DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is a revolutionary rating platform designed to provide an accurate, universal, and dynamic skill measurement system for pickleball players worldwide. Founded in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, a passionate pickleball enthusiast and founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP), DUPR’s mission is to foster competitive play and growth of pickleball by enabling players to track and improve their skills while connecting with the broader pickleball community. As of 2025, DUPR is the leading global system for player ratings, utilized by hundreds of clubs, leagues, and hundreds of thousands of players globally.

Background and Origins

Steve Kuhn, an avid pickleball player and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, developed DUPR out of his motivation to help grow the rapidly expanding pickleball community. He had firsthand experience with organizing groups and creating opportunities for players of all levels, including forming Greater Austin Pickleball and founding the first Major League Pickleball venue, Dreamland, which hosts training for top players.

Kuhn recognized that when DUPR was founded, less than 1% of pickleball players worldwide had an established skill rating, which hindered fair competition and player engagement. Drawing inspiration from rating systems in tennis and golf, Kuhn assembled a team to develop a technology-driven platform that could accurately represent players’ skills, encourage competitive matches, and help players find opponents at their level for optimal fun and challenge. This foundational vision laid the groundwork for DUPR’s core values of accuracy, inclusivity, and reliability.

Features and Impact

DUPR uses advanced algorithms and data analytics to generate real-time player ratings based on match performance across various formats (singles, doubles, mixed doubles). The system dynamically updates ratings after every recorded game, enabling players to see their progress and compare with others worldwide. DUPR is accessible via a free app that enables players to log matches, discover opponents, join clubs, and enter leagues or tournaments.

With over half a million active users and partnerships with more than 35 API-connected platforms, DUPR has become the connective tissue of the pickleball ecosystem. It helps players at all levels—from beginners to professionals—find skill-appropriate competition while motivating continual improvement. DUPR’s ecosystem also supports event organizers with efficient tournament management, ratings validation, and player analytics, boosting the professionalism and organization of the sport.

Leadership and Investments

DUPR’s leadership includes visionary founder Steve Kuhn and CEO Tito Machado. In January 2024, DUPR received a major investment of $8 million from prominent figures including tennis legend Andre Agassi, real estate developer and MLP owner David Kass, venture capital firm Raine Ventures, and seasoned sports and technology executives. This investment bolstered DUPR’s capacity for technological enhancement, marketing, and global expansion.

David Kass, the current chairman of DUPR’s board, emphasized DUPR’s pivotal role in supporting the sport’s explosive growth and uniting the pickleball community through innovative technology. Agassi and other investors share a commitment to advancing DUPR as the definitive global rating system, enabling pickleball to thrive on a professional and recreational level worldwide.

Vision for the Future

DUPR aims to contribute to pickleball’s goal of reaching 40 million players by 2030 by providing a robust foundation for competitive growth. Its vision extends beyond just ratings to creating an ecosystem where players, coaches, and organizers have access to insights, training tools, and advanced analytics.

The platform’s design embodies principles central to pickleball’s inclusive, fun, and community-oriented spirit. By continuously evolving its technological capabilities and expanding user engagement, DUPR is poised to remain an essential resource for both amateurs and professionals, accelerating the sport’s global reach and popularity.