Selkirk Sparta Pros earn their Selkirk contracts by competing in the rigorous Selkirk Combine, held at Selkirk headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where their skills, performance, and fitness are put to the test. Now, these Sparta Pros are proving themselves at the highest level, delivering impressive upsets and breakthrough performances on the PPA Tour in recent weeks.
Emi Burnel: Qualifier Turned PPA Semifinalist
With his mechanics, quickness, and athleticism, Emi Burnel impressed at the May 2026 Combine. The 25-year-old spent the past month competing internationally before returning to PPA Tour action in Chicago for his first PPA event in three months.
After finishing eighth in qualifying, Burnel faced a challenging main-draw debut against former world No. 1 and current No. 3 seed Hunter Johnson. With impressive passing shots and powerful attacks at the kitchen, Burnel pulled off the biggest upset of his career, winning 13-11, 5-11, 11-9.
Burnel continued his run through the draw, defeating No. 27 seed Mota Alhouni, No. 21 seed JW Johnson, and No. 30 seed Camden Chaffin before falling to world No. 1 singles player Chris Haworth in the semifinals.
Anouar Braham Makes Semifinal Debut in Men’s Doubles
For the first time, Anouar Braham teamed up with Bruno Faletto, a recent PPA Tour signee, at the PPA Chicago. The duo made quick work of their first-round opponents, Luke Wasson and Chuck Taylor, winning 11-0, 11-2, before turning heads in the second round against Ben Johns and Jack Sock.
What appeared on paper to be a David-versus-Goliath matchup quickly became a battle as Braham and Faletto took the second game 11-5 to force a decider. The duo carried that momentum into the third game, earning an 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 victory over the No. 2 seeds.
Braham and Faletto followed up with another notable win over No. 21 seeds John Lucian Goins and Mohaned Alhouni before narrowly falling to Nico Acevedo and Jaume Martinez-Vich in the semifinals, 9-11, 10-12.
Estee Widdershoven Upsets APP Champion Sofia Sewing
Estee Widdershoven found her singles rhythm at the PPA Chicago, where she faced Sofia Sewing, one of the APP’s brightest stars and a multi-time Triple Crown champion who recently signed with the PPA Tour.
After dropping the opening game 3-11, Widdershoven dialed in her backhand and fought her way back into the match. She took the next two games 11-8, 11-9 to complete the comeback and secure the upset victory.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Selkirk Sparta Pros are on the rise, and you could be next. Stay up to date on upcoming Selkirk Combines by signing up for notifications on the Selkirk Sparta Pro website.