How to go Pro in Pickleball and Content w/ YouTuber Tanner Tomassi

PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ In this episode of the Picklepod, we’re joined by Tanner Tomasi, calling in from India at 4:30 PM while Zane grinds at 6 a.m. and Nico barely keeps his eyes open at 3 a.m. 🌍☕ Tanner breaks down his experience competing in the World Pickleball League, including the unique format, 18 straight days of matches, and what it was like playing against elite international talent — plus Eric Lang’s final pro tournament ever. From there, the conversation takes a sharp turn into one of our hottest debates yet: Is doubles pickleball closer to professional gaming than tennis? We dive into reaction time, pattern recognition, neuroplasticity, and why former gamers may actually have an edge at the highest level of the sport. Tanner also opens up about his journey from full-time Fortnite streamer to pro pickleball player and content creator, sharing hard-earned lessons on social media growth, consistency, YouTube strategy, and why the packaging of content matters more than most people realize. Finally, we roll into the Dink Awards, spotlighting the most influential voices, best on-air personalities, and top pickleball podcasts — with plenty of opinions, debates, and classic Picklepod chaos along the way. This one hits pro pickleball, content creation, gaming crossover, and the future of the sport — don’t miss it. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Follow Tanner https://www.instagram.com/tanner.pickleball/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Tanner Calls In From India: World Pickleball League Explained 3:04 Does Pickleball Need a Mercy Rule? (7–0 Skunk Debate) 8:00 Tanner’s Background: From Fortnite Streaming to Pickleball 17:27 Discovering a niche in pickleball content 23:30 Who will be the Mr. Beast of pickleball? 27:01 The 120Life Dink Awards Most Influential Voice 34:53 Best On-air Personality and who you want to see in the booth 41:55 Podcast of the Year and the co-host tournament challenge 49:59 Pickleball YouTuber of the Year Award and Best Instructor 53:27 Content Creator of the Year completes the triple crown 58:39 The Viral Moment of the Year Award 1:05:31 Pickleball Journalist of the Year Award 1:07:02 Does pickleball have its Super Bowl event? 1:14:38 Start every match with a Nasty Nelson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices