Did that really just happen? Yep. Alex Crum (DUPR 6.524) has officially beaten Federico Staksrud (DUPR 6.983) —the No. 1 player in the world—not once, but twice this year.

‍

This time it happened under the bright lights of the PPA Tour at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where Crum took Staksrud down in straight games: 11-9, 11-6.

‍

Now, you might be thinking: Cool, but what does that have to do with me at my Tuesday night open play? The answer: a lot. Alex’s mindset and approach are things every amateur player can apply, no matter your DUPR.

‍

Lesson 1: Confidence + Pressure = Growth

‍

Alex admitted he felt both confident and pressured going into the match.

‍

“Confident in the sense that I had already done it before and was aware that if I played well I could win. Pressure in the sense that if I didn’t perform well, people would question whether my first win was a total fluke.”

‍

That’s a balance you’ll face too. Maybe it’s league night finals, maybe it’s just a Saturday challenge court when all eyes are on you. Pressure means you care, and confidence comes from reminding yourself you’ve done the work. Put those together and nerves become fuel.

‍

You’ve probably played someone with a higher DUPR and either surprised yourself with a win or thought, “I have to prove it wasn’t luck” if confronting them again. Here’s the trick: don’t fall into the trap of proving. If you’ve beaten them before, you already know you can. Just focus on what worked last time: your patterns, your patience, your best shots. No scoreboard story, no outside noise; just you, your paddle, and the next point.

‍

Lesson 2: Don’t Wait for Mistakes—Take It

‍

Alex Crum said he kept telling himself:

‍

“Take it. Don’t expect him to hand you the match.”

‍

For you: Stop waiting for your opponent to miss. Be the one dictating rallies. Step in on weak returns, drive with purpose, and play your game. Even if you’re the lower DUPR on the court, you can still take control by being proactive instead of passive.

‍

Want to tighten up your game? Start here:

‍

• Court Positioning Guide – stop getting caught out of place.
  
  
• Serving Tips – where to aim to keep opponents on defense.
  
  
• Return Strategy – how to set the tone right from the start.
  
  

‍

We drop fresh tips, drills, and strategy articles every day to help you level up, whether it’s handling pressure, building confidence, or just winning more rallies. Keep learning, keep applying, and watch your DUPR climb.

‍

Lesson 3: Block Out the Numbers

‍

One of Alex’s best reminders:

‍

“I have lost to people with lower DUPR and beaten people with higher DUPR. As difficult as it may be, you have to try and block out your opponent’s ranking, DUPR, etc. and treat every opponent with the same focus and intensity.”

‍

For you: Whether it’s a 3.0 vs. a 3.5 or your buddy swearing they “play at a 4.0 level,” don’t let the numbers decide the match before it starts. Play every point with focus. Numbers can predict… but they don’t play the points; you do.

‍

Lesson 4: Champions Bring Energy Every Time

‍

Alex admitted his level dropped in the following match after beating the #1 in the world because of the mental aspect of the game. 

‍

“The biggest champions find a way to bring the same energy to every point, no matter the opponent.”

‍

For you: Consistency isn’t just strokes, it’s attitude. If you treat every rec game, every rally, every point with intent, you’ll raise your floor and that’s what moves your DUPR upward.

‍

Why This Matters

‍

Most of us won’t face the No. 1 player in the world. But like Alex, we all know what it’s like to step on court feeling pressure, nerves, or doubt. His story shows that confidence, mindset, and energy can beat rankings, reputations, and even DUPR disparities.

‍

Next time you’re on court and feel outmatched, remember: if Alex can take down the world’s best twice, you can definitely take a game off that “higher-rated” player in your club.

‍

Interested in meeting Alex Crum and playing with him? Check out his pro schedule and tailgate tour here.

‍