Find games near you. Play with new people.

Public Games Discovery opens the pickleball circle wider — without losing host control.

What it is

Discover is a new tab in the Games section of the Picklebeast app. You set your filters — skill range, distance, time — and the app shows you public games you could plausibly join. Tap one, read the details, and you're in. Auto-accepted up to the host's max spots, or waitlisted if the game is already full.

Hosts who mark a game public reach every eligible nearby player automatically. No more "I'd love to invite a 4th but don't have anyone's number." The game finds them for you.

For players who want more games

Filter to your level

Pick your skill band (DUPR or self-rating) and distance. You only see games that fit you.

Social proof on every card

When a friend or friend-of-friend has joined, you'll see it on the card. Familiar faces first.

Know what to expect

New hosts are labeled. Experienced hosts with strong attendance records get a reliability badge.

For hosts who want to fill courts

Reach estimate before you publish

Live count of how many eligible players will see your game as you tune filters.

One-tap: open private → public

Created a private game that didn't fill? Accept our 48-hour nudge to open the remaining spots to nearby players.

You stay in control

Remove any player at any time. No explanations required. Your game, your call.

Guardrails you don't have to think about

We built this feature with the understanding that meeting strangers on a court should feel safe and predictable:

  • Skill floor enforced everywhere. A share link can't bypass the rating band.
  • Removable anytime. Organizers can remove players with one tap. Removed players see the state and get a notification.
  • Attendance reports close the loop. After every public game, everyone gets a quick "did they show up?" prompt. Reliability builds over time and visible to hosts.
  • Age-gated. 18+ to host and to join. Matches the standard for stranger-meetup apps like Meetup, GoodRec, and Bumble BFF.
  • Reportable. Flag any game for harassment, unsafe conduct, or misrepresented skill. Our team reviews.

What it is not

Discover is not a replacement for your club's open-play program. It's a layer on top — social supply for players who want more games, more opponents, more often. Clubs remain the home of organized play.

There are no fees for anything on this feature. No deposits, no boosted placements, no premium tier. Forever.

Launching in beta across select cities now. Check the Games tab in your app.

Not a Picklebeast user yet? Download the app.