CT-Based Rossetti Brothers Achieve Guinness World Records® Title* For Longest Pickleball Volley Rally in Support of Fairfield-Based Save the Children

Rossetti Brothers Hit More Than 10,000 Volleys to Support the Global Humanitarian Organization on August 17 at Pickleball America in Stamford, Conn.

STAMFORD, Conn. (Aug. 17, 2024) – Angelo A. and Ettore Rossetti, known as The Rossetti Brothers, have set a new Guinness World Records® title* for the "Longest pickleball volley rally." On Saturday, Aug. 17, the identical twins hit more than 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce in exactly two hours. Their record attempt was part of Pickleball Rally for Charity, a special event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for global humanitarian organization Save the Children. The event took place at Pickleball America in Stamford, Conn., and was livestreamed on Save the Children’s YouTube channel, where viewers were able to witness this thrilling challenge and history being made.

The Rossetti Brothers have a history of attempting Guinness World Records® titles to fundraise for charity, successfully raising over $250,000 for Save the Children and other organizations. Today’s achievement represents their fourth title within eight attempts. In 2008, they rallied a tennis ball for 14 hours and 31 minutes. In 2015, on Roger Federer’s birthday, they set the Guinness World Records® title for the longest tennis volley rally with 30,576 consecutive volleys in 5 hours and 28 minutes. Most recently, on October 10, 2021—World Mental Health Day—they set the Guinness World Records® title record for the longest pickleball rally, completing 16,046 shots in 6 hours and 11 minutes. 

“My two words were hopeful and grateful. I was hopeful that we would set a new record and I am grateful for my family, friends, volunteers, donors and sponsors. Without them, it would not have been possible” said Ettore Rossetti, Head Advisor for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. An industry thought leader and trend spotter, he has innovated ways to raise money by adopting emerging trends and technologies, including livestream peer-to-peer fundraising, crypto philanthropy, and pickleball. 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, having increased by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and a remarkable 223.5% over three years, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. Although pickleball initially gained popularity among older players, the sport is now enjoyed by people of all ages, including children and youth. The largest age bracket is 18-34 years old, comprising 28.8% of players. 

“I was filled with peaceful excitement today honoring our mom and supporting Save the Children at the same time" said Angelo A. Rossetti, co-founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball. "This was by far the most challenging of our four world records," he added.  

Guinness World Records™ Ltd. set the bar at 10,000 consecutive volleys without a bounce to earn the title. “This challenge was insane. I loved the ambitious goal. If anyone could do it, it was the Rossetti brothers,” said Thomas Shields, Founder of Dink & Upswing Sports. By definition, a volley is a shot hit out of the air before it touches the court. In pickleball, this difficulty is heightened by a seven feet non-volley zone on either side of the net. 

“Pickleball America is proud to be hosting this momentous event,” said Jay Waldner, co-owner of Pickleball America. “Pickleball is a great platform for people of all ages to come together for a common cause while having fun and engaging in a healthy activity" added Jay Ross, co-owner of Pickleball America. "We are grateful that the Rossetti Brothers chose our facility to host the Save the Children fundraiser. It is fitting that two Americans (twins no less) set a new Guinnness World Records title at Pickleball America" said Bret Herman, General Manager. 

This Pickleball Rally for Charity also included open play and the Rossetti Brothers popular Dink or Drive™ up and down the ladder challenge, played like a version of pickleball chutes and ladders. The players accumulating the most points won gold, silver and bronze Guinness World Records® medals. 

In addition, participants received custom-manufactured paddles for the event, courtesy of Engage Pickleball. “We are excited to support the Rossetti brothers in their world record for charity,” said Robert and Jodi Elliott, owners of Engage Pickleball. “We’re happy to provide commemorative paddles as our small way to support a big cause.” 

Ahead of the event, the pickleball community was quick to support this challenge and cause.  

“Meeting Angelo and Ettore was so great. You will love their energy right away. Down to the core, great guys, very real and incredibly sharp. I am so moved by the charity work they do and with that, everything they do for pickleball. We need more people like Angelo and Ettore,” commented Salome Devidze, World #1 APP Tour women’s singles player. 

“I love Angelo and Ettore's ambition, creativity and charity, which makes rooting for them very easy. I can't wait to see them crush another pickleball world record!” added Zane Navratil, world #2 APP men’s singles player and Co-Host of the PicklePod. 

The Rossetti brothers aim to raise at least $10,000 to match their 10,000-volley rally attempt for Save the Children. Donations can be pledged by texting PICKLEBALL to 707070 or on the event website www.rallyforcharity.org, powered by Pledge via credit card, crypto, stock, Venmo and Apple Pay.

Editor’s Note: 
*The record will be considered unofficial until Guinness World Records® reviews the video footage and verifies the exact shot count, following their standard process. For more information about the Guinness verification process, learn more here.  

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About The Rossetti Brothers 
The Rossetti Brothers, Angelo and Ettore, are certified USPTA Elite tennis teaching professionals for more than 30 years. The brothers are also USTA members and USA Pickleball members. Angelo is also a USPTA, IPTPA, PPR and DUPR/Tyson McGuffin certified teaching professional who serves as the Founder of Rossetti Brothers Pickleball. Ettore is also a IPTPA certified pickleball pro and serves as Head Advisor of Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children. Follow the Rossetti Brothers on the Web: www.RallyforCharity.org and on social @rallyforcharity, #pickleballpledge, #pickleballrallyforcharity or #twinpossible. On TeamReach code “RossettiBros.” Facebook.com/rossettibrotherspickleball