For the first time, Andrei Daescu, the world’s No. 1 doubles player in Major League Pickleball (MLP), is competing in Vietnam.

Marking a major milestone in the country’s growing involvement in global pickleball, Vietnam is hosting its first large-scale international event titled Rise with the Flames. The tournament’s high-profile matches are broadcast live and exclusively on FPT Play.

Running from April 11 to 18, the event features both international and Vietnamese players. Throughout the journey, foreign athletes are also exploring Vietnam’s iconic destinations, including Hanoi, Trang An (Ninh Binh), Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh), and Ho Chi Minh City.

Of particular note is the arrival of Andrei Daescu, currently ranked No. 1 in doubles in the MLP. Also participating is the Phoenix Flames team, featuring elite names like Jack Sock, Genie Bouchard, Tyson McGuffin, Jessie Irvine, Pesa Teoni, and other major pickleball stars.

On April 13, Trang An in Ninh Binh will host thrilling matchups as world-class players like Andrei Daescu and Jack Sock face off against top Vietnamese pickleball players. Then, on April 15 in Hanoi, MLP-style team matches will take place between Vietnam’s national team and top international athletes.

To welcome this world-class roster, Vietnam’s host team includes notable local players such as Phuc Huynh, Trinh Linh Giang, Ly Hoang Nam, and Quynh Phan.

Dai Nam