Today is World Pickleball Day, and what better way to celebrate than to discuss pickleball's rapid rise around the globe?
Pickleball was once considered a niche hobby in the United States but has now become a worldwide phenomenon.
Thanks to data provided by Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), we now have a clearer picture of just how fast the sport is growing, where it’s flourishing, and which countries are embracing it with unmatched enthusiasm.
The United States Leads, But the World Follows
The United States continues to be the powerhouse of pickleball, both in terms of players and matches. According to DUPR, the U.S. ranks first in the total number of users, leading a diverse top 10 that includes Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Surprisingly, countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are also making waves, showing that pickleball’s appeal is transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
PicklePod: How America Gave the World Pickleball Fever
Tom Webb, CMO of the APP Tour, joined Zane and Thomas this week on the PicklePod to discuss global pickleball, how pickleball viewership can grow, and why the APP doesn’t believe it’s competing with anyone.
Top 10 Countries With the Most DUPR Users
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Malaysia
- Puerto Rico
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Mexico
- China
This list highlights not only the traditional hubs but also emerging pickleball markets like Vietnam and Malaysia, where the sport is beginning to build solid player bases.
Which States Have the Best Pickleball Players? Our Friends at DUPR Have the Answer
Which states can boast the best pickleball talent? Our friends at DUPR share the Top 10 based on DUPR scores.
The Fastest Growing Countries: A Spotlight on Emerging Markets
While established countries dominate in total users, some unexpected nations are making strides in growth. India takes the crown for the fastest-growing pickleball scene, followed closely by Thailand and Venezuela.
China and the Philippines, already in the top 10 for total users, are also among the fastest-growing markets, a testament to the sport's universal appeal.
Top 10 Countries by DUPR Growth
- India
- Thailand
- Venezuela
- China
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Japan
- South Africa
- France
- United Kingdom
The rise of pickleball in India and Thailand showcases how quickly the sport can gain traction in regions with large, active populations. This rapid growth is a promising sign for the global expansion of pickleball and reflects its adaptability to various cultures and climates.
Andre Agassi Headed to India to Kick Off PWR DUPR Indian Tour and League
Tennis legend Andre Agassi will travel to India in January to help kickoff the PWR DUPR Indian Tour and League in a groundbreaking event that marks the sport’s rapid global expansion.
New Countries Joining the Pickleball Revolution
In the past year, several new countries have embraced pickleball, adding to the sport's global reach. From Rwanda to Qatar, new communities are forming around pickleball, showing that the sport’s accessibility and simplicity resonate worldwide.
New Countries on DUPR in the Last Year
- Brunei
- Sri Lanka
- Rwanda
- Ghana
- Iran
- El Salvador
- Qatar
- Armenia
- Zimbabwe
- Honduras
- Djibouti
- Paraguay
- Lebanon
- Jersey
This impressive list of new countries underscores pickleball’s global growth, with each nation contributing to the sport’s increasing diversity. Whether in Africa, the Middle East, or Central America, pickleball is finding new homes and new players eager to take to the court.
Of course, this growth was emphasized earlier this year when the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and the Pickleball World Series announced in Dubai their plans to bring professional pickleball worldwide and announced an incredible $15M in prize money across those tournaments.
New Global Pickleball Tour to Offer Record $15 Million in Prize Money
Pickleball World Rankings and the Pickleball World Series launch their plans to bring professional pickleball worldwide in Dubai.
Most Active Countries: Surprising Leaders in Participation
While countries like the U.S. dominate in total users, some lesser-known pickleball markets are leading in participation, as measured by matches per user. Hungary, Australia, and Tanzania are at the forefront, with players in these countries engaging in more matches per person than anywhere else.
Most Active Countries on DUPR (By Matches Per User)
- Hungary
- Australia
- Tanzania
- Poland
- Peru
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Belgium
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Canada
This ranking showcases the intensity with which players from countries like Hungary and Tanzania have embraced the sport. It also reveals how pickleball is not only spreading but deeply rooting itself into the daily lives of players worldwide.
The Dink Minor League Pickleball Across the World
Together with DUPR and Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the Dink Minor League Pickleball continues to offer worldwide MLP-style team events. So far this year, there have been successful local and regional tournaments in Mexico, Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico, and soon in India and China.
You can find out more about and register for the Dink MiLP here.
The Future of Pickleball: A Truly Global Game
When Tito Machado, the CEO of DUPR, was on the PicklePod earlier this year, he mentioned some of the global growth they've seen.
"In the U.S., we've grown by 20% in the last 90 days, and internationally, countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are seeing impressive growth, with the U.K. reaching 33% to 42%. We're also seeing massive expansion in China, where we've been working for almost a year and are about to launch a college tour.
In South Africa, growth has surged by 121% in the last 90 days. Unexpected hot spots like Malaysia are experiencing 110% growth, and we've just run our first national championship in Venezuela, where the sport is also taking off. Other countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan are embracing pickleball as well.
The great thing is, at DUPR, we've been there from the beginning in many of these regions—activating DUPR, giving players a ranking, and watching these communities grow."
With more countries joining the fold each year and participation levels increasing around the world, World Pickleball Day is not just a celebration of the sport—it’s a testament to its potential as a unifying global phenomenon.
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