"Moves That Serve" Close out National Mall of Pickleball 2025

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Humana (@humana)

The third annual National Mall of Pickleball, presented by the Trust for the National Mall and Humana brought players and spectators to America’s Front Yard, bringing "moves that serve" —in every sense of the word—serving up community, connection and fun. In its new location — between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument on the National Mall — this fun, free, three-day event was more popular than ever before.

Across three days, thousands of fans and players took in a healthy cooking demonstration with the Humana Foundation and area students, pro play from DC Pickleball Team and the Association of Pickleball Players, all-inclusive knock out rounds on center court, DMV Invitational, Veteran Volley, Media Match and the Ultimate Duos competitions, walk-on court play and so much more. The event celebrated the way that pickleball builds community, connection and good health for all, in the place for all, the National Mall.

The Trust was honored to continue this beloved annual event with its generous partner Humana, sponsor of National Mall of Pickleball and lead partner for the Trust for the National Mall’s Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall. The Trust and the National Park Service are leading this important initiative inspired by America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 to restore, preserve and elevate the National Mall — for 2026 and for generations to come. Learn more at NationalMall250.org.

Scroll down for all the highlights and the photo album. Thank you to all who joined us on America’s Front Yard!

Event Highlights

Opening day was filled with dinks, community and excitement on America's Front Yard. Players were bringing "Moves That Serve" on center court and all the side courts for advanced sign-ups and walk-on play! Spectators took in a healthy cooking demonstration "In the Kitchen," professional play on center court, an all-inclusive knock out round and a lively Media Match among top news bureaus that saw the Washington Post retain its title of King of the Hill. Opening day also featured a tournament among Washington, D.C. area pickleball clubs, where Village Pickle and DC Fray took home the top honors in each of their divisions.
Day two saw no shortage of action! The day kicked off with the Veterans Volley, celebrating and honoring the service of U.S. veterans and the important community that supports them. The tournament brought veterans and players of all ages on court for a friendly round-robin. Congratulations to the the U.S. Army team from Veterans in Pickleball (VIP) for taking home the win against fellow VIP members from the U.S. Air Force in an exciting final match.

National Mall of Pickleball's Ultimate Duo Challenge brought together teams from across the country who entered a contest to join us on the National Mall by sharing an essay about how pickleball changed their lives and helped build friendship. The eight teams selected from various regions of the U.S. joined us for a welcome reception and a special tour of the National Mall on Friday. They took to the courts Saturday, with one sensational pair taking home the win in the Ultimate Duo Challenge. Congratulations to Matthew and Nam!
Nonprofit teams competed in the Changemaker's Cup, with Bright Focus Foundation winning the title of the ultimate "do-gooder" of National Mall of Pickleball against runner-up National Park Foundation. The day was punctuated by two exciting and competitive rounds of Knock-Out, which welcomed everybody out to play on center court on the National Mall.

On Day Three the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and the D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT) stole the show with a fast-paced Pro Showcase as we closed out the National Mall of Pickleball 2025! The last day of play was full of pro power, crowd-pleasing clinics, packed courts, packed stands and the final rounds of crowd favorite "knock-out." The National Mall, America's Front Yard, was truly alive with pickleball spirit and community.

National Mall of Pickleball celebrates the generous support of our partners at HUMANA and the HUMANA Foundation, and our mission with the National Park Service to restore, preserve and elevate the National Mall as a vibrant space for all. On the courts and through our dynamic programming throughout the weekend, we had a blast and made a "dink" on history once again, spotlighting the ways that pickleball brings players together, across all generations and skill levels, to stay active, healthy and connected.

This free, three-day event was open to the public! But you can make a gift to support our work to ensure a vibrant and engaging National Mall here.