The Easiest Way to Host Pickleball Tournaments and Improve Pickleball Ratings

If you’re organizing a pickleball tournament—whether it’s a competitive DUPR-rated event or a fun club match—you’ll eventually face the same question: what format should I use?

One of the most balanced and widely loved options?
✅ The Round Robin.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What a Round Robin is
  
• Why it’s ideal for accurate pickleball ratings
  
• How it compares to other formats
  
• How to easily run one

🔄 What Is a Round Robin in Pickleball?

A Round Robin is a tournament format where every player or team plays against every other player or team in their group. Unlike bracket-style tournaments, no one gets eliminated early—everyone gets consistent playtime.

This format is perfect for ensuring fairness, building community, and—when connected to DUPR—providing high-quality match data that improves the accuracy of pickleball ratings.

🧭 Comparing Tournament Formats

If you’re not sure which format to choose, here’s how Round Robin compares to the other most common pickleball tournament types:

🎯 Why Round Robin Works Best for DUPR Ratings?

DUPR is the world’s most accurate pickleball rating system, trusted by over a million players worldwide. The more match data we receive—and the more balanced your competition—the more accurate your rating becomes.

Round Robin gives players:

• 🧮 Consistent number of matches
  
• 🤝 Even skill-level exposure
  
• 📈 Match history that actually reflects performance over time
  

That’s why we recommend Round Robin formats for local tournaments—especially when paired with a reliable event platform. 

❗When you become a DUPR club, you get access to our several list of API partners, that help you run your events more smoothly. 

 While DUPR provides the official pickleball rating system trusted worldwide, there are many resources across the community that help players and organizers deepen their understanding of the game. Platforms like Pickleball.com, Pickleheads and Swish offer educational blogs and guides on topics like tournament formats, strategy, and community building — making them a valuable resource for players who want to explore the sport from every angle.

If your goal is to run a smooth, fair, and competitive pickleball tournament —Round Robin is the way to go.

It’s:

• Easy to manage
  
• Fair for players
  
• The best format for pickleball ratings accuracy
  

Whether you’re organizing a local showdown or a sanctioned DUPR event  👉 Set up your next Round Robin tournament  and watch your players rise.

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When Jason Perez, Director of Conejo Valley Pickleball in Southern California, traveled to Germany, he didn’t expect to spark a new chapter in the global pickleball movement. But that’s exactly what happened—thanks to a single paddle, a passion for the sport, and DUPR, the world's leading pickleball ratings system. 

Playing Under Bridges and Building a Community

In Munich, a German city with no official pickleball courts, local players had been improvising—chalking lines on concrete, playing in parking lots and even under historic bridges when the river was low. 

“They play as much as they can,” Jason said. “Sometimes the police come and kick them out, but they’re out there whenever possible.”

Despite the limited infrastructure, the enthusiasm was palpable. Many were tennis players trying to shift their community toward pickleball—but lacked an organizational framework.

Enter DUPR: A Global Connection Tool

Jason introduced the group to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), which they had only seen from watching pro matches online. Once they understood how DUPR could bring structure and credibility to their local play, everything changed.

The German players wasted no time — they approached Jason, asking if they could start a digital club and track their ratings. By the very next day, they had made it happen, launching a DUPR digital pickleball club in Germany within hours.

A Sister Club Across the Atlantic

What started as a casual open play session evolved into an international connection. The new German pickleball club named “Pickleball Crew Germany” and Jason’s Conejo Valley group now operate as sister clubs, sharing resources, rating guidance, and community support.

“It turns out to be somebody that I would say is a friend—or friends—in Germany,” Jason shared. “They now have their DUPR club and they’re asking how we do things. It’s a fun community.”

Overcoming Obstacles with Creativity

Without the luxury of dedicated pickleball facilities, the German players have shown remarkable resourcefulness—renting gymnasiums, using rubber courts, and even transforming concrete slabs into playable surfaces. Some players discovered pickleball while visiting the U.S., returning with paddles, nets, and a mission to bring the sport home.

Now, they’re not only playing regularly—they’re hosting tournaments, tracking DUPR ratings, and expanding their reach across nearby cities.

Why This Matters

This story perfectly illustrates how DUPR isn’t just a pickleball rating system—it’s a global community builder. Whether you’re in California or Cologne, DUPR empowers players and clubs to:

• Create verified communities
  

• Track and improve player skill levels
  

• Connect with clubs around the world
  

• Grow the sport locally with global support

Want to Start a DUPR Club?

If you're looking to grow pickleball in your area—whether you're in a major metro or chalking lines in a parking lot—DUPR is here to help.

Learn more about starting your own DUPR club

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Pro pickleball player Bobbi Oshiro takes us behind the scenes of the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championship, sharing her firsthand experience from one of the world’s biggest pickleball tournaments. From epic rallies to prize money debates (and yes, DUPR pickleball ratings), Bobbi covers it all.

📅 April 26 – May 3, 2025

The US Open Pickleball Championships have once again proven why they’re one of the biggest and most exciting pickleball tournaments in the world—right up there with the PPA and MLP circuits. This year’s event smashed records, with around 3,500 players—a 10% jump from last year!

Players came from all 50 states and over 40 countries, making it a true global event. Just yesterday, I chatted with someone who flew all the way from Brazil to play his first-ever US Open. That tells you everything about how fast pickleball is growing worldwide.

For context, last year’s tournament drew about 2,600 players from 47 states and 13 countries. Pretty impressive, but the US Open took it up a notch.

And here’s the best part for anyone obsessed with their DUPR pickleball ratings (🙋‍♂️): this year’s event generated over 5,600 match results, all counting toward DUPR - the perfect boost we all needed for our reliability score. 

With so much happening, here are my top 3 takeaways from this epic week:

🔥 ALW + Agassi: The Duo Everyone Talked About

One of the biggest stories this year? Anna Leigh Waters teaming up with tennis legend Andre Agassi. This partnership created serious buzz and definitely helped pack the stands.

It was surreal to watch the world’s best pickleball player join forces with one of tennis’s all-time greats—two worlds colliding in the best way. Agassi usually sticks to rec games at home in Las Vegas, but he's also been making waves behind the scenes, investing in top names like DUPR.

Even though they lost in the Round of 16, fans were pumped just to see Agassi compete. Huge thanks to Anna Leigh Waters for letting Simone Jardim and me sneak in a quick pic with Steffi Graf and Agassi after their match. 😄

🏟️ What It’s Like Playing the US Open

If you’ve ever wondered why the US Open keeps growing every year, let me break it down. There are 60 courts, tons of food vendors, and a community vibe that’s hard to beat. Most players roll in with their club crew, and the energy is awesome.

From a pro’s perspective? It’s a grind. The Franklin balls were super soft this year, which meant looong rallies (my legs can confirm 😅). The tournament uses a progressive draw: one round per day, starting Monday with the Round of 64 and wrapping up Saturday with the finals.

I was lucky enough to snag a spot in the Skechers Pro Club, which meant on-site parking (a huge win), access to the pro lounge, and daily meals—honestly, a game-changer during a week like this.

Not everything was perfect, though. The PickleballDen site struggled under the pressure (can’t blame them too much—it was probably their first tourney of this size), and the prize money distribution raised some eyebrows. Here’s the breakdown:

• 🥇 Doubles Gold: $7,600 per player
  
• Quarterfinalists: about $275 per player
  

Senior pros had it even tougher, with payouts only for the top 3 teams—gold medalists took home $2,250 each. Some players floated the idea of spreading payouts across all rounds (e.g., if you lose in the Round of 32, you still get something). Honestly? Could be a solid improvement.

🎾 Junior, Wheelchair & Split Age Events: So Much Variety

One of the coolest things about pickleball is how inclusive it is. This year’s US Open had something for everyone:

• Junior pickleball is exploding, with tons of kids joining tournaments. These are the future stars of the sport.
  
• The wheelchair divisions were incredible to watch. Singles and doubles action with slightly different rules—but seriously inspiring stuff.
  
• I also jumped into my first Split Age event, where I teamed up with a partner over 50. Let me tell you—don’t sleep on the 50+ crowd. They might not move as fast, but their strategy and precision? Next level.
  

Why It Matters for Pickleball Ratings

With over 5,600 matches logged into DUPR, this tournament wasn’t just about trophies—it was a huge opportunity for players to boost their pickleball ratings. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro chasing points, every match here made a difference.

And that’s the beauty of DUPR: no matter where you play—Naples, Brazil, or your local rec center—your matches count, and your progress is tracked globally.

If you're looking to improve your game, Bobbi also shares plenty of pickleball tips, drills, and strategy advice worth checking out.  Find your next tournament and track your results anytime with the DUPR app. Whether you’re a newbie or a gold medal contender, it’s your go-to for everything pickleball ratings. 💪

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Whether you're new to DUPR or just getting more serious about your pickleball game, joining a pickleball digital club or DUPR club is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to connect with players at your level, get consistent matches, and start tracking your progress more accurately.

Unlike casual open play, DUPR Clubs offer structured environments where matches count toward your pickleball ratings and club leaders can help facilitate fair, competitive play. The best part? Joining a DUPR Club is quick, free, and only takes a few steps.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Create (or Find) Your DUPR Profile

First, go to mydupr.com and search for your name. If you've ever played in a DUPR-rated event or tournament, there's a good chance your profile already exists.

• If you find a profile with your name: Use DUPR's Contact Form to claim it.
• If not: Click "Sign Up" to create a new DUPR account.

Make sure to complete your profile with your full name, city, state, country, and any other basic info to help clubs and players find you.

2. Search for a DUPR Club

Once you're logged in, navigate to the left-hand menu and click "Clubs". 

If you know the name of a club, simply enter it in the search bar. You can also browse clubs in your area or check out clubs that host DUPR-rated events near you.

3. Request to Join the Club

Once you find the club you’re looking for, click into its profile page. You’ll see a "Join" button near the top. 

As a member of a DUPR digital club, you can: 

• Participate in club matches and DUPR-rated sessions ✅ 
• Read player leaderboards ✅ 
• Find out about club events, challenges, and team formats ✅ 

Why Join a DUPR Club?

• Play with purpose: Your games will count toward your DUPR rating and help you track real progress.
• Get fairer matches: Clubs group players by skill level, so you’re playing people close to your rating.
• Find community: DUPR Clubs are built around connection, competition, and growth. Whether you're in it for fun or focused improvement, there’s a club that fits.

Ready to Find Your Club?

Join a club that fits your game, your goals, and your schedule. Your pickleball journey just got a whole lot better.

→ Log in to DUPR and Join a Club Today

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We are pleased to announce that, as of today, following the agreement reached between the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), DUPR will serve as the official pickleball rating system for all players participating in Spain’s first official national pickleball circuit, the “Pickle Pro Tour,” organized by B3 Sportainment with Cervezas Victoria as a strategic partner and driving force behind the competition.

This system not only facilitates participation in the Pickle Pro Tour national events but also allows players to track their progress and find the right opponents to help improve their game. The accuracy of the DUPR pickleball ratings increases with every match recorded, ensuring that ratings faithfully reflect each player’s true skill level.

By implementing Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), the Pickle Pro Tour National Circuit, organized by B3 Sportainment with Cervezas Victoria as a strategic partner, reaffirms its commitment to excellence, fairness, and the development of this exciting sport. We encourage all players to register and take full advantage of the benefits this system offers.

For more information about the Pickle Pro Tour National Circuit and how the DUPR pickleball rating works, visit our websites or contact us through our social media channels.

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We are officially integrating State Pro Leagues into our ecosystem, creating a direct pathway to The Dink 22 Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) National Championship. This new structure sets a clear track for elite amateur and aspiring pro players to compete at the highest level and keep improving their pickleball ratings. 

How It Works

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– Winners and top performers from sanctioned State Pro Leagues qualify directly for DUPR 22
– Leagues also have the option to enter teams into DUPR 20
– DUPR will provide head-to-head graphics, detailed stats, and full end-of-season analytics

This alignment strengthens the competition and builds a defined route to the top through pickleball tournaments and the DUPR Teams system.

Why Become a Sanctioned State Pro League?

🏅Increased Recognition
Being DUPR-sanctioned positions your league as a true proving ground for future pro talent.

📣Visibility and Exposure
Leagues and players benefit from national attention through DUPR’s network and content channels.

 📈Marketing Support
We’ll help promote your players, matches, and key league moments.

 🎥Streaming & Data Tools
Get enhanced tools for live broadcasts, head-to-head stats, and digital engagement.

🔗Direct MiLP Integration
Your league becomes part of the official development pathway to the MiLP National Championship.

We’re proud to welcome the inaugural group of State Pro Leagues—each one a leader in growing competitive pickleball at the local level. These leagues are now officially integrated into the DUPR ecosystem, providing players with a pathway to higher-level events like MiLP Nationals, while generating accurate, reliable pickleball ratings through every match.

🏅All Florida Pro League (AFPL)

The AFPL kicks off its 2025 season with eight teams representing cities across Florida, including the Miami Blaze, Sarasota Manatees, and Fort Myers Flamingos. Matches are free for spectators and held at top venues statewide. Each match contributes to players' DUPR ratings, ensuring accurate skill assessments. 

💥 2025  AFPL Teams & Rosters:

🏅 Wichita Premier Pickleball League (WPPL)

 WPPL showcases top local talent in a competitive setting. The league's structure supports player growth and provides a clear pathway to national competition, with all matches contributing to DUPR ratings.

💥 2025 WPPL Teams & Rosters:

🏅 Oklahoma Premier Pickleball League (OPPL)

OPPL returns for its second season, featuring six teams competing in a dynamic format. The league emphasizes player development and community engagement, with matches streamed online and results integrated into the DUPR system. ​

💥 2025 OPPL Teams & Rosters:

🏅 The Michigan Pickleball League

‍Michigan’s league features five teams competing at the State Pro League in 2025. These include: 

Detroit Vipers, Lansing Loons, Grand Rapids Rampage, Ann Arbor Arctics and Flint Tropics.  

💥 2025 Michigan’s Teams & Rosters:

These leagues represent some of the most passionate and fast-growing pickleball communities in the country—and they're just the beginning. More leagues will be added soon as we continue to expand competitive pathways across the U.S.

For Commissioners & League Directors

Are you a director of an established state league wanting to join the next era of competitive pickleball? Email us at clubs@mydupr.com to get started.

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DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) has been named the Official Ratings Partner for the UPA Asia Pickleball Trailblazers Program. The partnership will help track the development of Asia's rising pickleball stars throughout their journey.

As the world's most accurate pickleball rating system with over 1 million rated players, DUPR provides real-time skill assessment based on match results and is already the official rating trusted by the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. 

Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, said: "Partnering with DUPR gives our Trailblazers a real benchmark for success. It’s not just about winning — it’s about tracking growth and competing on a global scale."

PPA Tour Asia social media channels will feature two content series from the partnership: the "DUPR Diary," documenting players' rating improvements through tournament results and training milestones, and "The Universal Language," showing how DUPR connects all players around the globe from first picking up a paddle to going pro.

Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, said: "Asia is one of the most exciting regions for pickleball right now. We're proud to help these rising stars measure their progress and connect with the global community through DUPR."

DUPR is an integral part of building pickleball communities, supporting UPA Asia's growth initiatives in the region. Players connect through the platform to find nearby competition, join clubs, and participate in local events, helping expand the sport's presence throughout the region.

The UPA Asia Pickleball Trailblazers Program brings 12 aspiring talents to the USA for three months of training, with participants earning contracts to compete in all UPA Asia events in 2025-2026. The Trailblazers recently claimed four medals at the Baton Rouge PPA Challenger tournament in Louisiana.

Follow the journey of the UPA Asia Trailblazers and stay updated on their progress by following them on Instagram and Facebook. 

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DUPR Named Official Rating System of Italy’s FITP — One of Europe’s fastest-growing pickleball communities gets a global standard

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Rome, Italy — April 23, 2025 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is proud to announce its official partnership with the Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel (FITP), making DUPR the exclusive rating system for all sanctioned pickleball activity in Italy.

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This is a major milestone for DUPR and the global growth of pickleball. Italy has quickly become one of the most exciting pickleball markets in Europe — with thousands of new players, clubs forming every month, and serious momentum behind national and international competition.

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“Italy is not just growing in numbers — it’s growing with ambition,” said Mortada Stitou, Vice-President of Commercial at DUPR. “FITP’s leadership is building a true ecosystem, and we’re honored they chose DUPR as the foundation. This gives every Italian player access to the same trusted, global rating used by pros and amateurs around the world.”

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With this partnership, all FITP-sanctioned events and clubs will use DUPR to track player progress and seed matches. Italian players can now see how they stack up on a worldwide scale — with real-time updates, match history, and cross-border comparability.

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“We believe that fair and transparent competition is essential to the sport,” said a spokesperson for FITP. “DUPR brings exactly that — a reliable rating, easy to use, and trusted internationally. This is a big step forward for the Italian pickleball community.”

Why It Matters

• Italy is a gateway to broader European adoption.
• DUPR helps standardize competition ahead of future international events.
• It brings player development, tournament planning, and talent scouting onto one platform.

“We’ve seen what happens when a country fully adopts DUPR — tournaments get better, players level up faster, and clubs thrive,” said Stitou. “Italy is next.”

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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), 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.

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About FITP

The Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel is Italy’s governing body for tennis, padel, and pickleball. It organizes national competitions, oversees player development, and promotes the growth of racket sports throughout Italy. 

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