The 2024 Season 2 finale of Major League Pickleball (MLP) Australia culminated in the high-stakes Melbourne Championship, showcasing the best of pickleball talent from across Australia and beyond. With twelve teams competing fiercely over three days, each match brought dynamic play, electrifying rallies, and unforgettable moments.
Melbourne Championship Highlights
The Melbourne Championship saw each team battle through multiple rounds, with thrilling victories and close-fought losses shaping the path to the finals.
- The Fours displayed dominant form, starting with a sweep against the Surge in Round 1 and continuing with impressive wins, ultimately securing their season title with a victory in the championship match against the Vipers.
- The Vipers pushed hard through the quarterfinals and semifinals, besting teams like the Sydney Smash and Crocs to earn their place in the Championship Match for the first time. Their resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament kept fans on the edge of their seats.
- The Crocs and Surge also showcased strong performances in early rounds. The Crocs secured big wins with standout play from Harsh Mehta, while the Surge’s Yu-Chieh Hsieh and Leander Lazaro brought spirited energy to the court.
Event Team Standings
- Champions: Fours
- Runner-up: Vipers
- Semi-finalists: Stars, Crocs
- Quarterfinalists: Sydney Smash, Mavs
Final Standings and Rankings
After an intense three-event season, here are the final team standings based on cumulative points across the Melbourne Championships and previous events:
- The Fours clinched the overall championship with consistent top placements, ending their season with an impressive 44 points. This well-rounded team showcased skill, adaptability, and teamwork to become the clear frontrunners and season champions.
- The Vipers followed in second place with 35 points.
- The Crocs and Surge tied with 33 points, each team securing a spot in the top three with stellar performances throughout the season.
Individual Player Achievements
The season standings reflect the talent and dedication of players who consistently performed under pressure. Here are the top individual performers from Season 2:
- George Wall (Fours) led the player rankings, boasting 19 game wins with just 4 losses, a record that underscored his importance to the Fours’ success.
- Ting Chieh Wei and Lucas Pascoe (Fours) finished second and third respectively, proving themselves crucial to the Fours’ unbeaten streak, with each player winning 10 matches this season.
- Harsh Mehta (Crocs) was another standout, finishing fourth with 15 game wins and 7 match wins. His strong play contributed greatly to the Crocs’ competitive edge.
Other notable performances included Emilia Schmidt (Vipers) with 15 game wins and Jason Taylor (Hustle/Stars), who consistently delivered whether playing for the Hustle or Stars. Michelle Esquivel (Hustle) and Joseph Wild (Sydney Smash) also demonstrated commendable skill on the court, rounding out a season of impressive individual efforts.
Reflections on Season 2
Season 2 of MLP Australia has truly elevated the sport’s profile, bringing together a blend of veteran talents and emerging stars. Each player brought an impressive level of dedication, agility, and strategy, thrilling fans and contributing to the growing excitement around pickleball in Australia.
The success of the Fours underscores the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and endurance across a demanding season. Meanwhile, each team’s unique strengths and competitive spirit made for a season that celebrated both individual and team excellence. As we look forward to Season 3 in 2025, the stage is set for more high-energy matches, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments on the court.
Team and individual rankings can be found here.
Relive the Championship Match plus plenty more at our YouTube Channel.
