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Want to start playing pickleball tournaments but don’t know how?
Here’s a guide on everything you need to know about the different pickleball tournaments you could be playing based on your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, tournaments and leagues provide the perfect opportunity to test your skills, meet new players, and boost your pickleball rating.
But how do pickleball tournaments and leagues work? How do you find the right event for your skill level? And, what role does DUPR play in it all? The DUPR Events Dashboard is your go-to place for every pickleball tournament and event. With just a few taps, you can browse upcoming competitions, from rating sessions to team-based leagues, and find the perfect match for your skill level. Your pickleball rating automatically updates as you play, ensuring you’re always placed in the right division for fair and competitive matchups.
Let’s dive into the world of pickleball tournaments, leagues, and ratings.
Pickleball Tournaments From Beginners to Pros: DUPR Sessions, RTMs & Minor Leagues
DUPR offers a structured competitive environment that allows players of all levels to participate fairly in pickleball tournaments and leagues. What are the different types of pickleball tournaments? The three key components of the featured DUPR amateur tournament series called RTM are:
1. DUPR Sessions (Rating Sessions)
Before entering into competitive tournaments, players need an accurate DUPR rating, supported by an up-to-date Reliability Score. DUPR Sessions are two-hour round-robin sessions featuring games to 11 points, with randomly assigned partners or are partnered events where you and your partner sign up together. This allows players to compete in a fair and competitive environment.
The more matches you play, the more precise your rating becomes. Even players who already have a DUPR rating should join these sessions to refine their rating, update their reliability score, and improve their game. Every match boosts your reliability score, feeding the DUPR algorithm the data points it needs to be confident about your skill level. So if you're looking to play more matches, track your progress, and level up your game, DUPR Sessions are the perfect place to start!
These sessions are generally divided into the following DUPR skill levels:
- Beginner to 3.000
- 3.000 - 3.499
- 3.500 - 3.999
- 4.000 - 4.499
- 4.500+
With the flexibility of offering either partnered or no fixed partner options, these rating sessions make for an easy entry point for players looking to participate in match play and establish or improve their DUPR rating and Reliability Score before joining other competitive events. The more matches you play, the more accurate your rating becomes.
Where can I find DUPR rating sessions and How to Register?
- Download the DUPR App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create a DUPR Account for FREE and complete your player profile.
- Search for DUPR Sessions near you to establish a rating. Each DUPR Rating Level is posted as a separate tournament.
- Play Matches—Your results will update your DUPR rating automatically.
- Check Your Rating anytime through the app and find tournaments that match your skill level.
2. DUPR Road To Minors (RTM) Tournaments
What are RTM tournaments in pickleball? Once you have a DUPR rating, you can enter DUPR Road to Minors (RTM) Tournaments, which are regional team-based competitions.
These events are structured as doubles competitions, featuring men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Players must have a partner to participate, but partners can change from tournament to tournament, allowing for flexibility in team selection. Unlike traditional team-based rankings, points are accrued individually, meaning your performance in each event directly impacts your standing. There is no minimum or maximum number of RTM tournaments you can enter, making it an excellent opportunity to compete as often as you like. The more tournaments you play—and win—the more points you earn, helping you boost your DUPR ratings and qualify for higher-level competitions.
RTM Tournaments are also divided by level:
- 3.000 - 3.499
- 3.5 - 3.999
- 4.0 - 4.499
- 4.5+
Winning in RTM tournaments helps players qualify for the RTM Cup, where top players compete for coveted Minor League Pickleball team spots.
3. Minor League Pickleball DUPR Divisions: How DUPR Ratings Determine Your Placement
For players looking to compete in structured team-based leagues, Minor League Pickleball provides the next level of play. The Minor League Pickleball League is structured using DUPR divisions, ensuring competitive and fair matchups based on player ratings. Each division has a maximum aggregate rating, which is the combined DUPR rating of all players on a team. Additionally, to prevent sandbagging, each division has a maximum individual player rating cap, meaning highly skilled players cannot drop down into lower divisions.
Here’s how the divisions are structured:
- DUPR 12 – Team’s total DUPR must be 12.300 or lower
- No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 3.600 to play in DUPR 12.
- DUPR 14 – Team’s total DUPR must be 14.300 or lower
- No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 4.100 to play in DUPR 14.
- DUPR 16 – Team’s total DUPR must be 16.300 or lower
- No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 4.600 to play in DUPR 16.
- DUPR 18 – Team’s total DUPR must be 18.300 or lower
- No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 5.100 to play in DUPR 18.
- DUPR 20 – Team’s total DUPR must be 20.999 or lower (or 20.300 if DUPR 22 is available in that region)
- DUPR 22 – Available only in select markets and special events, with a max team aggregate of 22.999.
Teams can be made up of various player combinations as long as their total does not exceed the division limit. For example, a DUPR 20 team could consist of four players rated 5.00 (5+5+5+5=20) or a mix like 5.50, 4.50, 4.75, and 5.25 (=20).
These division limits ensure that players compete against opponents with similar skill levels, keeping matches fair and exciting. If you're looking to join a Minor League Pickleball team, your DUPR rating will determine which division you can play in.
Players who perform well in Minor League Pickleball Tournaments may qualify for the Minor League Pickleball National Championship.
How to Find Pickleball Tournaments Near You
If you’re eager to start competing, here’s how to find the right tournament:
- Use the DUPR App for Android or Apple phones– Search for upcoming tournaments, leagues, and DUPR sessions.
- Check Local Clubs – Many clubs host sanctioned DUPR tournaments.
- Follow DUPR Social Media – Stay updated on new events at @duprpb on Instagram.
- Ask Other Players – Find a Pickleball Facebook group near you. Join a pickleball community and connect with other players.
How to Get Rated Before a Tournament
Before entering a tournament, you need an accurate DUPR rating. You can either sign up for a DUPR Session or manually log your recreational match results. Unlike other rating systems, DUPR offers free accessibility, allowing you to improve your rating from your home club. Ratings update with new match results in real time, thanks to DUPR’s highly accurate Elo algorithm. To track your progress, simply log into the DUPR app and check your rating.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to climb the ranks, DUPR provides the best structure for fair, competitive pickleball tournaments and leagues. From rating sessions to regional matches and Minor League Pickleball, there’s an opportunity for everyone to compete at their skill level. Start by getting your DUPR rating, find a tournament near you, and take your game to the next level!
Looking to join your first tournament? Sign up for a DUPR session today!
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