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.