What is The Nationals, and why is it the most important event in college pickleball?

If you’ve been following the growth of the DUPR College Pickleball Tournaments, you’ve likely seen the evolution firsthand. What started in 2022 as the DUPR Collegiate National Championship has grown into something bigger. Starting in 2026, this event will be known as The Nationals, a name that reflects its place at the top of college pickleball.

The Evolution of The Nationals

The journey began in 2022, when the first championship brought together 16 schools and just 151 players. Since then, the event has grown rapidly, with the level of competition continuing to rise, driven by the support of college pickleball clubs and the increasing importance of pickleball ratings in competitive play.

Here’s how the event has grown:

Why The Nationals Matters

The Nationals is the most prestigious college pickleball tournament each year. It’s where the top schools compete, and where new champions emerge.

Since 2024, the championship bracket has been locked to just the top 64 clubs in the country, creating a highly competitive field. Each school sends its best team, and every match counts toward proving who belongs at the top of the DUPR college pickleball rankings.

How the College Pickleball Tournament Works

The format combines structure with excitement:

• Group Play (Friday): Teams compete to establish seeding
• 64-Team Bracket: All teams advance into the win or go home playoff bracket - March Madness-style

This format ensures that every match is meaningful, while also creating opportunities for standout performances and unexpected results.

Upsets That Shaped The Nationals

The Nationals has already delivered unforgettable moments:

• 2024: 9 Drury beats 1 Samford (3-2) in the Round of 32     
• 2025: 4 Indiana beats 1 UF (3-2), and 4 Texas beats 1 Washington (3-1), both in the Round of 16

The Road Is Getting Tougher

For the first time ever, we will have more teams without a bid than with a bid in a season.

During the 2025–26 season, we’ve had 135 schools come out to compete in one of our pathway events, but only 64 bids are available. That means at least 71 schools that competed this season will have to wait until the next one to try again to qualify for The Nationals. 

As we hold to 64 spots, earning a spot will become more difficult. Only the best teams will rise to the top. Only the best teams will compete at The Nationals.