Today we're diving in to discover how DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is transforming the pickleball community. Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, shares his journey from tennis to pickleball and discusses the significance of a universal rating system that connects players worldwide.
From Tennis to Pickleball: Tito's Journey
Tito Machado's journey into pickleball is quite fascinating. Originally from Spain, Tito came to the U.S. in 2011 to play college tennis. After trying various jobs, he began coaching tennis, which led him to learn about UTR. His interest in data analytics grew and in 2019/2020, he moved to California to work for UTR in the tennis space.
Tito's transition to pickleball happened unexpectedly. Initially skeptical, he attended a PPA event in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was impressed by the vibrant community and the sport's unique appeal. This experience led him to join DUPR, which at the time was just a PowerPoint presentation with no actual app. Fast forward to today, and DUPR has grown into a pivotal tool for measuring and connecting pickleball players worldwide.
What is DUPR?
DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. It was created to provide a standardized rating system for pickleball players, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or location, is rated on the same scale. Initially, the rating system was developed as a sibling company to Major League Pickleball, with the goal of creating a level-based tool to measure players.
Today, DUPR operates on a scale from 2 to 8, encompassing everyone in the pickleball space, from amateurs to professionals. This rating system helps players find opponents at their level, making the game more enjoyable and competitive.
How DUPR Works
DUPR is unique because of its sophisticated algorithm and the dedicated team behind it. The system considers various data points, including the individuals you play with, the points you score, and your win/loss history. By analyzing this data, DUPR calculates an accurate rating that mirrors your skill level.
A player can have both a singles and doubles DUPR rating, with all singles play (against all ages and genders) counting towards the singles rating, and all doubles play (including mixed and gendered doubles) counting towards their doubles rating. This dual rating system ensures that players are accurately rated based on their performance in both formats of the game.
One of DUPR's notable features is its connectivity. With over 4,000 clubs and numerous API partners, DUPR has established a wide network that ensures consistent and reliable ratings. This connectivity enables players to interact with the community, find matches at their level, and monitor their progress.
Benefits of DUPR for Players
DUPR is not just for professionals; it's designed for everyone. For amateur players, it offers a reliable way to find fun and competitive matches. By playing against opponents at a similar level, players can improve their skills and enjoy the game more.
For professionals, DUPR is instrumental in drafting for Major League Pickleball and other tournaments. Brands and sponsors also use DUPR ratings to assess players’ value and potential, making it a crucial tool in the professional arena.
Getting Your DUPR Rating
Getting started with DUPR is easy. You can participate in rating sessions at any of the 4,000 clubs on the platform, play matches, and log them using the DUPR app, or play against someone who is already rated on DUPR. The more you play against different people, the more accurate your rating will be. DUPR also supports coaches at the club level, enabling them to provide initial ratings to new players. This helps beginners get started and find matches that are enjoyable and suitable for their skill level."
Conclusion
DUPR is transforming the pickleball world with a universal rating system that elevates the playing experience for all. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, DUPR helps you find suitable matches, enhance your skills, and connect with the global pickleball community. Make sure to check out more at https://www.dupr.com/ or follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duprpb
