The nation’s top players are in San Diego this week for the .

“This is the pinnacle of pickleball right here," USA Pickleball chief marketing officer Jose Moreno said. "These are the best of the best. The elite of the elite.”

About 2,500 athletes are competing in the tournament, both professionals and amateurs. This is the 20th year for the championships, but it's the first time San Diego has hosted.

"The weather's perfect. But you know, I've been told by the locals that this is a once-in-every-10-year rain, but really it is (perfect)," Moreno said, referring to the recent rainstorms. "The weather's beautiful. Well ... look at what we're staring at right now. We're staring at palm trees. We're staring at the beach."

Pickleball was invented in 1965, but Moreno said the sport really gain

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