The energy at the SM North EDSA Atrium was electric this past Saturday, April 11, as the thunderous pops of pickleball paddles signaled the official start of the SM Pickleball SuperSeries 2026. But the real buzz wasn’t just about the tournament; it was about the man headlining the launch.
Orange Magazine had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with James Ignatowich, the RPM Co-founder and world-class pro who is currently taking the sport by storm. Visiting Manila for a high-octane weekend, Ignatowich isn’t just here to showcase his signature competitive fire—he’s here to bridge the gap between elite performance and the technology behind it. From his hands-on role in engineering next-generation paddle tech to his thoughts on the exploding Filipino pickleball scene, James opens up about the evolution of the game and what it means to lead a global movement from the court to the lab.
Read on for our exclusive one-on-one with the man redefining the “pop” in pickleball.
When former professional pickleball player James Ignatowich returned to the Philippines for his second visit, he wasn’t just another international athlete passing through. He arrived as a player, innovator, and entrepreneur deeply invested in the science behind the sport’s fastest-rising equipment. Undoubtedly, Ignatowich’s journey reflects how pickleball is evolving from a backyard pastime into a technology-driven global sport.
Much of that transformation begins in the lab. Ignatowich recently relocated to China to work closely with manufacturers behind his RPM paddles, immersing himself in the technical side of production. Standing on the factory floor, he discovered that paddle engineering is far more complex than most players realize.
“A lot about paddle tech that people don’t realize is sometimes paddles will look the exact same, or people will think that they’re super similarly built, but there’s a lot of minor changes and a lot of differences that go into paddles that people don’t even realize,” he said.
Ignatowich further explained that even slight adjustments—such as how long materials are heated—can change how stiff or flexible a paddle feels.
“Pickleball paddles are the most complicated, which is crazy because pickleball is the easiest sport,” he said.
Looking ahead, his focus is on durability, particularly on paddle surfaces.
Beyond technology, Ignatowich’s visit highlighted the Philippines’ growing influence in the global pickleball landscape. Having competed across continents, he quickly noticed something distinct about Filipino audiences. He observed that while the United States may have more players overall, Filipino athletes show deeper commitment to the sport. That dedication fuels his optimism about the country’s future.
“I think the Philippines is going to be top four… the US, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines,” he said. After training with local players, he was equally impressed by their movement. “They move their feet pretty well. You have to use your leg. Your legs are more important than your arms, and you have to use them actively,” the former athlete said, though he encouraged players to stay closer to the kitchen line and play more aggressively.
Known for his signature backhand flick, Ignatowich shared practical advice that reveals the physical discipline behind the highlight-reel shot.
“You have to have a super strong wrist,” he said, describing how repetitive wrist exercises helped him develop power. He also advised players transitioning to the faster “drive and crash” style to focus on movement and confidence. Even his preparation rituals emphasize discipline without overcomplication. Casual players, he noted, should simply stretch consistently, especially for about 20 minutes.
Despite his growing responsibilities as a CEO, Ignatowich’s personality remains playful and approachable. He admitted that balancing competition and entrepreneurship keeps the excitement alive, noting that playing tournaments is still “a fun way to meet people.”
Off the court, he hinted at expanding RPM’s presence through apparel, promising that new gear would arrive in Manila soon. And when asked to compare local cuisine with competitive pressure, his humor sealed the moment: “Jollibee is better.”
As pickleball courts multiply across malls and communities in the Philippines, Ignatowich’s blend of innovation, technical expertise, and humor mirrors the sport itself—fast-moving, accessible, and driven by passion. With athletes experimenting in factories as much as on courts, and Filipino players embracing the game with unmatched enthusiasm, the future of pickleball seems set to spin faster than ever.
Engineered by Pros, Built for Performance
RPM Pickleball, a performance-driven pickleball brand built by professional athletes and engineers, officially launches in the Philippines, marking a major step in its global expansion and strengthening its presence in one of the sport’s fastest-growing markets.
What sets RPM apart is its DNA. Born from a collaboration between professional athletes and elite engineers, RPM paddles are designed specifically for the modern game. By focusing on three core pillars—spin, control, and power—the brand ensures that every paddle meets the rigorous standards of high-level competitive play.
The launch arrives at a pivotal moment. As pickleball courts continue to pop up across the country and the local community transitions from casual play to competitive excellence, the demand for “next-gen” equipment has never been higher.
Local Partnership and Availability
To ensure premium reach and service, RPM Pickleball has partnered with Quorum International Inc. as its exclusive distributor. Filipino enthusiasts can now find the brand’s lineup of high-performance paddles and gear at select Toby’s Sports stores nationwide
.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rising star in the local circuit, RPM Pickleball is here to ensure your gear is as relentless as your game.
Interview by Jeman Villanueva
Article by Patricia Bianca Taculao
