2026 Powerball SW FLORIDA Amateur State Championship Series Presented by the Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball
Which state has the best pickleball players in 2026?
• 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.
• 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, which will be held in early November 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Medalists from each state advance to the Champions Division, where the best amateur players from across the country compete for pickleball supremacy.
****Players do not need to be residents of the state in which they compete****
Why Play in the 2026 Powerball Amateur State Championship Series?
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, where Champions Division medalists from every state face off in the ultimate amateur showdown.
Champions Division – 2026 World Championships Qualification
Players who medal at a State Championship earn the following registration benefits for the 2026 World Championships:
• Gold Medal – Free Registration*
• Silver Medal – 50% off Registration*
• Bronze Medal – 25% off Registration*
*Discount applies to registration only. Event fees and other checkout fees are not discounted.
***Players do not need to be residents of the state in which they compete***
Southern Pickleball – State Championships
Southern Pickleball is proud to host multiple State Championships as part of the 2026 Powerball Amateur State Championship Series, including events in:
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, with additional locations in Arkansas and Texas being added for 2026.
All medalists at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships will also receive an invitation to the 2026 Southern Championships, held January 2027, at the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events, in Macon, Georgia. Tournament details can be found at PickleballTournaments.com and SouthernPickleball.com.
Divisions Offered
Playing Divisions
Men’s Doubles (MD) · Women’s Doubles (WD) · Mixed Doubles (MXD)
Men’s Singles (MS) · Women’s Singles (WS)
Junior Boys Singles · Junior Girls Singles · Junior Boys Doubles· Junior Girls Doubles· Junior Mixed Doubles
Skill Levels (DUPR Required)
All players must have a valid DUPR rating, which will be used from their player profile.
• 2.5 (2.999 and below)
• 3.0 (3.000–3.499)
• 3.5 (3.500–3.999)
• 4.0 (4.000–4.499)
• 4.5 (4.500–4.999)
• 5.0+ (5.000 and above)
Age Groups
Junior Divisions:
10U · 12U · 14U ·
Adult Divisions:
15+ · 35+ · 50+ · 60+ · 70+ · 80+
Age is determined by the player’s age as of 12/31/2026.
Registration Fees
• All registrations include up to two (2) events.
• Early Bird Registration: $70 (February 18th ends March 15th 11:55PM)
• Regular Registration: $85 (March 16th ends May 10th 11:55PM)
• Late Registration: $95 (After Registration closes May 10th 11:55PM)
• Additional events: $30 each
• Additional fees (if applicable) will be listed in the tournament details.
• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached
****The last day to register and be guaranteed a FREE tournament shirt is MAY 3rd at 11:55 PM****
Tentative Schedule - Play may begin as early as 8:00 AM each day
• Friday – May 17th: Women’s Singles / Men’s Singles / Junior Boys Singles / Junior Girls Singles
• Saturday – May 18th: Women’s Doubles / Men’s Doubles / Junior Boys Doubles / Junior Girls Doubles
• Sunday – May 19th: All Mixed Doubles/ Junior Mixed Doubles
Schedules are subject to change. Final start times will be posted and emailed prior to the event.
Format
• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.
• Matches are played to 15 points, win by 2
• 7-team brackets or pools will play matches to 11 points, win by 2
Southern Pickleball reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to ensure quality competition. Medals and 2026 World Championships qualification will be awarded based on the original registered division.
Match Guarantee & Brackets
• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.
• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to create playable divisions.
• If brackets are combined, awards will be based on the original bracket in which the player registered.
Age is determined by the players age on December 31, 2026
Teams must:
• Play at the skill level of the higher-rated player, and
• Play in the age group of the younger player.
Ratings (DUPR)
• DUPR ratings will be used for all events
• All matches will be reported to DUPR
• It is each player’s responsibility to verify match scores after the completion of each match and before their next match begins. Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to check scores promptly.
• The Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate.
• After registration closes, all player ratings will be reviewed.
• Players whose updated DUPR rating (with 50% or higher reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket.
• Players with a DUPR reliability below 50% may appeal to play in a lower division.
• Players must initially register in the division allowed by their current DUPR rating.
• Appeals must be submitted via email to info@southernpickleball.com
before registration closes.
• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal.
Partner Policy
• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”
If registering with a partner:
• The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player’s registration.
• Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist.
• Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available.
• Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered, and all fees are paid in full.
Selecting “Need a Partner” does not guarantee the tournament will find a partner.
• This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another.
• Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament’s refund policy.
Match Play
• There are no referees.
• All matches are self-monitored
Media & Livestream Coverage
• Select matches at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships will be livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV.
• Players and fans are encouraged to visit SouthernPickleballTV.com and subscribe for free to watch live matches, highlights, and exclusive championship coverage.
