Overview
The Summer Ladder is MTG’s most popular (and mildly chaotic) annual summer event — a season-long singles competition where you challenge other players, schedule matches on your own time, and rack up points all summer long.
It’s equal parts competition and community: play your friends, meet new ones, and see how your game stacks up across the ladder. At the end of the season, the top players in each division advance to the playoffs to battle it out for ultimate bragging rights.
Please note: you must be an active MTG member to participate in the MTG Summer Ladder. Learn more about MTG Membership benefits.
Ladder Structure
- Two divisions: 3.0 & below and 3.5 & above
- Placement based on your NTRP rating
- Season-long standings based on points earned
- Top players in each division qualify for playoffs
How It Works
- Challenge anyone on the ladder — no ranking restrictions
- Coordinate match time and location directly with your opponent
- Play on your schedule, anywhere that works for both of you
- Earn points for playing, winning, sets, and even games
No rigid scheduling. No assigned matches. Just you, your opponents, and however competitive you’re feeling that week.
Match Formats
Players must agree on one of the following formats prior to starting the match:
A) One Pro-Set
- Best of 8 games, tiebreak at 7–7 (7-point tiebreak, win by 2)
- Record as a two-set match
Example scoring: 4–3, 4–1
Example with tiebreak: 4–3, 3–4, 1–0
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B) Best of Three Sets (with full third set)
- First player to win two sets wins the match
- Each set: best of 6 games, must win by 2 games, 7-point tiebreak at 6–6, win by 2
- Third set: played fully (same rules)
Example scoring: 6–2, 6-1 Example with tiebreak: 6–4, 4–6, 6–3
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C) Best of Three Sets (with 10-Point tiebreak in lieu of full third set)-
- First player to win two sets wins the match
- Each set: best of 6 games, must win by 2 games, 7-point tiebreak at 6–6, win by 2
- Third set: 10-point match tiebreak, win by 2
Example scoring: 6–3, 6-2 Example with tiebreak: 6–4, 4–6, 1–0
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Key Rules
Match Reporting & Logistics
What Counts (and What Doesn’t)
How to Get Started
- Register for the MTG Summer Ladder and pay the registration fee. Please note this is a members-only event. Learn more about MTG membership benefits.
- Login to your GTN account (if you are new to the Global Tennis Network, you must first create a free account)
- Join the MTG Ladder League
- Join our WhatsApp group and start challenging players and playing matches
That’s it. You’re on the ladder.
Using Global Tennis Network (GTN)GTN is the platform used to manage the ladder. There is no additional cost to use the GTN platform (your MTG Summer Ladder registration fee covers the cost of using the platform).
You’ll use GTN to:
- Join the MTG Ladder League
- Find and challenge opponents (or use the Summer Ladder WhatsApp group)
- Track rankings and match history
- Submit scores and manage your profile
Community Vibes
Yes, it’s competitive. But it’s also MTG.
Make an effort to:
- Play people you don’t already know
- Experience wildly different playing styles (and coping mechanisms)
- Photo or it never happened! Tag @mtgtennis on your your triumphant wins and glorious losses as proof you were there!
The ladder works best when everyone leans into both the tennis and the community.
Need Help?Questions, issues, score corrections, existential tennis crises — reach out to the Ladder Coordinator anytime.
MTG Summer Ladder Champions
Division A: 3.5 and above
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Year
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Champion
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Runner-up
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2025
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Gregg Leib
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Blaz Slamic
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2024
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Russ Terry
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Blaz Slamic
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2023
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Russ Terry
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Andrew Taclan
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2022
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Chadrick Hamilton
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Russ Terry
| | 2021 | Russ Terry | Bradley Morgan |
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Division B: 3.0 and under
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Year
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Champion
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Runner-up
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2025
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Matty Barbato
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Tyler Cook
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2024
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Christopher Schmidt
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Ryan VanMeter
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2023
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Javier Suarez
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Devin Huerta
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2022
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Paul Connelly
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Joel Boissiere | | 2021 | Samuel Pedder-Smith | Edward Lamson |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GETTING STARTED I registered, now what? Congrats! You're almost there. The next step is to signup for a free account on the GTN Network (this is the platform we use for scoring). Once you have a GTN account, simply add yourself to the appropriate ladder based on your playing level. If you're not sure what your level is, refer to our guide here. Anything I need to do to get started? While it's not mandatory, it's helpful to get a NYC Tennis Permit so that you can play on public courts.
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SETTING UP MATCHES How do I setup matches? Setting up a match is simple. Find someone to play by:
- Check GTN for players on the ladder
- Or use the WhatsApp group to find opponents. To be added, simply message the event coordinator and provide your WhatsApp number.
Where do I play? Find a court that both you and your opponent agree upon. Many players prefer to play on NYC public tennis courts. Most public courts only allow for 1 hour matches, but some courts allow for multiple reservations. Please note that NYC public tennis courts may require a permit.
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SCORING How do I score my match? To add your score, simply go to the GTN Network and add your score based on the agreed upon match format.
- Log In: Access your account on the Global Tennis Network website.
- Locate Match: Go to your specific ladder, league, or tournament page.
- Submit Score: Click the "Submit a Score" link (usually in the right-hand column) or click the pen icon next to the scheduled match.
- Enter Details: Input the set scores for both players/teams.
- Save: Click save to update the standings and your calculated playing level.
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