The first three of the seven Regional Showdowns crowned the first set of Dream Ticket winners!

Northeast Regional

All State Pickleball hosted the first Regional Showdown, The Northeast Regional, of the 2024 season at Bounce in Malvern, Pennsylvania, crowned gold medals in DUPR 14, 16 and 18. All division winners earned the coveted Dream Ticket which guarantees the teams an automatic bid into the National Championship.

Midsouth Regional

The Oklahoma Pickleball Club hosted the second Regional Showdown, the Midsouth Regional, at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas. With a record-breaking 188 players, this event became the largest Regional Showdown since the series began in 2023. Gold medals were awarded across six divisions. This impressive turnout showcases the remarkable growth of The Dink Minor League Pickleball!

Midwest Regional

The Midwest Regional Showdown took place at the inaugural PickleCon in Kansas City, hosted by InPickle Nation. The event was a resounding success, with seamless match transitions and the excitement of all teams advancing to the bracket playoffs. Gold medal matches were hosted at PickleCon’s championship court for DUPR 14 and 18, a sweet award for making it to the finals. Four teams earned Dream Tickets to the National Championship.

Why Play at a Regional Showdown?

What makes these Regional Showdowns unique is the coveted Dream Ticket awarded to all winning teams. A Dream Ticket guarantees a spot at the National Championship, taking place December 13-15 in Fenton, Missouri. It includes a four-match guarantee (8 games to 21 for each player—a guarantee unmatched by any other tour or event!). Additionally, all Regional Showdown participants earn points towards the National Leaderboard.

Upcoming Regional Showdowns

Want to earn your Dream Ticket and guarantee yourself a spot at the 2024 National Championship? Register to compete at one of the upcoming Regional Showdowns.

• Midwest Regional
  • Date: August 10th
  • Venue: PickleCon (Kansas City Convention Center)
  • City, State: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
• West Coast Regional
  • Date: September 7th
  • Venue: Willow Pass Community Park in Concord
  • City, State: Concord, California
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
• Northwest Regional
  • Date: September 7th & 8th 
  • Venue: Caverlero MidHigh School
  • City, State: Lake Stevens, Washington
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
• Southwest Regional
  • Date: October 5th & 6th, 2024
  • Venue: TBD (in or near Phoenix) 
  • City, State: TBD, Arizona
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
• Southeast Regional
  • Date: November 9th & 10th
  • Venue: Lone Palm Country Club
  • City, State: Lakeland, Florida
  • Divisions: 14, 16, 18, 20

To learn more about The Dink MiLP, visit our website.

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Ben Hildreth has lived in Taiwan for over 10 years and works as an international school PE teacher and account manager for DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life. An avid traveler, he has visited more than 75 countries. Ben enjoys all sports, with a particular passion for pickleball, running, scuba diving, and fitness. He has a small addiction to K-dramas, counting calories, and beach days. Whether exploring a new country or running a round-robin, Ben embraces life with enthusiasm and a zest for discovery.

How did you get involved with DUPR?

A colleague already involved in pickleball reached out when he heard I was playing internationally and teaching pickleball as a PE teacher. He made a few introductions to people in the industry, and now I work for DUPR. It’s been exciting to see pickleball and DUPR grow throughout Asia.

Can you explain what DUPR is and is it only for elite and competition players?

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is pickleball’s most accurate and widely adopted global rating system. It gives players a rating based on match results and helps them find more opportunities to play. Everyone can use DUPR – whether you’re a recreational player, club warrior, or a pro. It’s free to use and makes pickleball even more fun.

DUPR’s rating system is based on match results, so it provides the most reliable assessment of player level in an easy-to-understand way. All players, regardless of their age, gender, location, or skill, are rated on the same scale between 2.000-8.000. Here’s what the rating looks at: The algorithm considers four factors:

1. Points – If you win 11-3, you go up more than if you win 11-9. Competing against similar-level players will have a greater impact on your rating.
2. Recency – When entering matches, more recent matches will move you more than old matches.
3. Total Match Count – If you’ve played in a lot of matches, your rating will fluctuate less compared to a player with a lower match count.
4. Every Match Matters – Every match counts toward your rating, even if you are playing against someone who is unrated or new to DUPR.

When players have a rating, it makes playing even more fun. Players can find more opportunities to play with others at their level and track their progress, and clubs and tournaments use DUPR to create better competition. It’s a language that unifies the game across age, gender, skill level, and location. If you have a rating on DUPR, you can find fun pickleball play wherever you are.  

When people first signed up for DUPR, we saw some very strange ratings (e.g., a beginner with just one or two games getting a strangely high ranking). Why does that happen? And how long is it before a typical DUPR rating is “accurate?”

Just like any system, the more information (i.e. match results) that DUPR has, the better the system is at evaluating a player’s skill level because it has a bigger pool of results to analyze. A player who is just starting may see their rating fluctuate a bit before it levels out to offer a more reliable assessment of their skill level. DUPR recently introduced a Reliability Score, which is a percentage that indicates a player’s progress toward achieving a reliable rating to help players understand their rating.

Players who have more results in DUPR will have higher reliability scores because there are more match results to analyze, offering a more in-depth view of their ability. A player who is just starting will have a lower reliability score because DUPR does not have as many results to analyze. As players play more and share their results with DUPR, their ratings become more and more reliable, and their reliability scores will go up.

A player’s Reliability Score reflects a few things – how many match results are in our system, how recently they’ve played, and the variety of players they’ve played against. A higher Reliability Score means the player is consistently uploading match results to the system, while a lower score indicates that there is some catching up (i.e., more playing!) to be done.

There isn’t necessarily a set time frame that a player can follow to achieve a reliable rating. Instead, DUPR recommends focusing on the following:

• Play with various partners and opponents.
• Play against similarly rated opponents.
• Play club/tournament matches.
• Play against highly reliable players.

These are the key factors in ensuring a player has a reliable rating. .

What are DUPR’s main aims/mission? And how are they playing out in Asia?

DUPR’s mission is to unify pickleball across age, gender, and location with a simple rating system while fostering a sense of fairness and competition for pickleball players across the globe. The players in Asia are fantastic, and the numbers are growing.  Pickleball clubs are sprouting up at an amazing rate. You can find a club to play in almost every country in Asia. Tourists from all over the globe have added pickleball to their travel itinerary as a fun way to meet locals and log some games in different countries (like a digital souvenir!).  Asia also has many high-level players playing in the PPA, MLP, & Major League Pickleball Australia.

Which are the most active DUPR countries around Asia right now?

The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei have been very active lately.  These countries are uploading scores through tournaments, leagues, team formats, and open play.  

If you meet a player and they say, “Why should I bother signing up for DUPR?” what are the main reasons you give them?

1. DUPR makes sure that games are fair, which leads to more interesting matches and gameplay.
2. You can keep track of your progress and see where you’re doing well and where you need to improve, which is very important for getting better at the game.
3. The ratings help event organizers set the seeds, which makes tournaments more competitive and well-organized.
4. DUPR’s universal method promotes inclusion by not caring about age or gender, making the facility a friendly place for all pickleball fans.
5. It is an international benchmark for assessing pickleball skills as the sport gains global popularity, crucial for international tournaments and monitoring players’ proficiency worldwide.
6. When players are rated on DUPR, they can find fun, competitive opportunities to play wherever they are in the world.

Outside of ratings is there anything DUPR and the DUPR app can be used for?

Yes!  You can use the platform to find players of similar skill levels in your area so that you can play with them!  You can also see where you rank inside the digital club that you have joined this helps fan the flames of friendly competition. You can also DM players directly through the app to stay connected!  The app also can be used for DUPR Feeds, which allow you to:

Follow Friends: Stay in the loop with your pickleball pals! With the new Feeds feature, you can now follow your friends and catch up on their latest pickleball adventures, victories, and more.

Post Text or Images to Feed: Share your pickleball journey with the community! Whether it’s a stunning action shot or a post-game reflection, you can now post text or images directly to your feed for everyone to enjoy.

Highlight Top Matches: Showcase your best plays and give fellow players a front-row seat to your pickleball progress.

Comment on Players’ Matches: Celebrate victories, share tips, or simply cheer on your fellow players. Feeds allows you to engage in lively discussions by commenting on the matches posted by others.

Comment on Players’ Posts: Connect with players through comments on their posts and keep the post-match buzz alive off the court.

Tag Players: With Feeds, you can tag your friends and fellow players in your posts, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.

Tag Clubs and Events: Stay connected with the broader pickleball community. Tag your favorite clubs and events that you’re registered for in your posts to share the excitement.

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Published from Pickleball News Asia and written by Andrew: Group Publisher at Asia Online Publishing Group & IPTPA Level 1 certified pickleball coach

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life and Pickleball Superstore, the #1 large-scale, community-owned e-commerce platform specializing in pickleball-related products, are teaming up to support pickleball operators with tools and technology to grow their businesses and enhance their offerings. 

DUPR Club organizers now have the opportunity to utilize Pickleball Superstore’s Virtual ProShop program which aims to reduce the amount of capital and time investment in pro shops, increase member satisfaction and simplify operating costs and functions for Clubs. Email info@pickleballsuperstore.com to get started.

The Virtual Pro Shop program supports DUPR Club operators by enabling them to leverage Pickleball Superstore’s inventory and management systems to offer their members access to the best demo paddles, grips and other pickleball accessories without the headaches and extra costs associated with inventory and supply chain management. 

Pickleball Superstore and DUPR are also offering college programs with a DUPR Club the ability to join its Super Affiliate Program to provide value to their Club members while generating additional monthly revenue for their school’s Club. DUPR Clubs and Collegiate Programs participating in the programs receive a unique discount code to share with members, friends and family that generates a 10% commission for the Club when used for any purchases via the Virtual Pro Shop. Click here to enroll.

“Operators wear many, many hats and we are excited to partner with Pickleball Superstore to help support these individuals with the ability to reduce the time and costs of managing a pro shop while continuing to offer their members access to the best products in pickleball,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “This initiative with Pickleball Superstore is another example of our commitment to supporting the pickleball community with the best technology, platforms and systems to make the experience even better for everyone.”

“All of us at Pickleball Superstore are completely aligned with DUPR’s vision to unify the game of pickleball. We take pride in this partnership and look forward to providing DUPR members with additional value,” said Pat Rolfes, Chairman/Co-Founder of Pickleball Superstore, Inc.

“It’s exciting to have DUPR join us in continuing to grow Pickleball Superstore. We welcome DUPR and their members into the Pickleball Superstore family,” said Steve Raack, CEO/Co-Founder of Pickleball Superstore, Inc.

En DUPR, nos dedicamos a ofrecer opciones de juego basadas en niveles para todas las edades y géneros. Conoce a Aline Morales una destacada chica Super DUPR de Zihuatanejo, México.

En nuestra última entrevista, descubre la trayectoria de Aline y lo que impulsa su pasión por el pickleball.

¿Cómo ha cambiado el Pickleball tu vida?

El Pickleball me ha hecho ser una persona mas disciplinada, y me mantiene motivada a ser mejor cada día.

¿Cómo encontraste el Pickleball y cuánto tiempo llevas jugando?

Vi que estaban jugando Pickleball en una cancha de Basquet ball y le dije a mi papá que me llevara a probar ese deporte y me encantó. Llevo 5 años jugando Pickleball.

¿Cuál es tu recuerdo favorito de tu experiencia en Pickleball hasta ahora?

Haber obtenido buenos resultados en mi primer torneo que se llevó acabo en Chapala, Jalisco.

¿Qué atleta o persona te inspira más?

Anna Leigh Waters.

¿Cuánto Pickleball juegas a la semana?

Usualmente 5 veces a la semana.

¿Qué haces fuera del Pickleball?

Ir a la playa, leer libros y cantar.

¿Cuál es tu DUPR?

Mi DUPR es 5.1.

¿Qué te gusta de DUPR?

Me gusta que me ayuda a saber el nivel de los demás jugadores.

¿Te ha ayudado DUPR a encontrar más jugadores en tu rango de juego?

Sí.

¿Cuándo es tu próximo juego o torneo?

Estamos planeando ir a un torneo del PPA en Las Vegas.

¿Cual es tu meta en Pickleball?

Ser jugadora profesional

Estamos emocionados de apoyar a los jugadores jóvenes y ver cómo su juego progresa a lo largo de su trayectoria en el pickleball.

No te pierdas la trayectoria de Aline en el pickleball en su Instagram.

At DUPR, we are dedicated to offering level-based play options for all ages and genders. Meet Aline Morales, a standout Super DUPR Girl from Zihuatanejo, Mexico. In our latest interview, discover Aline's journey and what drives her passion for pickleball.

How has pickleball changed your life?

Pickleball has made me a more disciplined person and keeps me motivated to improve every day.

How did you find pickleball and how long have you been playing?

I saw people playing pickleball on a basketball court and asked my dad to take me to try the sport. I loved it. I’ve been playing pickleball for 5 years.

What is your favorite memory from your pickleball experience so far?

Getting good results in my first tournament held in Chapala, Jalisco.

Who is the athlete or person who inspires you the most?

Anna Leigh Waters.

How much pickleball do you play per week?

Usually 5 times a week.

What do you do outside of pickleball?

Going to the beach, reading books, and singing.

What is your DUPR?

My DUPR is 5.1.

What do you like about DUPR?

I like that it helps me know the level of other players.

Has DUPR helped you find more players in your skill range?

Yes.

When is your next game or tournament?

We are planning to attend a PPA tournament in Las Vegas.

What is your goal in pickleball?

To become a professional player.

We’re excited to support young players and see how their game progresses throughout their pickleball journey.

Don’t miss Aline's pickleball journey on her Instagram.

In a major step forward for the growth and unification of pickleball, the sport’s leading tournament and event management platforms – Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball.com and Pickleball Tournaments – are enabling a player’s DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life rating to be used for tournament and league play. The platforms are also providing all tournament and league match data created by matches played on July 29th, 2024 and going forward to DUPR automatically at the completion of the match for future DUPR ratings updates.

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What does this mean for players? 

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• Results from DUPR-enabled events organized on Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball Tournaments and Pickleball.com will automatically count for a players rating 
• A player’s DUPR rating will be displayed on their Pickleball.com player profile 
• Players can now find events suitable for their level on Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball Tournaments and Pickleball.com

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What does this mean for organizers? 

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• It removes the step of manually sending results to DUPR, as scores are automatically shared with the rating system to update player profiles
• Organizers now have the option to choose to run their event using DUPR 
• This means organizers can set brackets and seed players based on DUPR for more competitive, level-based events 
• It gives organizers the ability to create even more fun and competitive events 

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Aligning DUPR and Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball.com and PickleballTournaments.com represents a huge step forward for the growth of the game, helping players and organizers to find and create more level-based opportunities to compete. We have been hearing from organizers who want to be able to use DUPR within these platforms to organize competitive, level-based events, and from players who want to be able to find more engaging and fun play based on their skill level. We’re thrilled to bring this to life and support everyone involved in pickleball with the ability to find and organize more engaging, better competitive experiences. 

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FAQ For Players 

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How will my results be shared? Do I need to connect my accounts? 

To connect your DUPR account to Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball.com and Pickleball Tournaments, you will need to log into your Pickleball.com account (your PickleballBrackets.com account credentials work here as well) and complete the “Connect DUPR” process. Click here for a step-by-step guide to connect to DUPR. 

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Will all my matches from events I have played on Pickleball Brackets or Pickleball Tournaments count for my DUPR? 

At this point, only matches completed from July 29th, 2024 going forward will be sent to DUPR automatically for ratings processing. You alway have the ability to manually enter prior matches through the DUPR website and process. For more information click here.

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FAQ for Organizers

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Is it required to use DUPR for all events and tournaments I organize using Pickleball Brackets or Pickleball Tournaments? 

No. At your discretion, for tournaments that have been created using the Pickleball Brackets Rating (PBR) or the World Pickleball Rating (WPR) and have started or completed registration, you have the choice to either complete the tournament using these ratings or choose to convert to using the DUPR rating. If you would like to convert your existing tournament to DUPR, click here for a guide on how to complete this conversion.

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Do I need to do anything to make sure that results from my events are submitted to DUPR? 

In the case where the PBR or WPR is used for a tournament or a league session, matches where all participants in the match have connected their Pickleball.com profile to DUPR will be submitted to DUPR. If any participant in a match has not connected their Pickleball.com profile to DUPR, then the match will not be sent to DUPR for ratings processing. In order to provide visibility into when this is the case, we will be providing an indicator next to players in the tournament or a league session who have not connected their Pickleball.com profile to DUPR. You will have the ability to run a report on players currently registered that had not connected their Pickleball.com account profile to DUPR and the ability to message these players to remind them to complete the connection process.

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What if a player in my tournament or league does not currently have a DUPR rating?

You have two options: 

• Encourage them to create a DUPR account by going to https://dashboard.dupr.com/signup. 
• Leave them in their current skill level that they registered for using PBR, WPR or self-rating.

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How do I get DUPR set up on my Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball Tournaments and Pickleball.com accounts? 

If you would like to convert your existing tournament to DUPR, click here for a guide on how to complete this conversion.

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When it comes to pickleball, the playing surface can significantly impact your game. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned pro honing your skills, understanding the different court surfaces and their characteristics is essential for optimizing your performance. In this guide, we'll dive into the various types of pickleball court surfaces and explore which one might be best suited for your playing style.

The Importance of Pickleball Ratings and the DUPR System

Before we dive into the specifics of pickleball court surfaces, it's crucial to highlight the role of pickleball ratings and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life. As the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, DUPR provides players with dynamic ratings that accurately reflect their skill level. Trusted by leading clubs, tournaments, and players worldwide, DUPR Pickleball Ratings, Skill Levels & Rankings ensure fair competition and promote player development across age, gender, and location.

Understanding your DUPR rating is paramount for assessing your progress, finding suitable opponents, and participating in competitive play. Whether you're striving to climb the ranks or simply aiming to improve your game, DUPR offers valuable insights into your performance and allows you to track your journey in the world of pickleball.

Hard Court Surfaces

Hard courts, typically made of concrete or asphalt, are among the most popular surfaces for pickleball. These surfaces offer consistent ball bounce and relatively fast gameplay, making them ideal for competitive matches. Additionally, hard courts require minimal maintenance and are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, such as the US Open.

One of the key advantages of hard courts is their versatility. They can be found in various settings, including community centers, recreational facilities, and dedicated pickleball courts. Furthermore, hard courts allow players to execute precise shots with ease, enhancing the overall experience of the game.

However, it's essential to note that hard courts can be unforgiving on the joints, especially during prolonged play sessions. To mitigate this issue, players may opt for cushioned court surfaces or use appropriate footwear to minimize the risk of injuries.

Cushioned Court Surfaces

Cushioned court surfaces, such as those made of acrylic or rubber, offer an excellent compromise between comfort and performance. These surfaces provide a slight cushioning effect, reducing the impact on players' joints while maintaining consistent ball bounce and speed.

Cushioned courts are particularly favored by players who prioritize comfort and injury prevention. The added shock absorption helps alleviate stress on the knees and ankles, allowing players to enjoy longer and more comfortable play sessions. Additionally, the slightly slower pace of play on cushioned surfaces can benefit players who rely on precision and control rather than sheer power.

Another advantage of cushioned court surfaces is their versatility. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors, making them suitable for year-round play in various climates. Whether you're playing in a recreational facility or a backyard court, the cushioned surface provides a comfortable and enjoyable pickleball experience for players of all skill levels.

Clay Court Surfaces

While pickleball is traditionally played on hard courts or dedicated pickleball courts, it's worth noting that the game can technically be played on clay surfaces as well. However, compared to tennis, where clay courts are widely used in professional tournaments like the French Open, pickleball on clay courts is not as common.

One of the standout features of clay courts is their ability to slow down the pace of play. The soft surface absorbs more energy from the ball, resulting in a slower ball speed and higher bounce. This characteristic favors players who rely on consistency and strategy rather than power, encouraging longer rallies and strategic shot placement.

Additionally, clay courts are renowned for their traction and footwork benefits. The fine particles on the surface provide excellent grip, allowing players to make quick direction changes and execute precise movements with confidence. This makes clay courts particularly appealing to players who prioritize agility and maneuverability on the court.

The choice of surface can significantly impact your pickleball experience, affecting everything from ball bounce to player comfort. Whether you prefer the fast-paced action of hard courts, the comfort of cushioned surfaces, or the strategic challenges of clay courts, each surface offers its unique advantages and appeals to different playing styles. Ultimately, the best surface for you is the one that enhances your enjoyment of the game and allows you to play at your best.

Learn more about pickleball tips and tricks on our website.

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Improving your pickleball rating is a goal that many players aspire to achieve. Whether you're aiming to progress from a beginner level or striving to reach new heights in competitive play, there are specific strategies and techniques you can employ to enhance your pickleball rating. In this article, we'll explore actionable steps focused solely on advancing your pickleball rating and elevating your performance on the court.

Understanding Pickleball Ratings

A pickleball rating is a numerical representation of a player's skill level and performance on the court. It provides an objective measure of a player's ability, allowing for fair and competitive matchups. DUPR is a revolutionary rating system designed to provide accurate and dynamic player ratings. Unlike traditional static rating systems, DUPR's algorithm continuously adjusts ratings based on match results, ensuring that ratings reflect current skill levels.  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. 

Master the Fundamentals

A strong foundation of fundamental skills is essential for improving your pickleball rating. Focus on refining your grip, stance, and basic strokes, such as serves, forehands, backhands, and volleys. Practice consistency and accuracy in your shots to build confidence and precision on the court. Solidify your understanding of fundamental techniques to lay the groundwork for further improvement.

Develop Strategic Awareness

Elevating your pickleball rating requires more than technical proficiency; it demands strategic acumen and court awareness. Familiarize yourself with various playing styles and strategies, including dinking, lobbing, and third-shot drops. Learn to anticipate your opponent's moves and adapt your gameplay accordingly to gain a competitive edge. Develop a strategic mindset that enables you to make calculated decisions and control the flow of the game.

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Embrace Competitive Play

Participating in competitive matches is essential for gauging your progress and advancing your pickleball rating. Engage in tournaments, leagues, and organized play to challenge yourself against diverse opponents of varying skill levels. Embrace both victories and defeats as valuable learning opportunities, analyzing your performance to identify areas for growth. Competing regularly will sharpen your skills, build confidence, and prepare you for higher levels of play.

Seek Quality Coaching

Investing in professional coaching can significantly accelerate your progress and rating improvement. Certified pickleball instructors can provide personalized feedback, identify areas for improvement, and offer tailored training drills to address specific weaknesses. Enroll in clinics, workshops, or private lessons to receive expert guidance and refine your skills under professional supervision. Incorporate feedback from coaches into your practice routine to maximize your development potential.

Cultivate Mental Toughness

Developing mental toughness is paramount for success in pickleball and rating improvement. Cultivate focus, resilience, and a positive mindset to navigate challenges and setbacks effectively. Learn to manage stress and maintain composure during intense matches, channeling nerves into productive energy. Visualize success, set achievable goals, and celebrate incremental progress to stay motivated on your journey to improving your pickleball rating. Strengthening your mental resilience will enhance your performance under pressure and contribute to your overall rating advancement.

Improving your pickleball rating requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach to skill development. Stay committed to your development, embrace the challenges, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. With determination and the right approach, you'll undoubtedly achieve your goals and reach new limits with your rating.

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Minor League Pickleball at MLP Virginia Beach to Be Inaugural Event, September 28-29

MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life today announced a partnership to launch MLP’s schedule of amateur events - which will operate alongside several 2024 MLP events, starting with MLP Virginia Beach in September - under Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) branding, format, event management and operations.

“This partnership between MLP and DUPR is an incredibly valuable component of the MiLP at MLP amateur events launch,” said MLP CEO Bruce Popko. “We can’t think of a better way to bring Major League Pickleball’s thrilling coed team format to amateur players, who will be able to play alongside MLP’s exhilarating and fan-friendly pro events.”

“DUPR, MLP and MiLP are joining forces to deliver the best pickleball experiences for players of all levels,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “MLP's professional events are known for their electric atmosphere for players and fans, and now we are excited to offer amateur players across the country the once in a lifetime opportunity to compete like pros in their regions and advance towards a national championship."

These events will give registered amateurs the opportunity to play in events alongside MLP’s professional teams and players, supporting new, exciting pathways for players to compete and showcasing the connectivity within the broader pickleball community.

DUPR-preferred event directors will run the MiLP at MLP tournaments, providing the best amateur pickleball experience under the coed team format where mixed teams of four players (two women and two men) are broken into divisions based on their combined DUPR rating to compete against each other in four games played to 21 points (two gendered, two mixed).

Winners will earn a Dream Ticket and automatically qualify for the 2024 Minor League Pickleball National Championship, which will feature $50,000 in prize money across six divisions - DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 - and be held at the Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, MO, Dec. 13-15.

Event registrations will be available through Pickleball Brackets:

Pickleball Bracket

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About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)

MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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. Players and operators can visit the DUPR website or download the app to sign up and learn more.