We’ve seen our fair share of exciting celebrity pickleball tournaments, like the recent Pickleball Slam 2, which featured the talents of tennis legends Maria Sharapova and Andrei Agassi, and the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, where surfer Rob Machado took on NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
Well, Whispering Angel returns with another tournament, as they are presenting the Celebrity Chef Pickleball Tournament at this weekend’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF)! The festival, which runs from February 22-25, aims to showcase some of the most-renowned wine and spirit producers alongside famous chefs and other personalities within the food industry, including Food Network’s own Jeff Mauro, who will serve as the emcee!
The pickleball tournament will be hosted by none other than Tara Bernstein and Hunter Fieri, a couple known for their status on and off the pickleball court. Bernstein is a pro pickleball player and social media influencer who has worked with some industry leaders, such as Franklin Pickleball, to help bring pickleball into the mainstream.
“I was initially drawn to pickleball through my dad and his friends, who invited me to play,” said Bernstein. “I continued playing because of the welcoming and inclusive nature of the game, the social aspect of it, and the opportunity to constantly meet new people. I am really excited to be part of this event that will bring individuals together to enjoy pickleball, delicious food, all while having an incredible time!”
Her fiance, Hunter, is the eldest son of Guy Fieri, a titan in the restaurant and food television industries. Fieri has followed in his father’s footsteps, appearing on Food Network shows, including Guy’s famous Grocery Games.
Hunter’s also a big fan of pickleball and even proposed to Bernstein with a ring specifically crafted with pickleball in mind, ensuring it would withstand the many games Bernstein and he play together. Now, Bernstein and Fieri will perfectly combine their love of food and pickleball as hosts at the pickleball tournament at SOBEWFF.
“There’s no question that food and sports 100% go hand in hand,” said Fieri. “One of the biggest similarities between food and pickleball is the social aspect, they both, collectively, bring people together, offer new experiences, and make amazing memories. It offers a great opportunity to hang out with your friends, meet new people, learn new skills, cook and eat amazing food, and get some good physical exercise. I mean, there’s nothing like a little physical exercise to work off all the food and drinks.”
For the first time ever, SOBEWFF is opening up its Celebrity Chef Pickleball Tournament to the public, allowing anyone to play alongside some of the world’s favorite chefs and personalities! The event will take place this Saturday, February 24, at 11 am at the Miami Beach Golf Club, the perfect spot for fun on the pickleball courts, followed up with world-class food and drinks.
Bernstein explained that the event means a lot to her and Fieri, as it will showcase just how much food and pickleball mean to the couple, not just the industries but also at the fundamental core of who they are as people.
“This event is truly remarkable as it combines the worlds of pickleball and food,” said Bernstein. “It brings together exceptional chefs who also happen to be passionate about this amazing sport. Participating in the best wine and food festival in one of the finest cities makes it an unforgettable experience that is truly incomparable – so grateful to be hosting! Hunter and I got this!”
Fieri feels the same, claiming that the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is going to be one of the “greatest food festivals ever!” He believes that the festival will give people a unique experience of hitting the pickleball courts while enjoying some incredible food and wine.
“Food and sports are meant to be together, so why not bring on some more entertainment from the fastest-growing sport in the world? SOBEWFF has the chefs, the food, the excitement, the parties, and by including pickleball, it brings a new, fresh, and exciting event to attend. I highly recommend guests come watch all the amazing chefs throw it down on the court.”
Food + Wine + Pickleball: It’s hard to imagine a better combo! If you’re interested in checking out the pickleball tournament at the festival this weekend, be sure to check out SOBEWFF’s website for more information.
