DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is proud to announce a new partnership with EPIC Pickleball that will bring DUPR Verified competition to the 2026 EPIC World Championship in amateur pickleball, taking place April 30–May 3, 2026, in Singapore. As one of the most anticipated global pickleball festivals, EPIC will unite sport, culture, and entertainment and now, it will do so under the trusted integrity of DUPR Verified.

Verified Standards Players Can Trust

As a DUPR Verified Event, EPIC will ensure that every match is played and recorded under consistent, transparent, and trusted standards. Verified competition protects fairness, enhances credibility, and contributes to player ratings in a reliable way, making every point played on the world stage truly meaningful.

A Championship Experience in the Heart of Singapore

Held in the heart of Singapore, the EPIC World Championship blends elite, amateur competition with world-class hospitality. The event features music, food, entertainment, cultural festivals, and curated guest experiences, creating a championship atmosphere unlike any other in pickleball.

This four-day championship will feature Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles, as well as Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) team formats. EPIC’s total prize purse begins at USD $50,000 and is projected to grow to approximately USD $75,000 based on registrations.

Players attending EPIC will enjoy an experience curated with five-star detail from the moment they arrive. Highlights include a $250 VIP Player Gift Bag, bespoke tours for athletes and their guests, festival-style activities, and immersive cultural programming that celebrates the vibrancy of Singapore.

As DUPR CEO Tito Machado shared in a recent video message, “This event will unify players from all over the world who share a passion for pickleball,” bringing the global community together in a truly unforgettable setting in Singapore.

Invitations for the World’s Best DUPR Players

Participation in EPIC is by invitation only. Invitations are being extended to top DUPR-rated players from countries around the world with a DUPR rating between 3.0-5.0, ensuring global representation and elite-level competition.

To learn more about the 2026 EPIC World Championship and explore the full event experience, visit EPIC Pickleball’s official website.

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About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

About EPIC World Championship

The EPIC World Championship is an international pickleball festival and elite amateur competition bringing together players, spectators, and global partners in one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations, Singapore. Combining world-class hospitality, cultural experiences, entertainment, and high-level tournament play, EPIC delivers an unmatched championship atmosphere. With multiple competitive divisions and a growing prize purse, EPIC is designed to showcase the sport’s top talent and celebrate pickleball on a global stage.

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The 2025–26 Collegiate Pickleball season kicked off with one of the most electric fall semesters we’ve ever had. New programs showed up hungry, powerhouse schools doubled down, and the level of play felt like the sport took another big leap forward. Here’s everything you need to know from an action-packed fall across the country.

To follow all collegiate pickleball news, join our Instagram newsletter channel here.

Utah Super Regional

September 27–28, 2025

Utah Tech is still Utah Tech. They rolled into the 3rd Utah Super Regional with five teams and left with the top two spots. Their top squads didn’t drop a match until facing each other in the finals.

Utah Valley and USC made strong semifinal runs but couldn’t break through. All three, Utah Tech, Utah Valley, and USC, punched their tickets to Nationals.

And yes… Utah remains the center of the collegiate pickleball universe, with Utah, Utah State, and Southern Utah bringing major depth.

Full results here.

Pennsylvania Super Regional

October 11–12, 2025

The super regional in Pennsylvania was full of surprises.  We saw history with the first-ever #8 over #1 playoff upset as Rutgers stunned JMU 1 in a 3–2 thriller. Their run ended one round later when JMU 2 went on a heater and made it all the way to the title.

Meanwhile UConn 1 pulled off something we’ve never seen before: a dreambreaker in every single playoff round. Three straight 3–2 wins before a heartbreaking 2–3 loss in the final.

Bids went to JMU, UConn, and Delaware.

Full results here.

North Carolina Super Regional

October 18–19, 2025

The growth here has been wild. North Carolina went from 40 players in 2023 to 140 players this fall.

NC State, Miami, Liberty, Coastal, and UGA each brought serious depth, but the finals came down to Miami vs. NC State. Miami 1 rolled, taking a clean 3–0 win over the top-seeded Wolfpack.

We also got a first look at ECU’s brand-new collegiate pickleball program, and the crowd absolutely loved it.

Bids from this event: Miami, NC State, and UGA.

Full results here.

Arizona Super Regional

November 22–23, 2025

Rain moved us indoors during Arizona’s super regional, but nothing could slow down Utah Tech. Once again, they claimed both finalist spots. GCU pushed them harder than anyone; both GCU 1 and GCU 2 pushed Tech to 5 games, but Utah Tech stayed undefeated.

Teams traveled from everywhere for this one: UW-Whitewater, WashU, Nebraska, UTSA, and more. With Utah Tech, GCU, and ASU already holding bids, the three openings trickled down to UC San Diego, UCLA, and Fresno State.

Full results here.

Fall 2025 by the Numbers

• 20% growth in Super Regional attendance
• 2x more Campus Regionals than last fall
• 28% more unique schools competing
• 36% increase in collegiate programs
• First-ever Worlds and Pennsylvania Super Regional
• All five events had 20+ teams — our best fall start ever

This sport is exploding on campuses everywhere.

Nationals Are Set: April 9–12, 2026 – Life Time Peachtree Corners

We’re back in Atlanta for year five AND adding new formats:

•  NEW Thursday Singles Tournament
• NEW 3rd Team Bracket (up to 16 teams)
•  Challenger Bracket split so players can enter BOTH Mixed and Gendered
•  64-team 1st Team Bracket
•  Up to 32-team 2nd Team Bracket

Registration opens early 2026. Start forming those superteams now.

Team of the Month: Utah Tech

They won the Collegiate World Championship.
They won the Arizona Super Regional.
They’re still the team to beat.

Player of the Month: Artur Fonseca (GCU 1)

Artur Fonseca  (DUPR 5.2) is on an absolute tear in his final semester:

• Semifinals at Worlds
• Quarterfinals in Arizona
• 4th in Men’s Singles at Worlds
  
  

A well-deserved spotlight for one of the most consistent players in the collegiate scene.

This fall showed just how special collegiate pickleball has become. It’s competitive, yes, but it’s also community-driven, full of energy, and powered by students who love the game. Whether you were winning titles, breaking seeds, or showing up for your school for the first time, thank you for pushing the sport forward. The best is still ahead.

The Most Active, Elite DUPR Coaches Unite to Drive Pickleball Forward Through Innovation and Leadership

Delray Beach, FL, December 1, 2025 – DUPR and DUPR Coach are proud to announce the launch of the DUPR Coach Vanguard, an elite collective of the most dedicated, active, and impactful DUPR Coaches worldwide. This initiative recognizes coaches who exemplify the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation while shaping the future of pickleball and advancing the DUPR ecosystem.

The Vanguard will drive leadership, inspire innovation, and elevate assessment standards while extending DUPR’s influence globally. Comprised of the most active and respected DUPR Coaches, each having rated hundreds of players and many leading teams of coaches, members serve as ambassadors, innovators, and leaders of the sport. They shape the future of pickleball by advancing DUPR Coach program development, fostering community engagement, running events, mentoring new coaches, providing strategic guidance, and contributing across key areas including coach development, player engagement, social media amplification, innovation, beta testing new features, training AI models, and strategic partnerships.

“Coaches are the lifeblood of pickleball, and their work on the court is what drives our sport forward,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “They are rating players, educating their communities, and setting a standard of excellence every day. The coaches in the Vanguard have proven themselves to be leaders of integrity and outstanding representatives of DUPR and the DUPR Coach program. DUPR has always been committed to listening to the community and empowering those who support the game at every level. We’re proud to launch the Vanguard and equip these coaches to make meaningful impact on the future of DUPR and pickleball worldwide.”

The DUPR Coach program will reach its one-year milestone in January 2026, with the Coach-Assigned DUPR becoming fully accessible across leading court reservation systems and tournament platforms throughout the industry. To date, thousands of coaches have enrolled, impacting players worldwide and supporting the growth of pickleball in more than 25 countries.

“Each of these coaches was handpicked for the Vanguard because of their excellence both on and off the court,” said Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball. “They represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, yet they come together united under one mission: to grow the game of pickleball through DUPR. We are proud every day to work alongside coaches who are such integral parts of our community, and even more proud to empower them to make an even greater impact than they already are.”

The DUPR Coach Vanguard marks a bold step forward in empowering coaches, engaging players, and driving the global growth of pickleball through DUPR.

Meet the DUPR Coach Vanguard Members

The inaugural Vanguard includes 16 elite coaches recognized for their contributions to coaching, player development, and community engagement:

Justin “JP” Parker, Aurora, Colorado

“My goal is to show the world how incredible pickleball can be—through DUPR’s reliable rating system, engaging experiences, and meaningful connections on the court. When players leave smiling and inspired to play again, that’s success. Joining the DUPR Coach Vanguard allows me to take that impact even further, helping more players grow and enjoy the game.”

Jeff Rausch, Austin, Texas

“By championing fair, fun, and competitive play, we can continue building a more connected, inclusive, and thriving pickleball community. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to take that mission beyond Austin Pickle Ranch, reaching courts and players around the world.”

Tommy Welch, Ridgeville, South Carolina

“If it’s not fun, we’re doing it wrong. Fundamental coaching with an emphasis on fun brings players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds back to the court. As coaches, it’s our job to make sure players want to return tomorrow, and that starts with thoughtful coaching and using DUPR. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to share this philosophy with even more communities.”

Sonny Tannan, Laurel, Maryland

“With the DUPR Coach Vanguard, we’re elevating coaching, empowering athletes, and accelerating the future of pickleball. By bringing together some of the best coaches from around the world, we will shape the DUPR community for years to come.”

Van Soawesome, Brooklyn, New York

“I’m a former pro skateboarder with surf roots, bringing flow, grit, and creativity to every coaching space. I build inclusive, movement-driven communities where players feel seen and inspired. As a DUPR Coach Vanguard member, I aim to elevate players and grow a culture that blends athleticism, artistry, and belonging through DUPR.”

Gary Streisand, Hollywood, Florida

“My mission is simple: get more people playing pickleball and give them the DUPR rating they deserve. DUPR creates competitive, structured, and welcoming play, and joining the Vanguard lets me help make it the global standard while sharing my love for the game with new players.”

Zach Lee, Columbus, Ohio

“Players and pickleball communities don’t just want a rating—they want a roadmap. DUPR Coaches, and especially Vanguard coaches, provide that guidance. We don’t chase perfection—we coach progression. Being part of this elite group allows me to help players and the broader pickleball community grow meaningfully, both on and off the court.”

Pablo Granados, Lynnwood, Washington

“Pickleball changed my life. It improved my health, introduced me to amazing people, reignited my competitive spirit, and now supports my family. Pickleball is truly for everyone. Being part of the DUPR Coach Vanguard allows me to help others experience the game’s transformative power while guiding them to the right level through DUPR so they can enjoy the sport even more.”

AJ De Castro, Sacramento, California

“As someone striving to play at the professional level, I know how important honest feedback and measurable improvement are. DUPR provides that for me, my players, and the entire pickleball community. Joining the DUPR Coach Vanguard is a powerful step forward, empowering coaches like us to raise the standard of competitive pickleball on a global scale.”

George Olivencia III, Temple, Texas

“DUPR and DUPR Coach combine expert human instruction with advanced analytics, elevating player development at every level. Being part of the Vanguard gives me the opportunity to bring these coaching methods to more players, from beginners to pros, while helping grow the sport of pickleball worldwide.”

Karl Johnson, Columbus, Ohio

“I’m a career teacher and coach with a deep passion for pickleball, and helping people improve socially, mentally, and physically through pickleball is what drives me. DUPR Coach connects players to the DUPR rating system, but more importantly, it connects them with caring professionals, and being part of the Vanguard allows me to amplify that impact.”

Christopher Blayne Young, Austin, Texas

“Pickleball has been transformative for me. I’ve never played a sport that truly transcends age, gender, and experience. The Vanguard lets me help ensure that the sport continues to evolve while reaching players in ways that inspire and include everyone.”

Brad Lees, Phoenix, Arizona

“Pickleball has become a special part of my life because it has brought my family closer together. I’ve played tournaments with three of my children, creating memories we’ll always cherish. I love how the sport welcomes and unites players of all ages and abilities. Joining the Vanguard allows me to help even more families and players connect across generations.”

RK Bacalla, West Palm Beach, Florida

“My passion is using pickleball as a vehicle for success, for clients, players, and anyone looking to improve their game and quality of life. The Vanguard allows us to share knowledge worldwide and demonstrate how pickleball can truly change lives. I’m excited to be part of this elite group and to use this platform to drive meaningful impact.”

John R. Solema, Peoria, Arizona

“It’s an honor to be a DUPR Vanguard Coach. Pickleball is a great part of my life, and it can be a great part of yours too. By embracing challenges, players can grow and enjoy the game even more. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to guide players to their next level while helping expand DUPR’s reach.”

David Kempster, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

“Being part of the DUPR Coach team allows me to make an impact on the sport, connect with more players, and help them improve their skills. As a Vanguard member, I can expand that impact, contributing to initiatives that will leave a lasting mark on pickleball.”

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About MyJourney Pickleball

MyJourney Pickleball is the creator of the DUPR Coach program and the My DUPR Coach app, designed to empower coaches to conduct detailed skill assessments and assign official Coach-Assigned DUPRs to non-rated players. Coaches, clubs, and players can learn more at www.duprcoach.com.

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About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

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DUPR is thrilled to announce that Match Point Pickleball Club, one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in the world with 38 courts, has chosen DUPR as its official rating system. This multi-year agreement brings Match Point into a global network of more than 10,000 clubs that rely on DUPR to give players fair, consistent, and trusted ratings.

After reviewing what mattered most to their players—trust, fairness, and a rating system recognized everywhere—the facility decided to adopt DUPR over other, less advanced rating systems. The decision reflects a commitment to quality and to giving players a reliable way to measure progress.

“As one of the largest pickleball facilities in the world, Match Point plays a key role in shaping the sport,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Their decision to adopt DUPR shows that the true trailblazers of this sport understand the importance of unifying everybody under one trusted rating. We’re excited to support their community and help strengthen competition at every level.”

As the most accurate and widely used rating system in pickleball, DUPR is supporting the sport as it grows. Fragmented ratings make it harder for players, clubs, and tours to work together. One shared rating keeps the sport connected and is the path toward national and global recognition, including Olympic ambitions. That is why governing bodies, pro tours, federations, and clubs continue to adopt DUPR.

Current partners include:

• Multi-year partnerships with UPA, PPA, MLP, and Pickleball.com
• Official rating of USA Pickleball
• Global Pickleball Federation, leading the effort to bring pickleball to the Olympics
  
• Minor League Pickleball and the Collegiate Tour
  
• USAP and APP submitting all matches to DUPR
  
• More than 10,000 clubs and 1.5 million players worldwide
  
  

DUPR welcomes Match Point to the community and looks forward to supporting its players, leagues, and events for years to come.

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Arizona Super Regional Recap: An Emotional Farewell to a Collegiate Legend

The final Collegiate Pickleball Super Regional of the fall did not disappoint. Despite the rain forcing all matches indoors, the Arizona Super Regional delivered some of the most competitive, high-pressure college pickleball we’ve seen all semester with dreambreakers, upsets, breakout performances, and a proper sendoff to one of the sport’s collegiate greats.

Utah Tech Keeps the Arizona Crown … Again

Utah Tech just keeps proving it; they’re one of the deepest, most dominant collegiate pickleball programs in the country.

Both Utah Tech 1 and Utah Tech 2 powered their way into the finals, making this the third time Utah Tech has taken the Arizona Super Regional title. And here’s the wild part: They didn’t even need to chase a Nationals bid; they already secured it after winning the Utah Super Regional earlier this fall (right before becoming Collegiate World Champions). But Utah Tech doesn’t show up halfway. They show up to win.

The Utah Tech players we spotlighted last week absolutely delivered.Lauren Mercado, Liam Duffin, and Benson Parry lit up the courts all weekend, racking up highlight after highlight, with multiple moments where the crowd literally couldn’t stop clapping. 

GCU Pushes Utah Tech to Dreambreakers

Grand Canyon University wasn’t going down quietly.

Both Utah Tech teams had to survive dreambreakers against GCU in the playoffs, showing just how dangerous, disciplined, and resilient GCU continues to be on the collegiate stage.

GCU’s level is rising fast, and they remain one of the toughest matchups for Utah Tech anywhere in the country.

Three Programs Punch Their Ticket to Nationals

Three West-Coast schools claimed their bids to the 2025 Collegiate National Championship:

• UCLA
• UC San Diego
• Fresno State

All three had standout performances, but UCLA in particular turned heads: both UCLA teams outperformed their DUPR expectations in group play. UC San Diego continued their steady climb this season, anchoring strong wins when it mattered most. Fresno State showed grit in every match, securing their spot with determination and depth.

Rain? No Problem. The Competition Stayed Indoors, but Intense

Mother Nature tried to interfere, but the tournament pressed on indoors.
The change of venue didn’t slow players down. If anything, the tighter environment made the energy louder, the points faster, and the pressure even higher.

A Farewell to a Collegiate Pioneer: Artur Fonseca

One of the most emotional moments of the weekend came with the final collegiate appearance of Artur Fonseca, a true legend of the college pickleball world.

Artur has:

• Played in all four Arizona Super Regionals
• Competed in all four Collegiate National Championships for GCU
• Been a major figure and trailblazer in the early years of the collegiate game

His impact on GCU, and the collegiate pickleball as a whole, is impossible to measure.
The sport is better because he played it.

A Perfect End to the Fall Season

The Arizona Super Regional wrapped up the final stop of the fall 2025 collegiate calendar, ending the semester with drama, talent, emotion, and the kind of moments that make college pickleball special.

If this weekend is any preview, the National Championship is going to be insane.To stay up to date on collegiate pickleball news, join our newsletter channel on Instagram. 

160 Players. 16 Schools. 3 Spots to Nationals.
The final Collegiate Pickleball Tour Super Regional of the Fall 2025 semester has arrived and it’s the biggest one yet.

This weekend, Arizona hosts a stacked field of collegiate talent, making it the largest Arizona Super Regional in history and the 5th largest Super Regional ever. What started with just 49 players in 2023 has exploded into 160 players representing programs across the West and Midwest.

Teams are fighting for three coveted bids to the 2026 National Championship in April, and with the depth of the field this year, nothing will come easy.

Top Players to Watch

This Super Regional features some of the strongest players in the collegiate landscape.

Top Men

• Liam Duffin (Utah Tech)
• William Lieberman (GCU)
• Benson Parry (Utah Tech)

Top Women

• Lauren Mercado (Utah Tech)
• Lesa Ritchie (UC San Diego)
• Audrey Lord (UC San Diego)

Top Colleges Coming In

These three schools enter as the early favorites:

1. Utah Tech
2. UC San Diego
3. Grand Canyon University (GCU)

But the field is deep, and several programs are fighting for their last chance at a Nationals bid.

Which Schools Still Need a Nationals Bid?

A LOT of big-name programs still don’t have their spot secured to the Collegiate National Championship. These teams are showing up with urgency. Only three will qualify. 

• Arizona
• Cal Poly
• Fresno State
• Loyola Marymount
• Northern Arizona University
• Southern Utah University
• UCLA
• UC San Diego
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• University of Utah
• UT–San Antonio
• University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
• Washington University in St. Louis
  
  

For many, this is the final opportunity of the semester. Expect intensity.

Full List of Competing Schools

The Arizona Super Regional features one of the most diverse fields of the year:

Arizona • Arizona State • Cal Poly • Fresno State • GCU • Loyola Marymount • Northern Arizona • Southern Utah • UCLA • UC San Diego • Nebraska–Lincoln • University of Utah • Utah Tech • UT–San Antonio • Wisconsin–Whitewater • Washington University St. Louis

What to Expect This Weekend

Electric Atmosphere

The biggest Arizona Super Regional ever: 160 players, packed brackets, nonstop matches.

High-Stakes Doubles

With only three Nationals bids available, expect tight, gritty doubles battles, especially in the knockouts.

New Breakthrough Teams

With so many schools still fighting for bids, this is the most unpredictable Super Regional of the entire fall.

Watch the Action Live

We’re thrilled to have Cracked Racquets joining us to livestream the event all weekend long.
Tune in for feature courts, top matchups, and full commentary.

Livestream: Cracked Racquets (link coming soon)

The last Super Regional of the semester is the biggest, deepest, and most competitive one yet. With powerhouse programs, hungry bubble teams, and top DUPR athletes all in one place, the Arizona Super Regional is shaping up to be the must-watch collegiate pickleball event of the fall.

Three bids. Sixteen schools. One unforgettable weekend.

To check the latest news on college pickleball, join our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here.

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A Complete Guide Based on Your Age, Skill Level, and Goals

Playing your first pickleball tournament or choosing the right tournaments as you advance can feel overwhelming. Different formats, divisions, age groups, skill brackets, and ratings make it hard to know where you fit.

This guide breaks it down simply so you can confidently choose events that align with:

• Your goals
• Your DUPR rating
• Your competitive level

Whether you're playing for fun, for progress, for competition, or to make money, there's a DUPR tournament for you.

1. Start With Your Why: What’s Your Tournament Goal?

Before signing up, ask yourself:
“What do I want out of tournaments right now?”

Here are the four most common motivations:

• For Fun

You love the energy, the people, and the social atmosphere. You want friendly matchups and a great experience, not pressure. The best way to guarantee that is to play against others at your skill level. If you’re not rated yet, you can easily get a DUPR Rating by working with a DUPR Coach (in person or remotely), then start signing up for events that match your level.

For fun-focused players, we recommend local DUPR social events, club-hosted rec tournaments, beginner DUPR brackets, charity events, and team-based Minor League Pickleball. These formats deliver a relaxed vibe, balanced matchups, and a memorable day on court.

• To Track Progress

You want fair, balanced matches and a reliable way to measure your improvement over time. If you're serious about developing your game and seeing your rating accurately reflect your progress, we recommend playing DUPR Verified Events, which carry 50% higher weight and provide the most trustworthy updates to your rating.

• Competitive Growth

You want to push yourself, test new strategies, and move up skill divisions. Depending on your age and level, there are several pathways that can help you break into higher-level play. College athletes, for example, can compete in DUPR Collegiate events, where pro teams actively scout emerging talent, and DUPR even hosts Collegiate Showcases at major PPA tournaments.

For adults, Minor League Pickleball is another strong competitive pathway. Many MiLP divisions are extremely high level, and it’s not uncommon for standout players to be noticed or even drafted by Major League Pickleball teams.

If your goal is to climb competitively, these tournament paths offer real visibility and meaningful opportunities to elevate your game.

• To Make Money

Moneyball DUPR events, Minor League Pickleball, and some age + skill brackets offer cash opportunities for players looking to make money playing pickleball.

Your “why” determines what type of tournaments you should target next.

2. Choose Based on Your Skill Level (DUPR Rating)

While tournaments may offer age brackets, DUPR evaluates skill, and most players will have their best experience competing with others close to their level.

If you’re not rated yet, getting started is easy;  just schedule a rating session with a DUPR Coach, either in person or online. Most DUPR Clubs have certified Coaches who can give you a provisional rating so you can begin your competitive journey right away. From there, every match you play helps refine your rating and increase your reliability score.

3. Understand the Different DUPR Tournament Categories

DUPR supports several types of structured competitive pathways. 

A) DUPR Events (Open to Everyone)

DUPR events may be:

• Mixed Doubles
• Gendered Divisions (Men’s / Women’s)
• Age Divisions (18+, 35+, 50+, Senior)
• Skill Divisions (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5+)

Players of all ages and levels can play;  just choose the division that fits your profile.

B) DUPR Collegiate Tournaments (College students only)

For current college athletes, these events are fast-paced, competitive, and often team-based.
Perfect for:

• College club programs
• Collegiate players wanting serious match experience
• Students aiming for high-level DUPR matches
• Players hoping to compete in national collegiate championships

Beyond the competitive atmosphere, collegiate pickleball offers huge social benefits. You get to be part of a team, build connections with players from other schools, and become part of a community that shares your passion. It’s one of the best ways to make friends, strengthen school pride, and feel a real sense of belonging.

To stay up to date on collegiate news, join our Instagram channel here.

C) DUPR High School Tournaments (High school players only)

Ideal for juniors developing foundational match skills.
These tournaments emphasize:

• Growth
• Sportsmanship
• Team formats
• High-volume match play
• Early DUPR tracking

Most high school pickleball tournaments take place alongside collegiate events, giving high school players a great opportunity to be seen by college coaches, and potentially earn scholarships. Pickleball is already a varsity sport at some universities, like Drury University, which even offers full-ride scholarships.

D) Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) (All ages)

One of the most popular formats in the country is Minor League Pickleball.
Why players love it:

• Everyone can play
• Team-based (4 players per roster)
• DUPR-driven lineup structures
• Fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Highly competitive divisions for all levels

MiLP is designed for players who want serious competition in a fun, social, team atmosphere.

 E) Moneyball Tournaments (Open to advanced amateurs & pros)

MoneyBall tournaments like BrickWall and MoneyBallTour offer cash payouts based on bracket performance. Perfect if your goal includes:

• Competing for prize money
• Testing yourself against strong opponents
• Building reputation and match résumé

They vary widely:  some are local, some regional, some are DUPR Verified, and some invite-only.

4. Pick the Format That Fits Your Style

Different tournament formats give different experiences:‍

Round Robin

You’ll play multiple opponents, sometimes everyone in your pool. This format is perfect for gaining experience, getting lots of court time, and easing into competitive play.

Single Elimination

High stakes and fast paced. Lose once and you’re out. This format brings intense energy and is great for players who thrive under pressure.

Double Elimination

One of the most common formats. You keep playing until you’ve taken two losses, giving you a fair chance to battle your way through the bracket.

Pool Play + Bracket

A balanced format that guarantees match experience in pool play, followed by a competitive playoff bracket. It blends the best parts of round robin and elimination formats for a full, rewarding tournament experience.

5. Build Your Tournament Calendar Intentionally

Playing tournaments randomly can feel chaotic. Instead:

• Space out events
• Mix fun + competitive tournaments
• Track how your DUPR adjusts according to your level
• Identify which divisions challenge you most
• Try new formats to see what helps you grow

Tournaments help you learn faster and connect deeper with the pickleball community.

6. Quick Checklist Before You Register

 ✔ Current DUPR rating
✔ Preferred format (RR, DE, Pool Play)
✔ Whether it’s a DUPR Verified event
✔ Division type (Mixed, Gendered, Skill, Age)
✔ Eligibility (Collegiate? High School? MiLP?)
✔ Travel budget and match volume
✔ Whether you’re aiming for fun, improvement, or prize money

The best pickleball tournaments for you depend on your skill level, your goals, and your stage of life.

Skill-based DUPR events, Collegiate and High School circuits, Minor League Pickleball, and Moneyballs each offer unique paths for development, whether you're learning the ropes, climbing divisions, building a competitive résumé, or trying to make money.

Wherever you are in your pickleball journey, there’s a DUPR tournament pathway built just for you. Check events near you here.

Your Guide to Understanding Legal Contact Height in Pickleball

If you’ve ever watched a match and wondered, “Was that serve legal?” or “How high can you actually hit the ball before it’s a fault?” you’re not alone. The pickleball rules around contact height can be confusing, especially with how much they’ve changed over the years.

The Ball Must Be Hit Below the Waist

The official pickleball rules say the ball has to be contacted below the waist, but what does “waist” actually mean? In pickleball, the waist is defined as the navel line. Any serve where the ball is hit above the navel is an illegal serve.

Paddle Angle and Swing Path Matter Too

There are a few additional rules that determine whether your serve is legal. To stay within the guidelines, your serve must meet all of the following conditions:

• Your paddle must move in an upward, low-to-high motion.
  A sideways or downward swing makes the serve illegal.
  
• The paddle head must stay below your wrist at the moment of contact.
  If the paddle tip rises above the wrist, especially if it’s pointing upward, you’re at risk of making an illegal serve.
  
• The contact point must be below the waist (below the navel).
  Even if everything else is perfect, contacting the ball above the waist automatically makes the serve illegal.

Common Mistakes That Make Contact Illegal

Even experienced players accidentally break the contact-height rule. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see in tournaments:

• Rotating your torso too early: This often pulls the paddle upward and raises the contact point higher than you realize.
  
• Using a “pop serve”: Players who rely heavily on a wrist flick can accidentally let the paddle head rise above the wrist, making the serve illegal.
  
• Starting with a high backswing: A high backswing increases the risk of making contact too high on the downswing. 

How to Check Yourself in Practice

Here are a few simple ways to make sure your service motion and contact point stay legal:

• Record yourself from the side: This is the most reliable way to see your paddle position, swing path, and contact height.
• Use a waist marker: Put a small piece of tape on your shirt at your belly button or visualize a horizontal line across your midsection.
• Keep the contact point closer to your body: Fully extending your arms can unintentionally raise the height of contact.
• Drop the ball from waist height (not chest height):  Starting at the correct height gives you a consistent point of reference every time.

What to Expect in Tournaments

Here are the three main things referees watch for during tournament play:

• Was the contact point below the waist (below the navel)?
• Was the paddle moving in an upward motion?
• Was the paddle head below the wrist at contact?

If a serve is borderline or too close to call, referees will typically issue a verbal warning first before calling a fault and awarding the point to the opponent.

To learn more about what makes a serve illegal, read this article.

How This Impacts Your Strategy

The contact-height rule may influence how you think about your serve, but it doesn’t limit how effective or powerful it can be. Plenty of top players generate strong, consistent serves while staying completely within the rulebook. Here are a few legal ways players add pace and pressure to their serve:

• Using heavy spin to force weaker returns.
  
• Varying court positions to change angles and disguise intent.
  
• Targeting different zones like forehand, body, and backhand to keep opponents guessing.
  
• Controlling depth, using deep serves to push receivers back or shorter serves to challenge players who struggle moving forward.

The highest-DUPR-rated player in the world seeks for deep middle serves. Learn why here.

These rules aren’t designed to limit your serve; they’re meant to protect fairness, clarity, and consistency in the game we all love. Once you understand how contact height works and build these habits into your practice, you’ll step onto the court with confidence, knowing every serve you hit is both legal and tournament-ready.

To learn more about pickleball rules, visit this page.