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<b>2026 Powerball SOUTH CAROLINA State Championship Series Presented by the Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball</b> in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is the <b>ONLY qualifying tournament in South Carolina</b> for the <b>2026 World Championships</b> in Dallas, Texas. <u>Players do NOT need to be residents of the state in which they compete.</u>
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<b>WHICH STATE HAS THE BEST PICKLEBALL PLAYERS IN 2026?</b>
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The answer will be decided through the 2026 Powerball Amateur State Championship Series, a nationwide series of State Championships hosted by Southern Pickleball across all 50 states during the 2026 season.
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This premier amateur-only series gives players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to compete for state pride, national recognition, and qualification for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Medalists from each state advance to the Champions Division, where the best amateur players in the country compete for pickleball supremacy.
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<b>WHY PLAY IN THE 2026 POWERBALL AMATEUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES?</b>
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This series offers a unique opportunity to compete on a nationally unified stage while maintaining an inclusive, community-driven environment. Players can showcase their skills, represent their state, and connect with competitors nationwide. The season culminates at the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas.
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<b>CHAMPIONS DIVISION – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION</b>
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• Gold Medal – Free Registration*<br>
• Silver Medal – 50% off Registration*<br>
• Bronze Medal – 25% off Registration*<br>
*Discount applies to registration only. Event fees and other checkout fees are not discounted.
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<b>SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL – STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS</b>
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Southern Pickleball hosts State Championships across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, with Arkansas and Texas being added in 2026.
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All medalists at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships will also receive an invitation to the 2026 Southern Championships, held January 2027 at Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events in Macon, Georgia.
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<b>VISIT SPARTANBURG</b>
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From lively streets and small-town hospitality to scenic trails and bold flavors, Spartanburg offers more than just a place to visit — it’s a place to thrive. Downtown Spartanburg is the city's cultural crossroads, home to live music, local art, chef-driven dining, and signature events throughout the year.
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To explore everything the area has to offer, visit <a href="https://www.visitspartanburg.com" target="_blank">Visit Spartanburg</a>.
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<b>SCHEDULE OF PLAY</b>
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• Friday – September 18th: Women’s Singles / Men’s Singles / Junior Singles<br>
• Saturday – September 19th: Women’s Doubles / Men’s Doubles / Junior Doubles<br>
• Sunday – September 20th: Mixed Doubles / Junior Mixed Doubles
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Schedules are subject to change. Final start times will be posted prior to the event.
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<b>REGISTRATION FEES</b>
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• Includes up to two events<br>
• Early Bird: $70<br>
• Regular: $85<br>
• Late: $95<br>
• Additional events: $30
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<b>FREE SHIRT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 6TH AT 11:55 PM</b>
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<b>DIVISIONS OFFERED</b>
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Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Doubles & Singles + Junior Events
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<b><u>Skill Levels (DUPR Required)</u></b>
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2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0+
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<b><u>Age Groups</u></b>
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Juniors: 10U | 12U | 14U<br>
Adults: 15+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+
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Age determined as of 12/31/2026.
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<b><u>MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS</u></b>
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• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.<br>
• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.<br>
• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to create playable divisions.<br>
• If brackets are combined, medals and 2026 World Championships qualification will be awarded based on the original registered division.
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<b>TEAMS MUST:</b>
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• Play at the skill level of the higher-rated player, and<br>
• Play in the age group of the younger player.
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<b><u>RATINGS (DUPR)</u></b>
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• DUPR ratings will be used for all events<br>
• All matches will be reported to DUPR<br>
• It is each player’s responsibility to verify match scores promptly.<br>
• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate.<br>
• After registration closes, all player ratings will be reviewed.<br>
• Players whose updated DUPR rating (50%+ reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved up.<br>
• Players with DUPR reliability below 50% may appeal to play in a lower division.<br>
• Players must initially register in the division allowed by their current DUPR rating.<br>
• Appeals must be submitted via email to info@southernpickleball.com before registration closes.<br>
• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal.
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<b><u>PARTNER POLICY</u></b>
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• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”<br>
• Selected partner must register within five (5) days of first player’s registration.<br>
• Failure to do so will result in waitlist placement.<br>
• Once the partner registers, the team moves to active list if space available.<br>
• Registration not guaranteed until both players registered and fees paid.<br>
• Selecting “Need a Partner” does not guarantee tournament will find a partner.<br>
• Players without partners must withdraw per tournament refund policy.
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<b><u>MATCH PLAY</u></b>
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• No referees.<br>
• All matches self-monitored
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<b><u>MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE</u></b>
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• Select matches at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV.<br>
• Players & fans encouraged to visit SouthernPickleballTV.com and subscribe for free.
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