Ready to test your skills? The Denver metro hosts dozens of pickleball tournaments throughout the year, from casual rec center events to USAP-sanctioned competitions. Here's how to find and enter tournaments in the area.
Types of Tournaments
- USAP Sanctioned: Official tournaments with USAP ratings impact. Require USAP membership.
- DUPR Rated: Matches affect your DUPR rating but may not require USAP membership.
- Local/Rec Center: Casual tournaments, often no membership required. Great for beginners.
- Club Championships: Internal tournaments at facilities like Epic Pickleball Club.
Where to Find Denver Tournaments
- PickleballTournaments.com: The main listing site for USAP tournaments
- DUPR app: Lists DUPR-rated events in your area
- Pickleplay.com: Another tournament listing resource
- Local facility websites: Check Epic Pickleball Club, rec centers directly
- Facebook groups: Denver Pickleball and Colorado Pickleball groups post events
Major Denver-Area Tournaments
While specific dates vary by year, these are recurring events in the region:
- Colorado State Pickleball Championships: Annual USAP-sanctioned state championship
- Denver Open: Major tournament drawing regional competitors
- Epic Pickleball Club events: Regular tournaments at their facilities
- Rec center tournaments: South Suburban, Foothills, and Apex districts run events
Tournament Formats
- Singles: 1v1 play, less common but growing
- Doubles: Most popular format. You'll need a partner.
- Mixed doubles: Male/female teams
- Round robin: Play multiple matches, points determine winner
- Double elimination: Lose twice and you're out
Skill Brackets
Tournaments divide players by skill level:
- 2.5-3.0: Beginner divisions
- 3.5: Intermediate
- 4.0: Advanced intermediate
- 4.5+: Advanced/competitive
- 5.0+: Expert/pro divisions
Enter at your actual skill level—sandbagging (entering below your skill) is frowned upon and can result in disqualification.
Tournament Tips
- Register early: Popular brackets fill fast
- Know your partner: Practice together before the event
- Arrive early: Check-in, warm up, find your court
- Bring everything: Multiple paddles, balls, water, snacks, sunscreen
- Know the rules: Tournament rules may differ from casual play
- Stay hydrated: Altitude + competition = extra water needed
Build Your Skills First
Not ready for tournaments? Build experience through league play or open play sessions first.