually becoming a billion-dollar industry, Vietnam is gradually keeping up with global trends, expanding the scope of sports development towards modernity and integration.

The era of open sports

In just a few short years, Pickleball, a sport combining tennis, badminton and table tennis, has become a global craze, spreading throughout Asia. In Vietnam, from a "foreign" sport, Pickleball is gradually becoming a physical entertainment choice for many urban residents - where small courts, low costs and high community spirit create a special attraction.

The trend of Pickleball spreading in Vietnam is clear, many new clubs are established, playgrounds are widely appearing in big cities, especially because this sport is easy to access, the investment cost is not too high and it is suitable for many ages. In the first 6 months of 2025, the Pickleball market in Vietnam witnessed an impressive explosion, with total consumer spending exceeding half a trillion VND, growing more than 1,200% over the same period last year.

Competing in women's doubles at the PPA Tour Asia - Vietnam Cup 2025, taking place at Tien Son Sports Palace ( Da Nang City)

A notable event was the PPA Tour Asia - Vietnam Cup 2025 recently held in Da Nang, which gathered nearly 600 professional and amateur athletes from all over Asia, with the participation of world-class stars such as Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, Kaitlyn Christian. Not only was it the first international Pickleball sporting event held in Vietnam, the tournament also entered the Guinness World Records with more than 7,900 live spectators, surpassing the previous record set in the US.

If Pickleball is a new breeze of outdoor sports, then e-Sports is shaping a completely different sports space that is modern, technological and booming in the digital age. In 2023, total revenue from e-Sports in Vietnam reached 5.78 million USD, an increase of 11.15% compared to 2022. It is expected that by 2030, revenue from e-Sports in Vietnam will reach 10 million USD and continue to grow strongly in the future.

Not only developing strongly in the entertainment aspect, e-Sport has also established its official sports status. Vietnam has won the right to host the 2026 Asian Esports Games - the first time a regional event in the field of e-Sport has been held in our country.

The cooperation between FPT and GAM Esports, along with a series of units such as Box Gaming, Team Flash, Vikings Esports… is expanding the domestic professional e-sport ecosystem. Not only stopping at games, investors are developing e-sport athlete training centers, simulated competition arenas (VR/AR) and digital sports television content.

Challenges, opportunities and professional orientation

Both Pickleball and e-Sports represent a common trend that Vietnamese sports are entering a period of diversification. From a sport that mainly revolved around a few traditional sports, Vietnam can now confidently organize new tournaments, integrating with the world flow. However, this development also comes with many challenges.

First, the infrastructure for non-traditional sports is still fragmented. Pickleball requires standard courts, while e-Sports requires high-speed internet connections and specialized equipment. Investing in infrastructure becomes a prerequisite for the sustainable development of these sports.

Second, the issue of expertise and management. Vietnam still lacks coaches, referees and professional competition mechanisms for new sports. Without a clear legal framework, the movement can develop quickly but it is difficult to go far.

Third, public habits. Vietnamese fans still pay great attention to football. Creating a culture of cheering and participating in tournaments of new sports requires time and a methodical communication strategy.

However, these “small waves” contain great potential. With Pickleball, a playground can be organized right in a residential area, park or school. With e-Sport, only a stable internet connection can connect millions of players. The spread lies in the ability to popularize and innovate, helping sports reach closer to the people.

Experts say that in order for non-traditional sports to develop, Vietnam needs to shift from a “management” to a “creation” mindset - creating conditions for communities, businesses and schools to participate.

Some localities such as Da Nang and Can Tho have begun testing the model of “multi-purpose sports fields” - allowing shared use for basketball, badminton, Pickleball, and even organizing community e-Sport mini-tournaments. This model not only saves on infrastructure but also encourages physical activity and healthy entertainment.

Regarding policy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is researching and updating the Vietnam Sports Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, including adding new sports groups, technology sports, and community recreational sports - opening the way for Pickleball and e-Sport to be officially recognized in the national competition system.

In addition, the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Vietnam Pickleball Federation has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, consisting of 14 members. The establishment of the Steering Committee will help complete the necessary procedures, build the charter and mobilize members to move towards organizing the congress to establish the federation, expected to take place at the end of 2025.

Although still new, this difference evokes the desire for development, where sports are not only about competition, but also a way to connect, share and affirm the position of a dynamic Vietnam in the new era.

 

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/pickleball-esport-va-buoc-chuyen-minh-cua-the-thao-viet-nam-174378.html