40-Hour World Record Attempt to Raise Funds for Texas Pro Thomas Wilson’s Medical Treatment

The Pickle Breakers, a Texas-based pickleball team known for their record-setting endurance rallies, are returning to the court this November 29th and 30th for another world-record attempt — this time with a powerful purpose: to raise money for Texas pro pickleball player Thomas Wilson, who is undergoing treatment for a serious health condition requiring costly medical therapy.

The Pickle Breakers will attempt to break the world record for the longest pickleball marathon, hosted at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, TX. The event will be organized by the registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pickle Breakers Foundation, ensuring all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donate directly to cause.

You're invited to come play along side the record breaking attempt!
On Nov 29th, there will also be a fun amateur tournament right along side the PickleBreakers that will act as a fundraiser to support Thomas Wilson’s recovery and provide energy to the record breaking team. Register now to secure your spot.

But let's go back a little in time so you can fully understand the significance and journey of this upcoming attempt...

The Beginning: Chong “CK” Kim’s 50-State Journey

If you’ve spent any time around the pickleball world, you might know the name Chong “CK” Kim. You might know him for his kindness, for his hustle, for his signature smile, or for his absolute inability to sit still.

But long before “Pickle Breakers” existed, CK had an idea that nobody had tried before: Play pickleball in all 50 states… in 50 days.

With no institutional backing and no elaborate infrastructure, he traveled state to state with a simple goal—to connect with people through the sport. He met hundreds of players, slept in airports and cars, made lifelong friends, and created a network of people who believed in what he believed — that pickleball is community at its core. The experience expanded his love of the pickleball community and ultimately laid the foundation for what would become The Pickle Breakers.

The First World Record Attempt and a Successful Fundraiser

In April 2025, CK and a small team embarked on their first World Record attempt for the longest pickleball marathon. It was intense. It was emotional. It was…honestly, brutal. The entire 40-hour event (including a 5-minute “earned” break for every hour played) was livestreamed to YouTube. They counted every point, every game, and tapped paddles over 160 times. Around 9pm on Sunday night the confetti exploded onto the court and they had succeeded. Their official documentation had shown just over 36 hours of play. A new world record!

Beyond the physical and logistical demands of the challenge, the team aligned their efforts with a higher purpose: raising funds for Taylor’s Gift Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting organ donor families and advancing awareness about organ donation.

The attempt generated significant engagement and raised $25,000, directly benefiting the foundation and demonstrating the team’s belief that pickleball can be a platform for service. The fundraising success became a defining moment for The Pickle Breakers and reinforced their commitment to combining athletic achievement with philanthropy.

Ambassador Trip to China and an Unexpected Setback

Following the event, The Pickle Breakers were invited to China as goodwill ambassadors for pickleball’s rapidly expanding international presence. The team traveled across three major cities, participating in exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and collaborative play with the growing Chinese pickleball community. The experience not only strengthened international connections but also highlighted the sport’s global potential.

However, shortly after returning to the United States, the team received notice from Guinness World Records: the world record attempt had been denied! Technical rulings—such as counting paddle taps and court-side changes as disallowed breaks—nullified the submission. Despite meeting the required total hours of play, the attempt was deemed invalid. The decision was deeply disappointing for a team that had invested immense physical and emotional effort into the challenge.

A Renewed Commitment: Bigger, Better, and Purpose-Driven

Rather than allowing the setback to define the narrative, The Pickle Breakers used the moment as an opportunity for reflection. After considerable discussion and collective soul-searching, the team came to a unified conclusion: the mission was not over.

This year’s world record attempt represents a renewed, elevated commitment. The Pickle Breakers have strengthened their team—led by CK Kim and joined by Geneva Olson, Cristobal Del Castillo and Abla Mannarino—refined their strategy, expanded their infrastructure, and established a more robust platform for charitable fundraising. The upcoming event will not simply repeat what was done before; it will exceed it in scope, professionalism, and impact.

November 29–30: A New Chapter Begins

The Pickle Breakers invite the community to join them—whether in person at Pickler Universe, through the full livestream broadcast, or by supporting the fundraising initiatives associated with the event (checkout their live auction site at PickleballAuctions.com). This world record attempt is not only about endurance on the court; it is about demonstrating resilience, advancing the sport, strengthening communities, and supporting causes that matter.

As the team steps back onto the court for more than 40 consecutive hours of play, they carry with them the lessons of the past and a renewed sense of purpose. This event will mark an important milestone in the ongoing evolution of The Pickle Breakers and the broader pickleball community they serve.

Don’t miss your chance to make an impact.
Join the fundraiser tournament, rally with the pickleball community, and help drive support where it’s needed most. Click here to register and play for a purpose.

Donate and Watch the Livestream online at PickleBreakers.org.
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