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Michelle Esquivel’s pickleball journey: from pro to mentor

Michelle Esquivel has four PPA medals and twenty-four APP medals to her name, but ask her what she's proudest of and she won't start with the trophies. She'll start with the players she's coached who walked onto a court unsure of themselves and walked off believing they belonged there.

That's the side of Michelle Esquivel you'll meet at Rally for Her; not just a former pro, but a coach, mentor, and community builder who has spent years making sure other women get the same shot she did.

‍A pro career that spanned five MLP teams

Esquivel's competitive resume reads like a highlight reel of women's pickleball over the past several years:

• 4-time PPA medalist in singles and women's doubles
• 24-time APP medalist in women's singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles
• Major League Pickleball appearances for the Florida Smash, Utah Black Diamonds, Chicago Slice, Nashville Chefs, and California Black Bears

One story stands out. Esquivel first played alongside Dani-Elle Townsend in MLP Australia on the New Zealand Hustle, before Townsend became a breakout star for the Dallas Flash. Years later, the two reunited for Esquivel's most recent pro medal, taking women's doubles at the PPA New Zealand Open in 2025.

Why women in pickleball matters to her

Ask Esquivel why she's built her second career around women's pickleball, and the answer isn't about competition.

"Women's participation in pickleball is about so much more than playing a game. It's about building a community where every woman feels welcomed, valued, and empowered," she said.

She sees it play out on the court constantly: women challenging each other, encouraging each other, celebrating each other's wins. A safe space to try something new, step outside a comfort zone, and, above all, have fun. "We are stronger together," Esquivel said. "When women support women, the possibilities are endless."

Building Ultimate Pickleball Academy

In 2020, Esquivel became the first female pro to land sponsorships outside of paddle companies, signing with apparel brands Faye and Florie and Lucky In Love, both women-founded labels that matched the vision she was building for herself.

That same year, she launched Ultimate Pickleball Academy alongside a partner. Since then, the academy has run clinics in more than 20 states and taught thousands of players around the world. Ultimate Pickleball is now based in Southwest Florida, and Esquivel keeps building her community online at @pickleballwithmichelle and @ultimatepickleballacademy.

How DUPR fits into her coaching

For Esquivel, ratings aren't just numbers, they're a coaching tool.

"DUPR has been instrumental in helping players understand where they are in their development and focus on building the right skills for their level," she said. Knowing a student's DUPR rating lets her build structured, appropriately challenging lessons, and gives players a clear starting point and measurable goals.

She shares her own DUPR rating with students too. "I believe transparency and credibility matter," she said. "It gives players confidence that they're learning from someone who is committed to continually improving alongside them." 

Her advice for the next generation

Esquivel's advice to a younger girl starting out in pickleball is simple: don't lose the joy chasing the results.

"Play with confidence, play with joy, and never forget to have fun," she said. Work hard, challenge yourself, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, but remember why you started. Celebrate the small wins. Every match is a chance to grow, and to inspire someone else watching from the sideline.

What she's looking forward to at Rally For Her

For Esquivel, the appeal of Rally For Her isn't the pickleball, it's the people.

"I love hearing people's stories, sharing experiences, and discovering the unique journeys that brought each of us to this amazing sport," she said. "It's not just about the game, it's about the people we meet, the stories we share, and the lives we inspire along the way."

The bottom line

Michelle Esquivel's medals tell one story. The players she's coached, mentored, and welcomed into the sport tell a bigger one. If her journey inspires you to find your own place in the pickleball community, take the next step on your own court.

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I've said it before and I'll say it again: the Pickleball World Cup is the Olympics of our sport. It's the World Cup of soccer for pickleball. And this year's event in Da Nang, Vietnam delivered everything you could want from a major international competition. Countries going head to head, athletes repping their home nations, fans wrapped in their flags, an atmosphere that felt bigger than the sport itself. That's what this event is becoming, and I don't think it's slowing down anytime soon.

The whole week built to an unforgettable closing celebration in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 9,000 fans. If you weren't there, I'm going to do my best to bring you into it.

How we got here

This whole thing started with a vision from siblings Miranda and Hercilio Cabieses of the Cabieses Foundation back in 2021. Their idea: bring countries together to compete against each other in pickleball. That vision became real in 2023 with the inaugural World Cup in Lima, Peru, where 14 countries showed up.

One year later, we were at 33 countries. Then in 2025, the event landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with more than 60 countries and 3,000-plus participants.

And now, 2026. The Heineken Pickleball World Cup just wrapped an incredible week in Da Nang, Vietnam with 64 delegations and roughly 5,000 participants competing across the National Team Event and International Tournament. As if that growth wasn't enough on its own, this year's event also set two Guinness World Records: most countries and territories represented by athletes at one host location, and most valuable trophy of its kind.

Pickleball is here to stay. I don't think anyone watching this week would argue otherwise.

Want to relive it? The Opening Ceremony is worth every minute, it's a full production capped with a live performance. See if you can spot your favorite team, country, or player.

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What went down in the International Tournament

It was a long week and a lot of pickleball. The International Tournament alone featured more than 11,400 matches across 69 categories, spanning amateur, junior, and pro divisions, all played out across 97 courts and seven venues around Da Nang.

Vietnam walked away with the most medals in this bracket, with the United States close behind and India rounding out the top three. 

Team USA's gold medal run

Once the individual categories wrapped, the National Team Event kicked off Thursday with pool play. All 64 delegations fought for seeding into a Round of 32 knockout bracket across five divisions: Pros, Seniors (50+), Masters (60+), Juniors 18U, and Juniors 14U.

I have to say, the international representation this year genuinely got me. Countries and territories from every corner of the globe made the trip, including the Cook Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Belize, and plenty more. We're at a point in this sport where players can travel halfway around the world, put on their country's jersey, and compete against athletes from places they may never have heard of before. That's pretty special, and it's exactly why I love covering this event.

When the medals were handed out, the United States led everyone with four golds, taking Pro, Juniors 18U, Juniors 14U, and Masters. Brazil finished second with gold in Seniors and bronze in Juniors 18U. And host nation Vietnam rounded out the podium with silver in Pro and Juniors 18U, plus bronze in Juniors 14U.

The crowd stole the show

Here's the thing nobody's going to stop talking about: the fans. Spectators showed up in a massive way all week, and nobody brought more energy than the home crowd cheering on Vietnam. It was loud all tournament, but the Team Final on Sunday took it to a different level entirely.

Team USA and Vietnam played that championship match in front of a sold-out stadium of more than 9,000 people, one of the largest and loudest crowds many of these athletes have ever stepped onto a court in front of.

Don't believe me? Check out the full match HERE and see the energy from the stands for yourself.

Thank you, Vietnam, for showing up and showing out. You made this World Cup one I won't forget.

What I'm watching for in 2027

If there's one event you need on your radar next, it's the 2027 Pickleball World Cup. After the growth we just watched in 2026, the organization is already looking ahead. They've partnered with UPA-A and will keep their existing partnership with DUPR going, which means even more opportunities for players and countries to compete on this stage.

If 2026 was any indication, 2027 is going to be bigger. Follow @pickleballworldcupofficial and @duprpb so you don't miss a thing on the road there.

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Preparing for your first pickleball tournament will likely feel very different from preparing for a casual or social game.

Competitive play is more structured and is typically more mentally demanding than recreational play. Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more confident, stay focused, and reduce unnecessary stress on tournament day.

Some of the most important ways to prepare for your first pickleball tournament include choosing the correct division, practicing under pressure, understanding the tournament format, and preparing your equipment in advance.

1. Determine Which Division Fits Your Current Level of Play

Before registering for a tournament, make sure you understand which division is the best fit for your current skill level.

Pickleball tournaments may group players by:

• Skill level
• Pickleball rating
• Age group
• Singles or doubles
• Gender or mixed doubles

Your DUPR rating can help you understand your current competitive level and select a division that matches your abilities.

If you are unfamiliar with rating categories, review DUPR’s guide to understanding pickleball ratings.

2. Become Familiar With the Tournament Structure

Tournament formats can vary, so review the event details before you arrive.

Look for information about:

• Round robin or elimination play
• Match scoring format
• Check-in times
• Court assignments
• Pre-match warm-up procedures
• Schedule expectations

Understanding the overall tournament structure can help reduce unnecessary stress and allow you to focus more on your individual matches.

If you are still looking for an event, you can also explore DUPR’s Events platform.

3. Practice Under Pressure Before the Tournament

Tournament pressure can make shots that normally feel easy more difficult to execute.

To prepare, try to simulate match conditions during practice and focus on making your most reliable shots more consistent.

Create more competitive practice sessions by:

• Keeping score during drills
• Treating important points seriously
• Practicing common match situations
• Serving under pressure
• Returning serve consistently
• Playing through close scores
• Recovering after mistakes
• Communicating effectively with a doubles partner

The goal is not to completely change your playing style before the tournament. Instead, focus on improving the reliability of the shots and strategies you already use.

4. Know Your Pickleball Rating Before Registering

If your tournament uses rating-based divisions, verify your current DUPR rating before registering.

Knowing your rating can help you choose the appropriate level of competition and set more realistic expectations for the event.

DUPR ratings can change as players continue to compete and submit additional match results. You can learn more about how your DUPR rating is calculated.

You can also review how DUPR works to better understand how match performance may affect your rating over time.

5. Develop a Communication Strategy With Your Doubles Partner

If you are competing in doubles, communication with your partner is essential.

Before the tournament, discuss:

• Who takes balls through the middle
• Preferred sides of the court
• Serve and return strategy
• Communication during rallies
• How you will reset after mistakes

There is no need to create a complicated strategy. A few clear expectations can help your team feel more organized during high-pressure moments.

6. Pack Your Tournament Bag in Advance

Prepare your tournament bag the night before so you do not have to rush to gather everything on match day.

Consider bringing:

• Paddle
• Backup paddle
• Court shoes
• Water
• Electrolyte drinks
• Snacks
• Towel
• Extra shirts
• Sunscreen
• Hat or sunglasses

Being prepared off the court can make it easier to stay focused once competition begins.

If you are new to competitive pickleball, DUPR’s guide to getting started on your pickleball journey can also help you understand how to begin building your rating and match history.

What is college pickleball?

College pickleball is exactly what it sounds like: pickleball played between college clubs, with its own governing body, its own season, and its own path to the pros. If you've never watched a match or you're wondering how it's different from picking up a paddle with friends on a Saturday, here's what you need to know about how it's played, who runs it, and how fast it's grown.

How does a college pickleball match work?

Every college pickleball match is played first to three game wins, with up to five games total, in this set order:

• Women's Doubles
• Men's Doubles
• Mixed Doubles 1
• Mixed Doubles 2
• Dreambreaker

Each school brings a roster of two female and two male players, which makes college pickleball the only coed college sport in competition today! Every individual game is played to 21 points using rally scoring, meaning a point is scored on every rally no matter who served it.

What is the Dreambreaker?

The Dreambreaker is a singles game, and it's often the one that decides the match. Every player on the roster gets a turn on the court, rotating in every four points, and the score doesn't reset when the next player steps in. Whoever's on the court picks up where their teammate left off.

That rotation keeps the pressure on the whole Dreambreaker, and gives every single player on the roster a moment that can swing the outcome.

Who runs college pickleball?

Starting in 2025, the College Pickleball Tour became a partnership run by both DUPR and the UPA. Through this collaboration, the CPT has been able to establish itself as a path to pro with the top college teams playing in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament each year. The combined pickleball experience from both companies further elevates the competition at each event.

DUPR serves as the tour's official rating and data platform. Every match result feeds into a player's DUPR rating, and DUPR's algorithm is built specifically to account for rally scoring, so ratings stay accurate at every level of college play.

How big has college pickleball gotten?

College pickleball started as a single bracket. In 2022, DUPR invited the country's most active college clubs to the first College National Championship, and 16 programs showed up in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Since then, the CPT has run more than 90 events and seen over 10,000 college players compete, with a Power Rankings and Points Leaderboard tracking every team across the season. 

How to get involved in college pickleball

If your school already has a club, you can represent your school under CPT eligibility rules, which cover things like credit hours and a five-season eligibility clock. Review the eligibility rules before your first event.

If your school doesn't have a club yet, here's how to start a pickleball club at your college. Once you're playing, follow team standings and results on the College Pickleball Tour hub!

The bottom line

College pickleball has grown from one weekend in Texas into a nationwide tour with thousands of competitors, and DUPR ratings are what keep every match, from a Tuesday dual match to The Nationals, tied to the same standard. Ready to see where you fit in? Sign up for DUPR and start tracking your rating today.

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Four college standouts represented Team USA college pickleball this fall, traveling to Thailand for the Asia Pickleball University Championship, a qualifier for the 2026 College World Championship. JOOLA sponsored the full roster: Katie Murphy (Harvard), Keena Cheng (Wisconsin), Carter Maris (Indiana), and Charles Anderson (Miami University). 

Team bracket: India claims gold

Seven countries sent teams to compete for the team title: Thailand, India, Japan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the United States. Team India took gold, beating Team Japan in the final.

The result wasn't a huge surprise. India finished as runner-up at the 2025 College World Championship, falling in that final.

Team USA went 2-0 in group play before losing to Team Japan in the semifinals. India, Japan, and Chinese Taipei all locked in bids to the 2026 College World Championship with their finishes here. After a gold medal run like that, expect India right back in title contention next year.

Individual brackets: two silver medals for Team USA

Team USA also competed in singles and doubles, and came home with hardware. In women's singles, Keena Cheng took silver, falling to Huai Shu Chen of Chinese Taipei 3-11 in the championship match.

In men's doubles, Carter Maris and Charles Anderson also finished with silver, losing a tight 13-15 battle to Farreez Isqandar (Malaysia) and Mayur Narayan Patil (India). Two silver medals on the road says plenty about the level of talent coming out of the college game right now.

What it means for Team USA college pickleball

This trip is proof that college pickleball is moving fast onto the world stage. Partners like JOOLA make trips like this possible, giving players a shot to test themselves internationally before the College World Championship even starts. 

Thanks to JOOLA for backing this trip. With India, Japan, and Chinese Taipei already qualified, the road to the 2026 College World Championship is heating up. Follow DUPR's college rankings to track how these teams build toward next year.

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The 2026 Pickleball World Cup wrapped in Da Nang, Vietnam with a record 64 delegations, roughly 5,000 participants, and two new Guinness World Records - capped by a sold-out crowd of more than 9,000 fans at the National Team Event final. Here's a full breakdown of the results, the numbers behind the week, and what's coming next.

2026 Pickleball World Cup by the numbers

• 64 national delegations competed - a Guinness World Record for most countries and territories represented by athletes at one host location
• ~5,000 total participants across the International Tournament and National Team Event
• 11,400+ matches played
• 69 categories, spanning amateur, junior, and pro divisions
• 97 courts across 7 venues in Da Nang
• 9,000+ fans packed the stadium for the National Team Event final
• 2 Guinness World Records set: most countries/territories represented at one location, and most valuable trophy of its kind

How the Pickleball World Cup has grown since 2023

The event was founded by siblings Miranda and Hercilio Cabieses of the Cabieses Foundation, who launched it in 2023 to bring national teams together in international pickleball competition.

• 2023: Lima, Peru - 14 countries
• 2024: Lima, Peru - 33 countries
• 2025: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - 60+ countries, 3,000+ participants
• 2026: Da Nang, Vietnam - 64 delegations, roughly 5,000 participants

That trajectory, from 14 countries in its first year to 64 in 2026, makes it one of the fastest-growing international events in the sport.

2026 Pickleball World Cup medal results

International Tournament (individual/amateur, junior, and pro categories) - most medals overall:

1. Vietnam
2. United States
3. India

National Team Event (five divisions: Pro, Seniors 50+, Masters 60+, Juniors 18U, Juniors 14U): 

• United States - gold in Pro, Juniors 18U, Juniors 14U, and Masters (four golds total, the most of any nation)
• Brazil - gold in Seniors, bronze in Juniors 18U
• Vietnam (host nation) - silver in Pro and Juniors 18U, bronze in Juniors 14U

Record-breaking crowds in Da Nang

The National Team Event final between Team USA and host nation Vietnam played out in front of a sold-out stadium of more than 9,000 fans - one of the largest crowds ever to watch a pickleball match live. The home crowd's energy for Vietnam carried through the entire week and peaked during Sunday's final.

What's next: the 2027 Pickleball World Cup

Organizers are already building toward 2027, with a new partnership with UPA-A alongside the continuing DUPR partnership. Given the jump from 14 countries in 2023 to 64 in 2026, next year's field is expected to grow further.

Track your own game before the next cycle here.

FAQ

How many countries competed in the 2026 Pickleball World Cup? 64 delegations competed, a Guinness World Record for most countries and territories represented by athletes at one host location.

Who won gold for Team USA at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup? Team USA won gold in the Pro, Juniors 18U, Juniors 14U, and Masters divisions of the National Team Event.

Where was the 2026 Pickleball World Cup held? Da Nang, Vietnam.

What records were set at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup? Two Guinness World Records: most countries and territories represented by athletes at one host location, and most valuable trophy of its kind

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September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and DUPR is proud to partner with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) to support the fight against childhood cancer.

Pickleball brings people together, builds community, and creates opportunities to make a difference. One great example is the Redwood Pickleball Club in Sonoma County, California, where players recently came together to turn their love of the game into meaningful support for pediatric cancer research.

A Tournament With a Purpose

Last spring, Redwood Pickleball Club hosted a Pickleball Funds the Cure tournament with an ambitious goal: to bring together 120 players and raise $3,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

By the time the tournament wrapped up, players, volunteers, and local supporters had raised an incredible $10,100, more than tripling the club's original fundraising goal.

The Power of Community

Club volunteers and local businesses played an important role in bringing the event to life and helping the fundraiser exceed its goal.

For clubs considering hosting their own fundraiser, the Redwood Pickleball Club has three simple pieces of advice:

• Start early - Give yourself plenty of time to organize the event and build momentum.
• Engage your community - Get players, volunteers, and supporters involved from the beginning.
• Ask for support - Local businesses can be valuable partners, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask.

Read the full story and learn what made their tournament a success: https://nationalpcf.org/programs/pickleball-funds-the-cure/

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Meet the Warriors Behind the Mission

Behind every tournament, fundraiser, and donation are children and families whose lives have been changed by pediatric cancer. This September, we're shining a light on some of the young warriors who inspire the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation's work every day.

Their stories are a reminder of why raising awareness, supporting research, and coming together as a community matters.

Meet Isabella

Isabella is four years old and battled hepatoblastoma.

At just 16 months old, Isabella was diagnosed with cancer after three tumors were found on her liver, the largest being 11cm.

She soon began her six cycles of treatment, which included four different types of chemotherapy. Halfway through her treatment, it was determined Isabella would need a life-saving liver transplant which she received a few months later.

One of the most meaningful moments during her cancer journey was when Isabella took her first steps after surgery. Even though she was in pain, she had a smile on her face the entire time.

Isabella is a sassy little girl who adores Peppa Pig and Spiderman.

Read Isabella’s full story.

Meet Kinsley

Kinsley is nine years old and battled retinoblastoma.

At just four years old, Kinsley was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer, retinoblastoma. Kinsley had surgery to remove her right eye and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy to combat this cancer.

Kinsley is caring and has the biggest heart. She likes to share tips she has learned throughout her journey with other children battling cancer to make their journey less scary.

Kinsley also bakes cookies to raise money for National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To date, Kinsley’s Cookie Cart has raised over $300,000 for pediatric cancer research! When she isn’t baking, you can find her playing outside with her cows, donkey, and horses. She loves to explore the great outdoors.

Read Kinsley’s full story.

Meet Mateo

Mateo is six years old and battled rhabdomyosarcoma.

His diagnosis in 2024 changed him and his family’s life completely. A planned trip to Disney switched to hospital stays, hard treatments, and many appointments. His journey to remission consisted of 40 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. Throughout everything, he showed remarkable strength, determination, and optimism. Mateo completed his treatments in early 2026, and he loves being able to live a more normal 6-year-old life.  

Mateo is an energetic, caring, and creative boy. His hobbies include riding bikes, collecting action figures, and playing with his brother and dog. He has an unmistakable joy and infectious smile that fills any room he enters. His dream is to become a cowboy when he grows up. Mateo’s bravery and hopeful spirit throughout his journey reminds us why our mission is so vital.  

Meet Vivian

Vivian is nine years old and battled brain cancer.

In August 2023, Vivian was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumor. She had just graduated from kindergarten and faced a journey full of fear and uncertainty. Vivian underwent two brain surgeries to remove the tumor in her head, and an additional one to have her port put in. She was then treated with 30 rounds of radiation to her brain and spine as well as four cycles of chemotherapy. Vivian met all her challenges with strength, bravery, and a fighting spirit immediately evident to everyone she meets.  

Vivian is a sweet girl who always wants to help others, especially animals. Now in remission, she is active and has fun spending time with her sisters. She is dearly loved by everyone around her.

How You Can Help

The fight against childhood cancer needs all of us. Whether you're a pickleball club, business, player, or fan, there are many ways to support the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and help fund critical pediatric cancer research.

Here are a few ways everyone can get involved this September:

• Donate $1 for every match played in September through the DUPR September Challenge.
• Donate $43 in recognition of the 43 children who face a cancer diagnosis each day.
• Spread the word by sharing the cause with your community and on social media.

Here are a few ways pickleball facilities or business owners can get involved:

• Host or co-host a Pickleball Funds the Cure tournament at your facility.
• Sponsor a tournament in your community.
• Support Pickleball Funds the Cure at the point of sale at your business.
• Round up purchases at your business's front register.

Every match played, dollar donated, and conversation started can help make a difference.

This September, let's come together as a pickleball community to serve up hope and support a future where every child has the chance to grow up, play, and chase their dreams.

About the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation:

Since 1991, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation® (NPCF™) has been dedicated to funding clinical trials by collaborating with a network of more than 40 cutting-edge hospitals across the nation to fast-track less toxic and more targeted treatments to end childhood cancer. Since its inception, the NPCF has donated over $50 million to research and has funded over 28 project initiatives. The NPCF is a top-rated charity with a 100% score for financial transparency and responsibility and has received 4 stars for the past 14 years from Charity Navigator. To learn more about the foundation, visit NationalPCF.org. 

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Last updated: September 2026

Current DUPR pickleball rankings: who's on top

Ben Johns still holds the top spot in men's doubles, and Anna Leigh Waters leads both women's singles and women's doubles. Here's the full top 10 across all four divisions right now, plus exactly how to check these DUPR pickleball rankings yourself whenever you want the latest numbers.

Men's doubles rankings

1. Ben Johns, rated 7.121
2. JW Johnson, rated 7.006
3. Hayden Patriquin, rated 6.943
4. Gabriel Tardio, rated 6.923
5. Andrei Daescu, rated 6.889
6. Christian Alshon, rated 6.881
7. Federico Staksrud, rated 6.708
8. Riley Newman, rated 6.688
9. Eric Oncins, rated 6.688
10. Jay Devilliers, rated 6.616

Women's doubles rankings

1. Anna Leigh Waters, rated 6.987
2. Anna Bright, rated 6.598
3. Hurricane Tyra Black, rated 6.306
4. Jorja Johnson, rated 6.298
5. Parris Todd, rated 6.273
6. Sofia Sewing, rated 6.262
7. Rachel Rohrabacher, rated 6.238
8. Jackie Kawamoto, rated 6.231
9. Tina Pisnik, rated 6.228
10. Jade Kawamoto, rated 6.188

Men's singles rankings

1. Christopher Haworth, rated 6.803
2. Federico Staksrud, rated 6.772
3. Hunter Johnson, rated 6.699
4. Christian Alshon, rated 6.581
5. Jack Sock, rated 6.533
6. John Goins, rated 6.518
7. Ammar Wazir, rated 6.517
8. Roscoe Bellamy, rated 6.486
9. Connor Garnett, rated 6.448
10. Zane Ford, rated 6.431

Women's singles rankings

1. Anna Leigh Waters, rated 6.453
2. Kate Fahey, rated 6.175
3. Parris Todd, rated 6.105
4. Katerina Stewart, rated 6.043
5. Sofia Sewing, rated 6.004
6. Lea Jansen, rated 5.882
7. Seone Mendez, rated 5.875
8. Brooke Buckner, rated 5.874
9. Kaitlyn Christian, rated 5.864
10. Kiora Kunimoto, rated 5.801

How to check current DUPR pickleball rankings yourself

These rankings move every time a top player completes a verified match, so the list above is a snapshot, not a fixed leaderboard. To see the current standings at any time:

1. Go to the DUPR rankings page.
2. Filter by singles or doubles, and by men's or women's.
3. Scroll the leaderboard to see full rankings beyond the top 10, or search for a specific player.

You can also check your own DUPR rating and see how you compare to the pros above.

Why these rankings shift so often

DUPR rankings are built directly from ratings, and ratings update after every verified match. A win against a strong opponent moves a player up. A loss, especially to someone rated lower, moves them down. That's why the pros at the top of these lists are still playing tournaments almost every week: staying on top takes continuous, high-level results, not a single big win.

The bottom line

The names at the top of DUPR pickleball rankings change with nearly every tournament, and now you know exactly where to check them yourself. Want to see how your own game stacks up? Check your DUPR rating and find your place on the board.

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