Caian DeMatos just claimed the crown at the 2025 International Pickleball Tournament, and he did it in straight-up NINJA style. Fast feet, fearless drives, and ice-cold focus carried him through a stacked field of elite players from around the world.

The NINJA Brazilian Samba was made famous by one of the most exciting young talents in pickleball, Caian Matos.

The NINJA Brazilian Samba was made famous by one of the most exciting young talents in pickleball, Caian Matos. At just 16 years old, Caian teamed up with Michael Van Dusen (60+) after Ninja Pickleball Club brought the unlikely duo together for the 2026 US Open. Despite the nearly 45-year age difference, the pair showcased incredible chemistry, determination, and skill on their way to capturing the US Open Gold Medal. Caian competed using the very first paddle in the Ninja Flag Series—the Brazilian Samba Signature Paddle—while Michael trusted the championship-winning NINJA Green Foam Gen 5.

Michael Van Dusen continues to prove that experience, determination, and elite-level skill are a powerful combination. Competing in the Senior Pro Singles Division at the 2026 U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, Michael battled through one of the toughest fields in the sport to earn an impressive Silver Medal finish. Throughout the tournament, he relied on the Ninja Pickleball Club Green Foam Gen 5 Paddle, utilizing its exceptional blend of power, spin, and control to compete against the best senior professionals in the game. His outstanding performance on pickleball’s biggest stage showcased not only his competitive spirit but also the advanced technology behind Ninja’s innovative foam-core paddle design. Michael’s silver medal run is a testament to his dedication to the sport and demonstrates that championship-caliber performance comes from the perfect combination of talent, hard work, and the right equipment.

At just 14 years old, Caymanian standout Dylan Royert is already establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in pickleball. Recently signed as a sponsored athlete by Ninja Pickleball Club, Dylan competes with the NINJA Brazilian Samba Paddle, bringing energy, skill, and maturity far beyond his years to every match he plays. His growing list of accomplishments includes winning tournaments at Pickleball Cayman, including the highly competitive Moneyball Pickleball Tournament, as well as capturing gold at the international Rally at the Rock Tournament in Bermuda. That victory was especially significant as it marked Dylan’s first pickleball tournament outside of the Cayman Islands and showcased his ability to compete and win on an international stage. Just as Ninja Pickleball Club helped open doors for rising star Caian Matos, the company is committed to doing the same for Dylan by bringing him to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, where he will have the opportunity to test his game against some of the best players in the world. With his talent, work ethic, and passion for the sport, Dylan represents the future of pickleball in the Cayman Islands and beyond.