Singapore to Host Inaugural EPIC World Championship, Cementing Asia's Pickleball Boom
Source: The Business Times
A Global Phenomenon with Asia at the Forefront
Pickleball's meteoric rise is now a worldwide phenomenon. Recent estimates show over 5 million active pickleball players across 84 countries, with its market value soaring past $1.8 billion and projected to hit nearly $9.1 billion by 2034.
The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a critical new hotspot. Countries like China, Japan, India, and Singapore are all reporting double-digit annual growth in participation. The sport's low barrier to entry, highly social nature, and appeal to all ages and skill levels have fueled a rapid multiplication of local clubs and leagues across the continent. Singapore, with its world-class sporting ecosystem, is now strategically positioned to host one of the most anticipated amateur championships on the international stage, a commitment underlined by a three-year partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
The DUPR Advantage: Ensuring Fair and Fierce Competition
Central to this new chapter for global amateur sport is the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR). This revolutionary, objective system ranks players of all ages and backgrounds on a single, universal scale.
How DUPR Works: The DUPR algorithm analyses multiple factors including match results, opponent skill level, and scores to calculate a dynamic four-digit rating (from 2.000 for beginners to over 8.000 for elite professionals). This rating constantly adjusts as players compete, ensuring that every match has an expected outcome. If a player exceeds that expectation, their rating rises; if they underperform, it drops. This dynamic calculation ensures fair seeding and more competitive matches, elevating both the experience and integrity of amateur tournaments worldwide. The DUPR system boasts significant backing from athletes and cultural visionaries, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Michael B. Jordan, solidifying pickleball's crossover appeal and global future.
For the EPIC World Championship, qualification requires players to either be a top-ranked DUPR amateur in their home country, win an EPIC-sanctioned local tournament, or secure a coveted wildcard spot.
Transforming Singapore into an International Hub
Singapore’s role as host city signals major investment in the local pickleball scene and a clear intent to become Southeast Asia's leading pickleball destination.
New Infrastructure: Eight new dual-use pickleball courts will open at the Singapore Sports Hub by early 2026, increasing accessibility for the city’s growing community.
Community Focus: Court bookings are planned to be affordable to encourage mass participation, which aligns with Singapore's commitment to sports as a community driver.
Tournament Catalysis: A surge in local tournaments, including a major 2,000+ participant regional event, reflects the local scene's readiness for the global spotlight.
The championship itself will be a four-day festival of the pickleball community. Players will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, as well as exciting team formats inspired by Minor League Pickleball. Beyond the courts, festival zones will bring together athletes and their families with food, music, and pet-friendly spaces, celebrating the inclusive pickleball culture.
As DUPR CEO Tito Machado states, the EPIC World Championship is poised to “unite amateur athletes worldwide and redefine what’s possible in global sport.” Supported by the STB, the event is not just a competition; it is a catalyst for travel, tourism, and cultural exchange, inviting international players and fans to experience all that Singapore offers.
This major event is set to mark Singapore as a must-visit global capital for pickleball, cementing the sport's place as a truly international pastime fueled by community, innovation, and a spirit of inclusion.
