Video: MLP Finals Recap Day 1 — The Top Seeds Turn Out

St. Louis and New Jersey take care of business during day one of the 2026 MLP Finals weekend. Nico the Lefty breaks down the action — and what comes next.

Day one of the 2026 Major League Pickleball Finals semifinals are in the books. And things mostly when as expected, with the two top teams rolling.

The day featured three matches:

1. St. Louis Shock vs. Dallas Flash, Match 1
2. New Jersey 5s vs. Brooklyn Pickleball Team, Match 1
3. St. Louis Shock vs. Dallas Flash, Match 2

The Shock won the first match, 3-1, then took care of business in the second match, 3-1 as well. That means the Dallas Flash are officially out and the Shock have stamped their ticket to the finals.

New Jersey swept Brooklyn in their first semifinal match, 3-0.

The Shock guys, Gabe Tardio and Hayden Patriquin, lost their two men's doubles matches against Dallas' squad in Augie Ge and JW Johnson.

Saturday action gets underway at 10am EDT with the second match between New Jersey and Brooklyn.

• If New Jersey loses, the two teams will have their third match later that day
• If NJ wins, the afternoon will instead feature the first Finals matchup

Either way, Saturday will hold two total matches and the deciding match or matches will take place on Sunday, with a champion ultimately crowned sometime that evening.

Want to go a bit deeper? Nico the Lefty breaks down the day's action:

More action from MLP Finals day one: