DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 – Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is proud to announce that Reign Storm is the official energy drink of the DUPR Collegiate Tour.

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As the official partner, Reign Storm will provide clean, plant-based energy to players and spectators throughout the tour, expanding the brand’s large presence in the pickleball space.

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The duo makes for the perfect doubles partners, with DUPR and Reign Storm both dedicated to fueling the growth of collegiate pickleball across the nation.

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Reign Storm, a clean energy drink designed to support active lifestyles, has long been a dedicated supporter of the pickleball community and DUPR is the premier global pickleball rating system in the country.

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This partnership marks Reign Storm’s first major foray into the rapidly growing collegiate pickleball scene, where DUPR is leading the charge as the owner and operator of the largest collegiate pickleball tournament in the country.

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“Reign Storm is thrilled to partner with DUPR and do its part to champion the new class of pickleball athletes,” said Reign Storm General Manager Tim Ryder. “Our focus has always been on boosting players at every level of play, and DUPR’s dynamic approach to uniting players aligns perfectly with our mission to do the same.”

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The DUPR Collegiate Tour aims to elevate collegiate pickleball through competitive events, advanced ratings technology, and partnerships with leading brands.

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“Reign Storm’s focus on supporting active lifestyles and inclusivity in sports makes them the perfect partner for the DUPR Collegiate Tour,” said Jacob Smith, Director of Collegiate Pickleball at DUPR. “Together, we’re not just fueling athletes on the court but building a stronger foundation for collegiate pickleball’s future.”

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The DUPR Collegiate Tour will feature tournaments across the U.S., highlighting the energy and competitiveness of college athletes while promoting DUPR’s innovative rating system that unifies the sport across age, gender, and location. Reign Storm’s presence at each event will include on-site activations, giveaways, and opportunities for players and fans to experience the brand firsthand.

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About Reign Storm

Reign Storm contains zero sugar, just 10 calories, 200 mg of plant-based caffeine, is packed with B vitamins, Biotin and an immunity support blend containing Zinc, Vitamin A and C. The drinks help people Live Life Better as they have no added preservatives, no artificially sourced flavors or colors, and no high fructose corn syrup. Available in nine amazing flavors: the new Tropical as well as Guava Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Apricot, Citrus Zest, Valencia Orange, Kiwi Blend, Peach Nectarine, and Harvest Grape.

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Reign Storm is available in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Brazil, Chile, and across Europe; ingredients and flavors featured in the above description vary for countries outside of the US. For more information about Reign Storm, please visit its website www.reignstorm.com, or Instagram @drinkreignstorm

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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.

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DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

If you're new to pickleball, you're in for a fun ride! Whether you're looking to pick it up as a casual hobby or dive deeper into the competitive side, understanding the rules of pickleball is your first step. Let’s break down the pickleball basics, explain the pickleball game rules, and share pickleball tips for beginners to help you get started. Plus, we’ll introduce you to DUPR—a great way to track your progress and connect with other players!

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What is Pickleball?

Before jumping into the pickleball rules, let’s quickly explain what the game is. Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, and the objective is to score points by getting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court. It can be played one-on-one or in teams of two.

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How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner's Guide

If you're wondering how to play pickleball, it’s simple! The game is played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle. Here’s a quick rundown of the pickleball basics:

1. Serve: The game starts with the serve. To serve, stand behind the baseline, keep the paddle below your waist, and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service box. The serve must be underhand and clear the net.
2. Return: After the serve, the opponent must return the ball. This is done by hitting the ball back over the net, aiming to land it in the opponent’s court. The ball must clear the net and stay inbounds.
3. Rally: Once both players have hit the ball back and forth, it becomes a rally. You’ll continue hitting the ball until one side fails to return it or hits it out of bounds.
4. The Kitchen: The non-volley zone near the net is called the kitchen. You can't step into the kitchen and hit the ball before it bounces unless you’re standing behind the line. This rule helps keep the game safe and strategic.

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Pickleball Rules Explained

Now that you have a basic understanding, let’s dive into the pickleball game rules you need to know:

1. Scoring: Only the serving side can score points. A point is earned if the opponent faults (e.g., misses the ball, hits it out, or steps into the kitchen). Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points.
2. Pickleball Scoring Rules: In pickleball scoring rules, players must call out the score before each serve. The score is stated as: server score – receiver score. For example, 3-2 means the server has 3 points, and the receiver has 2 points.
3. Double Bounce Rule: After the ball is served, it must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball in the air without a bounce). This rule makes the game more strategic.
4. Faults: A fault occurs when a player makes an error, like missing the ball, hitting it out of bounds, or stepping into the kitchen. Faults result in the loss of a point or serve.

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Pickleball Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, here are some pickleball tips for beginners to help you improve your game:

• Practice your serve: Serving is key to starting the point off right. Make sure you get comfortable with underhand serves and aim for accuracy.
• Stay patient: Pickleball can be fast but try to focus on making accurate shots instead of rushing to hit the ball.
• Move your feet: Positioning yourself properly is essential. Keep your feet moving to get into the best spot for each shot.
• Communicate in doubles: If you're playing doubles, communication with your partner is crucial. Make sure you both know who’s covering which side of the court.

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Track Your Progress with DUPR

As you start mastering the pickleball game rules and improving your skills, tracking your progress becomes important. That’s where DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) comes in! DUPR is a player rating system that helps you measure your skills and compare your performance against others in the pickleball community. Whether you’re playing for fun or looking to compete, DUPR offers a fair and dynamic way to track your growth in the sport.

By using DUPR, you can find local players of similar skill levels and join competitive games that match your experience. It’s an excellent tool for pickleball for beginners and seasoned players alike. Download the DUPR app today on iOS and Android!

DUPR and the UPA are joining forces to elevate collegiate pickleball even higher with the launch of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT)! Everything you’ve loved about DUPR Collegiate Pickleball is now enhanced with opportunities to play and showcase college talent at PPA and MLP tournaments.

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With new events, and more paths to pro, players will have every opportunity to grow in collegiate pickleball. Read below to see what the Collegiate Pickleball Tour has in store for 2025!

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MLP Mid-Season Tournament

Your chance to prove yourself against the best pickleball teams in the world is here! The two finalist schools of the 2025 Collegiate National Championship will be invited to compete in the 2025 Major League Pickleball Mid-season Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, they will play in the challenger bracket against MLP teams, and are eligible to win prize money and represent their school at the highest level.

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Collegiate World Championship

Collegiate pickleball is going worldwide! Launching in Fall of 2025, collegiate players from all countries across the world will have the opportunity to represent their country at the Collegiate World Championships (CWC). This two day team event will be held the weekend before UPA Worlds and will showcase the top international talent to ultimately crown the first ever Collegiate World Champions. 

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Here are the registration details to know:

• All collegiate pickleball players from all countries are invited to compete
• Your team must have 2-3 male and 2-3 female players on it
• All players from your team must be representing the same country
• You are allowed to team up with players from different universities
• You can either represent the country your university is in, or the country you were born in

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To determine the World Champion, we will have group play matches on Saturday that will feed into playoff brackets on Sunday. The top performing team from each country from group play will represent the country in the championship playoff bracket on Sunday. More details will be released as we get closer to the date!

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Collegiate National Championship

After an electrifying Nationals tournament in 2024, we’re excited to announce that the 2025 Collegiate National Championship (CNC) will be held at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Atlanta, GA! We’ll be using the same 64 team format as last year, plus introducing a 32 team bracket for 2nd teams and schools without a bid! Here is the link to register!

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64 Schools - 1st Team Bracket

In order to compete in this bracket, your school must have earned a bid through one of these ways:

• Earned at the 2024 Collegiate National Championship (24 given out)
• Earned at a Super Regional (4 given out at each, 4 Super Regionals)
• Earned at a Campus Regional (1 given out at each, 18 Campus Regionals)
• Earned through Dual Matches (2 given out)
• Given a Wildcard bid (4 given out)

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The 64 schools that receive a bid will be sorted into 16 groups of 4 teams, with all groups having an equal amount of DUPR. After group play finishes, all 64 teams will then be sorted into the 64 team single elimination bracket (here is the 2024 bracket). In order to become the National Champion, you’ll have to win 6 elimination matches in a row!

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Scholarship Money Breakdown: (1st team bracket)

• 1st: $15,000
• 2nd: $5,000
• 3rd & 4th: $2,500
• 5th through 8th: $1,250

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32 Schools - 2nd Team Bracket

This bracket is open to both 2nd teams from schools that have a bid, or the 1st team from schools that didn’t get a bid. 

• If your school has a bid, you can sign up for the 2nd team bracket immediately
• If your school doesn’t have a bid, you can sign up the 2nd team bracket after March 9th if there are still open spots
  
  • If your school earns their bid after you already signed up for the 2nd team bracket, you will be promoted into the 1st team bracket
• The combined DUPR of your top 2 male and top 2 female players must be higher on your 1st team than your 2nd team
• If you have a bid, you must play in the 1st team bracket, you cannot opt to only play in the 2nd team bracket

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Scholarship Money Breakdown: (2nd team bracket)

• 1st: $3,000
• 2nd: $1,000
• 3rd & 4th: $500

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Challenger Bracket

The Challenger Bracket will be split into Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Doubles. Depending on the registrations, more splits will be made based on DUPR to create high-quality games for all Challenger Bracket players. 

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Scholarship Money Breakdown: (Challenger bracket)

• $1000: School that brings the most players to the tournament
• $1000: School that brings the best performing challenger teams (min. 3 teams)
• $500: For the winner of each challenger bracket

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Super Regionals

The lifeblood of collegiate pickleball, Super Regionals provide regional opportunities for teams to earn a bid to the Collegiate National Championship, as well as some scholarship money! Each Super Regional gives out 4 bids to Nationals and $6000 in scholarship money to the top performing teams. The Georgia Super Regional on February 1st-2nd this year is the largest collegiate regional of all time, with 272 players from 25 schools! Here are the Super Regionals for the 2025 spring semester:

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• February 1st-2nd, Georgia Super Regional, Pickle & Social in Atlanta, GA
• February 8th-9th, Ohio Super Regional, Paddle Taps in Columbus, OH
• March 1st-2nd, New Jersey Super Regional, Robbinsville Pickle House in Robbinsville Twp, NJ
• March 8th-9th, Arizona Super Regional, The Picklr in Scottsdale, AZ

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Super Regionals for the 2025 fall semester to 2026 spring semester season are still being scheduled. 

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Showcase Matches

We’re bringing the college action under the lights on championship court at PPA tour stops in 2025! Showcase Matches will feature college teams competing in dual matches against each other on PPA livestream. Certain stops will showcase top teams playing against and with PPA Pros and the top PPA Juniors talent. Matches played between schools will be counted as official dual matches. For more information about dual matches, read our blog post here. 

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• February 22nd, Carvana Mesa Cup, Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ
• March 8th, Veolia Cape Coral Open, Lake Kennedy Racquet Center in Orlando, FL
• March 15th, Texas Open, The Courts at McKinney in McKinney, TX
• March 26th, Red Rock Open, Little Valley in St. George, UT
• April 5th, North Carolina Open, Cary Tennis Park in Cary, NC

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• The Collegiate Pickleball Tour will bring together the best college pickleball clubs for a series of competitive and showcase events - with 200+ collegiate teams and 4,000+ athletes expected to participate
• Prize pool for teams exceeds $100,000 for the tour, which is presented by the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) and the United Pickleball Association (UPA)
• The Collegiate National Champions and Runners-Up will have the opportunity to play against professionals at the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament

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Dallas, TX, January 29/30, 2025 - In a watershed moment for the growth of pickleball at colleges and universities across the country, The Collegiate Pickleball Tour begins 2025 as a joint venture between the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) and the United Pickleball Association (UPA). The collaboration will elevate collegiate pickleball through new opportunities for athletes as well as a generous prize purse to help fund the participating pickleball clubs.

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The competitive calendar will consist of 30 Campus Regionals and eight Super Regionals, culminating in the marquee Collegiate National Championship in Atlanta in the Spring and Collegiate World Championship in Dallas in the fall. In addition, 10 Collegiate Showcases will take place at Carvana PPA Tour events, where two top collegiate teams from the region will compete in a dual match. This unique opportunity will allow these young athletes the opportunity to play where the top pros in the world play and have their teams showcased through coverage on the PPA Tour’s channels.

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The Collegiate Pickleball Tour will offer more than $100,000 in prize money to the participating athletes and their teams, crucial funds that will help sustain and grow the sport on campuses across the country. The champions and runners-up of the Collegiate National Championships in the spring will earn bids to compete against the top professionals in the world at the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, MI in the summer.

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The expanded season builds upon the remarkable success of DUPR Collegiate Pickleball, which has cemented itself as the largest collegiate pickleball tour in the sport. The inaugural DUPR Collegiate National Championship in 2022 featured 17 schools and 151 players. By 2024, participation had surged to 125 schools and over 4000 players, underscoring the sport's rapid rise in popularity among college athletes. Notably, Utah Tech University clinched the 2024 National Championship title, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the tournament. 

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This upward trajectory reflects the growing enthusiasm for pickleball on campuses nationwide and sets the stage for an even more dynamic 2025 season.

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"The Collegiate Pickleball Tour represents a historic milestone for the sport at the college level. Over the past few years, we've seen an incredible surge in interest, with thousands of athletes and hundreds of schools joining the movement,” said Jacob Smith, DUPR’s Director of Collegiate Pickleball. “This tour is designed to give collegiate athletes more opportunities to compete at the highest level, showcase their talent on a national stage, and provide crucial funding to support and grow their programs. With the backing of DUPR and the UPA, we are committed to making collegiate pickleball a premier pathway for young athletes to pursue their passion and take the sport to new heights." 

Collegiate Pickleball Tour

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‍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. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

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About Carvana PPA Tour:

Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball’s top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world’s best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and “play where the pros play,” the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.

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About Major League Pickleball:

Founded in 2021, Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) is the preeminent, coed, team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric

PPR-Certified Coaches Lead Global Adoption of DUPR Coach, Unlocking Revenue and Driving Growth for Coaches and Clubs

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Wesley Chapel, FL  – The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) and MyJourney Pickleball announced today that PPR will standardize on the Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating Program for its network of over 10,000 PPR-certified coaches. This move empowers PPR-certified coaches to generate DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated pickleball players, creating new revenue opportunities for coaches and clubs while driving the growth of the sport.

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“With 95% of the world’s DUPR Coaches being PPR-certified, our coaches are leading the charge in adopting Coach-Assigned DUPRs because it creates immediate value for both coaches and clubs,” said Sarah Ansboury, Managing Director of PPR. “This program provides coaches with two significant revenue streams: first, being featured on The Global Pickleball Coach Map connects them with players worldwide, allowing them to create ratings virtually using the DUPR Coach app. Second, coaches can run DUPR Rating Sessions at their local clubs or courts. With DUPR Coach, we’re not just empowering coaches; we’re setting the global standard for growing pickleball. The formula is simple: PPR + DUPR Coach = ROI for coaches and their clubs.”

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Zach Lee, a PPR-certified DUPR Coach, highlighted the program’s value: “Hosting weekly DUPR Rating Sessions have transformed the experience at my club. Players benefit from coach-assigned ratings, while I generate additional revenue and elevate the quality of open play and leagues. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

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Brian Lloyd, PPR-certified DUPR Coach and Chief Pickleball Officer for Dill Dinkers, remarked: “I applaud PPR for setting the industry standard to ensure every player is DUPR-rated by equipping coaches with the essential tools and resources. By empowering coaches to provide accurate DUPR ratings, PPR is enhancing the player experience, fostering stronger competition, and unlocking meaningful income opportunities. Coaches are the backbone of this sport, and this program rewards their dedication with new revenue streams, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits players, clubs, and the entire pickleball community.”

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Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball, emphasized: “PPR’s decision to standardize the Coach-Assigned DUPR program across their global network of coaches is an important milestone for the pickleball industry. PPR coaches are at the forefront of driving pickleball’s economic growth by generating Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for millions of players. PPR is ensuring players are accurately rated and matched to the right skill levels—all while creating new revenue streams for coaches and clubs. This decision lays the foundation for pickleball’s continued success, and we’re proud to be working alongside PPR and DUPR to help scale the sport and drive its GDP forward.”

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Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, stated: “The partnership between PPR and DUPR Coach is a monumental step toward making universal ratings more accessible than ever. With PPR-certified coaches leading the way, we are ensuring that every pickleball player—whether they’re stepping onto the court for the first time or training at an elite level—has a clear starting point and pathway for improvement. This collaboration doesn’t just benefit players; it creates real revenue opportunities for coaches and clubs, helping to grow the sport in a sustainable way. Together, PPR and DUPR are setting the global standard for ratings, competition, and player development.”

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PPR-certified coaches who join the DUPR Coach program receive comprehensive training on the Coach-Assigned DUPR process, along with access to DUPR-approved skills rating tools. These resources enable coaches to efficiently and effectively generate ratings at scale, helping to achieve the goal of getting all 34 million pickleball players DUPR-rated.

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Coaches interested in becoming PPR-certified DUPR Coaches and being featured on the Global Pickleball Coach Map can find more information and sign up here.

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About PPR

PPR is the premier standard in pickleball instructor certification, dedicated to educating, certifying, and supporting pickleball professionals in their mission to grow the game.

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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. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

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About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach empowers coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPRs for the 34 million non-rated pickleball players, powered by MyJourney Pickleball.

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Pickleball continues to soar in popularity. Today, we’re spotlighting the best pickleball players in the world, showcasing the top 5 men and women who dominate the courts based on their DUPR ratings in doubles.

Rankings last updated January 7th, 2025.

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Men's Top 5 Players

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1. Ben Johns

• DUPR Rating: 7.341
  Ben Johns remains the undisputed king of pickleball, excelling in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. His precision, strategy, and unmatched consistency make him the top-rated male pickleball player in the world. Together with his brother, Collin Johns, they have been the top male players in the sport for a long time. 

2. JW Johnson

• DUPR Rating: 7.142
  JW Johnson has earned his spot among the elite with his calm demeanor and sharp, calculated gameplay. Known for his versatility, JW shines in both singles and doubles. Him and his sister, Jorja Johnson, are the only top 10 siblings in the world playing mixed doubles together. Their latest tournament being the PPA Masters in Mission Hills, CA. 

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3. Christian Alshon

• DUPR Rating: 7.072
  Christian Alshon, widely known as “The Tweener King,” is a player to watch this 2025. After a pause due to injury, he has made an impressive comeback, climbing back into the top 10. Alshon’s aggressive playstyle and boundless energy make him a formidable opponent on the court.

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4. Andrei Daescu

• DUPR Rating: 7.037
  Andrei Daescu is renowned for his exceptional court presence and strategic doubles play. As a former tennis player, he brings powerful shots and stellar teamwork to his game. One of his latest achievements was clinching the title at the PPA Daytona alongside his doubles partner, CJ Klinger.

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5. Federico Staksrud

• DUPR Rating: 7.011
  Federico Staksrud is a powerhouse in both singles and doubles. His speed, agility, and mental toughness have propelled him to the top. In 2024, he briefly overtook Ben Johns as the world #1 in singles after a standout performance at the PPA Las Vegas. Staksrud’s steady rise in the rankings is a testament to his dedication and talent.

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Women's Top 5 Players

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1. Anna Leigh Waters

• DUPR Rating: 6.658
  Anna Leigh Waters (ALW) is synonymous with pickleball in America. At just 18 years old, she continues to dominate the sport with her dynamic playstyle, quick reflexes, and relentless drive. As the top-rated female player in both singles and doubles, ALW remains the queen of the court.

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2. Anna Bright

• DUPR Rating: 6.371
  Anna Bright has rapidly climbed the ranks with her fierce competitiveness and versatile gameplay. Excelling in both singles and doubles, she consistently delivers standout performances. Recently, she and Rachel Rohrbacher shone at the 2024 Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships.

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3. Jorja Johnson

• DUPR Rating: 6.246
  Jorja Johnson is one of the sport’s brightest young talents. At 18 years old, she has entered the top-5 world ranking in doubles. Jorja often competes on the pro tours in mixed doubles, together with her brother JW. Her latest achievement is earning 3rd place in Women’s Doubles at the PPA Masters in California, together with Tyra Hurricane Black.

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4. Catherine Parenteau

• DUPR Rating: 6.177
  Catherine Parenteau brings grace and strategy to the game. A former tennis player, she excels in both singles and doubles. Often teaming up with Anna Leigh Waters in doubles, and playing against her in singles the duo has dominated the women’s doubles circuit.

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5. Rachel Rohrbacher

• DUPR Rating: 6.172
  Rachel Rohrbacher has solidified her place among the elite with consistent performances and a keen sense of the game. Her strong doubles play, particularly alongside Anna Bright, makes this pairing a formidable force to watch on the pro circuit.

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These top-rated pickleball players represent the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing unmatched talent, skill, and dedication. Whether you’re a fan or a player, these athletes inspire the pickleball community to strive for greatness. Check out these top players' 2024 DUPR End Of Year Stats!

Still want more? Check out the latest news from the pro tours at MLP’s and PPA’s official websites.

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Vietnam’s pickleball scene just reached a new level with the successful Facolos Champion 2025 tournament, held on January 19th. This event marked Vietnam's first large-scale tournament with all results submitted to DUPR, attracting over 300 players across multiple categories. Organizer Long Hoang Nguyen played a crucial role in bringing this event to life, introducing international standards to Vietnam's rapidly growing pickleball community.

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DUPR’s Role in Shaping Vietnam’s Global Reputation

The adoption of the DUPR system, was one of the defining features of the Facolos Champion 2025. This was a landmark decision for Vietnam’s pickleball community, marking the country’s first fully DUPR integrated event. 

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“Adopting 100% DUPR was a significant milestone for competitive pickleball in Vietnam. DUPR brought transparency, fairness, and professionalism to our tournaments. With DUPR, players can compare their skills with athletes worldwide, driving them to improve,” Nguyen explains.

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Challenges of Organizing a Large-Scale Event

Organizing an event of this size was no small feat, and Nguyen faced numerous challenges along the way. From securing the right venue to managing player registrations and sponsorships, every detail required careful planning. One of the most significant obstacles was integrating the DUPR system.

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“Organizing such a large-scale tournament required meticulous planning,” Nguyen shares. “The most significant challenge was collecting DUPR IDs due to the lack of a Vietnamese platform integrated with the DUPR API. To overcome this, we created a simplified online registration form, provided detailed instructions, and regularly updated information on our communication channels.”

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Fostering a Competitive, Yet Supportive Environment

A core goal of the Facolos Champion 2025 was to create a competitive atmosphere that was also supportive, particularly for newcomers. By offering multiple categories, the tournament allowed participants to compete within their skill levels, ensuring that everyone had a fair chance. 

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Nguyen’s strategy for fostering this balance between competitiveness and camaraderie was evident in the event’s organization. Players from all backgrounds had the opportunity to learn from each other while enjoying the thrill of competition.

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“We aimed to create a healthy competitive environment by designing the tournament with various skill levels, allowing players to choose suitable categories,” Nguyen says. “Collaborating with pickleball clubs and sponsors expanded our reach and enhanced tournament quality.”

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‍Looking to the Future

Vietnam’s pickleball community is rapidly growing, with immense potential for further expansion. Organizer Long Hoang Nguyen notes that, compared to other Southeast Asian countries, the Vietnamese pickleball scene is exceptionally passionate.

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The success of the Facolos Champion 2025 sets a new standard for future pickleball events in Vietnam. Nguyen hopes this tournament will not only inspire future competitions but also attract sponsors and players from around the world.

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Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu claimed The Dink Award's "Upset of the Year" with 26.5% of the vote, a remarkable achievement considering the highly competitive category. Their victory over the dominant Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, who hadn’t lost a match in nearly a year, was one of the most shocking moments of the season. It wasn’t just about the win itself but how Bright and Daescu handled the pressure in one of the toughest finals, making their triumph even more memorable.

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Their ”Upset of the Year” win resonated with fans, who saw it as a refreshing change in a sport often dominated by top teams like Waters and Johns. Bright and Daescu’s upset was more than just a victory over the favorites; it was a moment that captured the excitement and unpredictability of pickleball.

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“The fact that so many people took the time to vote and that we received so much support is incredibly exciting,” Bright said. “What resonated with fans was probably the fact that we were the only team to beat Ben and Anna Leigh in 2024. It was a special moment for everyone, and I think people enjoy seeing a bit of variety in the results. They’re so good, so it made our win that much more meaningful.”

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The Match That Shocked the Pickleball World

When the mixed doubles final kicked off at the PPA Austin Open, it was clear that the match would be no ordinary competition. With both Bright and Daescu feeling calm and collected, they stepped onto the court ready for what would become an unforgettable clash. Despite playing in their first PPA event together, their chemistry, honed over the past year through the Orlando Squeeze at MLP, proved to be a powerful asset.

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“We were staying at the same host’s house in Austin, and we actually drove to the venue together,” Bright explained. “We’d watched some film the night before and were feeling calm going into the match. Andrei said, ‘They’re not going to outcompete us,’ and that really set the tone. I personally find that I play my best against Anna Leigh when I go into matches with a calm, 'whatever happens, happens' mindset.”

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Bright and Daescu would go on to win in three straight games, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3, a feat that seemed improbable against the dominant Waters and Johns. The result was especially remarkable because beating a team like Waters and Johns, who had rarely lost a match in the past year, was an immense challenge. Bright admits that starting strong in each game was critical to securing the win.

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“Beating any team in three games in a final is difficult, but sweeping Ben and Anna Leigh is absolutely insane,” Bright noted. “I definitely owe them a few more sweeps, but I don’t think I’ll get them. The key for us was a strong start in every game. Anna Leigh tends to get hot in game two, so it was essential that we did everything we could to stop that momentum and keep them from running away with it.”

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The wind and difficult conditions during the match added another layer of complexity. However, these challenges seemed to play in Bright and Daescu’s favor, allowing them to stay scrappy and composed while Waters and Johns struggled to adapt.

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“The weather definitely helped us,” Bright admitted. “Windy conditions are often a good opportunity for underdogs, and we definitely handled the adversity better than they did. The most important thing in those conditions is to be scrappy and get the balls in play. We didn’t give up many free points, which really helped us out.”

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A Crucial Turning Point

The match reached a pivotal moment in game two when Bright and Daescu, after trailing 8-4, managed to fight back and win the game. This turn of events seemed to shake Waters and Johns, giving Bright and Daescu the confidence they needed to finish the job in game three.

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“When we won game two and stopped Anna Leigh from getting hot, I thought we had a very good chance,” Bright said. “I felt like they started to crumble a bit in game three, and that’s when we knew we could really take control of the match.”

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Bright and Daescu’s shared competitive spirit and the bond they had built off the court were vital components of their success. Both are known for their no-nonsense approach to competition, and their drive to win is clear.

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“The prior experience definitely helped,” Bright shared. “Andrei and I really like each other, and we compete well together. We have very similar dispositions on the court. We’re both extremely competitive, hate missing shots, and we don’t joke around too much. That focused mentality really worked in our favor.”

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Waters and Johns clearly faced their struggles in the final. Bright also believes their approach to the match played a role in their loss.

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“I think they might have taken us a bit for granted,” Bright said. “They came out a bit casual, and the weather conditions affected them more than they expected. We really took advantage of those circumstances.”

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Bright’s Tennis Background: A Key Factor

Bright’s background in tennis, where she played on the UC Berkeley women’s varsity team and earned a career-high national ranking of #13, gave her a solid foundation in the sport. Her proficiency with a racket and understanding of footwork gave her an edge in pickleball, but she quickly realized there was much more to the game.

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“A tennis background definitely gives you a huge leg up in pickleball,” Bright explained. “The main thing is already having racket skills and footwork down, but there’s still so much to learn about pickleball-specific skills. It’s a different game, but it definitely helped me adjust quickly.”

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Her journey from tennis to pickleball has shaped her into a formidable competitor, and she is now focusing on achieving even more in her pickleball career.

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Looking Ahead: Bright’s Goals for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Bright has set her sights on new challenges and goals. She hopes to make a mark in the upcoming MLP season and is particularly focused on growing her mixed doubles and women’s doubles game.

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“I’d love to win this year’s MLP season,” Bright said. “My partner Rachel and I would love to unseat Anna Leigh and Catherine as the consensus number one women’s doubles team. I don’t expect we’ll beat them 100% of the time, but I’d like to see us win more often than not. I also hope to top the mountain and secure more wins against Anna Leigh and Ben in mixed doubles.”

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As Bright continues her rise in the pickleball world, her determination to improve is clear. With more wins in sight, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for this talented athlete.

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Grateful for the Support

Bright expressed her appreciation for the fans who supported her and Daescu throughout their journey to victory. She acknowledged how much their votes meant to her and Daescu, especially in such a competitive field.

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“I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for us! Your support really means a lot,” Bright said.

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It’s clear that the recognition from fans is something Bright deeply values as she continues her journey in pickleball. The connection with her fans remains a significant part of her drive to keep pushing for new achievements.

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