Hunter Fieri, son of culinary superstar Guy Fieri, was introduced to the sport by his fiancée Tara Bernstein, and he fell in love with the sport immediately.
“I may have played it before in elementary school, but she got me and my dad into it. My dad had two courts built on their ranch, and now I am involved with it as well in between working wholeheartedly with my family’s company, expanding out my wine, HuntRyde Wine, and completing my Masters and the University of Miami.”
Fieri did acknowledge that while he is getting better, he is no match for her.
“My dad and I can play her two-on-one, and she could play with her left hand, right hand behind her back, and still beat us.”
Bernstein has been playing pickleball for three years, having been introduced to the sport by her father. It seems she was truly born to play; she proudly identifies as a “pickleballer” in her Instagram bio.
Bernstein said, “I am a former collegiate athlete. So, I am used to playing in sports m, and I missed competing in a sport. Training for a competition and to have a good game with friends was how it started for me.”
According to the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings (DUPR), Fieri rates himself as a 3.0 player, proudly stating that he can beat his dad. Bernstein, on the other hand, confirmed that she enjoys competing in 5.0-level tournaments.
“I play in different tournaments and have medaled in a couple, but the journey for me is playing at a high level and being able to spread the love and inclusiveness of the game.”
Fieri emphasized that pickleball is an accessible and inclusive sport. It brings people together, regardless of their background, fitness level, or other differences, allowing everyone to enjoy the game while enhancing their overall wellness.
“It’s something exciting and fun to do and a great way to get exercise in. It’s one of the most diverse and socially acceptable sports in the world.”
The couple’s enthusiasm for promoting pickleball will take them to the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on October 11th and 12th. Bernstein and Fieri will host a pickleball exhibition at the Olympia World Fitness Expo. Fieri is particularly excited about this event, as it combines his love for both pickleball and bodybuilding, making it all the more special for him.
“I am a fan of the Olympia,” he said. “I am not a bodybuilder myself, but I am a huge CBum fan, I do like Chris Bumstead and watching him is awesome.” Bumstead will also be in Las Vegas competing for his sixth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title, and prejudging will also be in the World Fitness Expo.
Bernstein and her best friend, Sofia Evangelista, the Olympia Media Sales Director, believe that pickleball will be a fantastic addition to the Olympia. They see it as a unique form of fitness that aligns perfectly with the Olympia’s mission: encouraging people to move while having fun.
Bernstein said, “Part of my mission for promoting pickleball is participating and producing in different events and niches. Doing something like this to the Olympia is super cool, and I think it will be fun to see if we can get a few bodybuilders out on the courts.”
Details for the pickleball events are still being finalized, but Bernstein shared that there will be two courts to accommodate more players. She also plans to invite some professional players to participate in the World Fitness Expo. Additionally, students from UNLV will have the chance to secure internships at the event.
“Ironically, the Olympia is the same weekend as PPA and Major League Pickleball tournaments that are also in Las Vegas. We are hoping that schedules align so some of the pros can stop by.”
The event is backed by several sponsors, including Franklin, which will provide the equipment. Alexandre Farms is also supporting the initiative to promote the sport. Additional partners include Suja Organic, LMNT, Pausmith Group Hospitality, Fulfil Protein Bar, Mothership Productions, and Empower Wellness Spa.
