2026 Powerball VIRGINIA State Championship Series Presented by Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball is coming back to PERFORMANCE PICKLEBALL RVA in Henrico, Virginia. This is the ONLY qualifying tournament in VIRGINIA for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Players do NOT need to be residents of the state in which they compete.

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 in Dallas, Texas. Medalists from each state advance to the Champions Division, where the best amateur players in the country compete for pickleball supremacy.

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.

CHAMPIONS DIVISION – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION

• Gold Medal – Free Registration*
• Silver Medal – 50% Off Registration*
• Bronze Medal – 25% Off Registration*
*Discount applies to registration only. Event fees and checkout fees are not discounted.

SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL – STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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.

All medalists at Southern Pickleball-hosted State Championships will also receive an invitation to the 2026 Southern Championships held January 8-10, 2027, at Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events in Macon, Georgia.

WELCOME TO THE RICHMOND REGION

The Richmond Region is known for its revolutionary voice, revolutionary roots, revolutionary ideas, and unforgettable experiences. That spirit of bold thinking and fearless action has shaped the region for centuries and continues to inspire visitors today. From historic landmarks and vibrant arts to incredible dining, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences, the Richmond Region brings the American story to life in powerful and unexpected ways.

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE RICHMOND REGION

SCHEDULE OF PLAY

Friday, August 14 – Women’s Singles | Men’s Singles
Saturday, August 15 – Women’s Doubles | Men’s Doubles
Sunday, August16 – Mixed Doubles

Play may begin as early as 8:00 AM. Specific start times for each event will be posted and emailed to players within 24–48 hours after the close of registration.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Registration includes TWO (2) events
• EARLY Registration $60 (May 30 through June 2 Noon) • Registration $85 (June 2 12:01pm through August 9)
• Late Registration: $95 (Begins August 10) • Additional 3rd Event: $30

FREE SHIRT DEADLINE: AUGUST 9TH AT 11:55 PM

DIVISIONS OFFERED

Men’s Singles | Women’s Singles | Men’s Doubles | Women’s Doubles | Mixed Doubles

SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED)

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0+

AGE GROUPS

Age Divisions: 8+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+

Age is determined as of 12/31/2026

TEAM RULE
Teams must compete at the skill level of the higher-rated player (or higher) and in the age group of the younger player.

MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.
• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.
• Tournament management reserves the right to change bracket formats and/or shorten bracket formats at their discretion. • Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed.
• If brackets are combined, medals and 2026 World Championships qualification will be awarded based on the original registered division.

RATINGS (DUPR)

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events – Southern Pickleball uses DUPR overall rating (not mixed rating)
• Players with a DUPR rating of NR (No Rating) may still play, but must have a DUPR ID
• If a player’s DUPR rating is NR, the system will use the player’s self-rating from their pickleball.com profile
• Players may play up in skill level, but cannot play down in skill level
• To create a new DUPR ID or check your DUPR rating, CLICK HERE TO VISIT DUPR.COM
• All matches will be reported to DUPR
• Players are responsible for verifying match scores immediately after each match, before their next match begins
• Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to verify scores promptly
• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate
• After registration closes, all players' DUPR ratings will be updated and 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 rating below 50% reliability may appeal to play in a lower division
• Players must initially register in the higher division mandated 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 register and select NEEDS 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 paid.
• IF SELECTING "NEED A PARTNER” Choosing this option does not guarantee the tournament will find you a partner. This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another. It is ultimately the player’s responsibility to find a partner. Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament refund policy deadline to be eligible for any partial refund. Full policy below in Refund Policy Section.

MATCH PLAY

• No referees
• All matches self-monitored

MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE

• Select matches may be livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV
• Players and fans are encouraged to watch at SouthernPickleballTV.com Like & Subscribe for FREE
• CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE MATCHES, HIGHLIGHTS & SUBSCRIBE TO SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL TV

2026 Powerball VIRGINIA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

2026 Powerball VIRGINIA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

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2026 Powerball VIRGINIA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

2026 Powerball VIRGINIA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball