Competitions

The Road to Thailand

An American men's triples team just did what no American team had ever done — winning both the Panamerican World Qualifier and the Panamerican Open. In November, they carry the Stars and Stripes to the World Pétanque Championships in Thailand.

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Pétanque's Olympic Dream: The Long Road to Recognition

For forty years, the boules federations have knocked on the IOC's door — and watched breakdancing walk in instead. What the quest says about sport, legitimacy, and the French and American ways of wanting something.

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Pro Pickleball's Gold Rush

Two rival leagues, billionaire owners, and a TV deal. Pickleball went pro in about fifteen minutes.

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The Road to the Mondial

From Marseille's dusty squares to world championships: the competitions that crown pétanque's kings.

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