EPIC & DUPR Forge Global Pickleball Pathway for Amateurs

EPIC & DUPR Forge Global Pickleball Pathway for Amateurs

Kate
Kate
Published: Mar 3, 2026

EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach have announced a global partnership aimed at shaping internat

Amateur pickleball just received a seismic upgrade. The groundbreaking alliance between the EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach isn't just supporting the sport's growth; it's meticulously crafting its future, building the sport's first true global performance pipeline.

Key Points:

  • The EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach have formed a game-changing global partnership.
  • They are establishing the first structured global pathway for amateur pickleball players.
  • DUPR ratings will ensure fair and meaningful matches for all participants.
  • The initiative empowers coaches and clubs to develop talent and grow the sport locally.

A Game-Changer for Global Pickleball Amateurs

For too long, amateur pickleball lacked a unified, equitable path for players to truly gauge their skill and progress. This changes now. The EPIC World Championship, the premier international pickleball festival held in Singapore, is teaming up with DUPR Coach to create an unprecedented global framework. This ambitious project aims to standardize competitive play, foster development, and provide a clear journey from local courts to the world stage.

Unpacking the DUPR Advantage

At the heart of this revolution lies DUPR, the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system. By serving as the universal rating standard, DUPR connects players across diverse regions. The program integrates DUPR Coaches into partner clubs, offering 'Coach-Assigned DUPRs' to activate even non-rated players. This innovative approach provides a vital entry point into the competitive ecosystem, ensuring players start their journey at an accurate skill level.

The Road to the EPIC World Championship

This partnership charts a clear course for aspiring amateur champions. Players in Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond will gain access to certified DUPR Coaches within partner clubs. These coaches will facilitate rating sessions, enabling participants to earn initial DUPR scores. From there, players can log matches, compete in qualification events, and progress through a structured pathway. The ultimate goal? To converge at the EPIC World Championship, the aspirational pinnacle of global amateur pickleball.

Raising the Bar for Fair Competition

Fair play and meaningful competition are paramount. By integrating DUPR Coaches across its network, EPIC ensures every player is accurately rated and competes at the appropriate level. This elevates the standard of play and enhances the international credibility of amateur tournaments. Clubs and coaches also benefit immensely, expanding the DUPR ecosystem, growing their communities, and generating revenue through dedicated rating and improvement sessions.

Empowering Every Player's Journey

This collaborative effort democratizes competitive pickleball. Millions of players worldwide previously lacked a DUPR, limiting their access to fair matches and clear progression. Now, from social players to elite contenders, everyone gains a structured pathway. DUPR Coaches will guide players, support skill development, and track progress, ensuring suitable placement in open plays, leagues, and tournaments. This program meets players where they are, providing the tools to achieve their highest potential in pickleball.

Sustaining Pickleball's Global Surge

This isn't merely a partnership; it's the infrastructure for pickleball's sustained global expansion. The alliance offers exclusive credentialing and discounted DUPR Coach certifications for EPIC participants, alongside in-person activations that integrate player rating and coach training directly into the event. Together, EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach are not just fostering growth; they are building the robust, scalable system that will empower players, strengthen clubs, and elevate the entire sport for years to come.