Malaysia Hosts Record-Breaking Pickleball Championship: 648 Players, 13 Nations, DUPR Powers Growth
What's the Score?
The Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025, which began on April 25 in Kuala Lumpur, has made history as the largest pickleball tournament ever held in Malaysia, attracting a record-breaking 648 players from 13 countries. The significant participation numbers are indicative of Malaysia's explosive growth in the sport, a rise that is notably powered by the DUPR rating system.
Hit it deeper!
The Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025 commenced in Kuala Lumpur on April 25, setting a new benchmark for pickleball events in Malaysia. The tournament's scale is unprecedented for the country, drawing 648 participants. This diverse field includes players from 13 different nations, showcasing the event's international appeal and Malaysia's emergence on the global pickleball map. The tournament is scheduled to run for three days, with play extending for over 12 hours daily. The opening ceremony was anticipated to be attended by the Youth & Sports Minister, highlighting governmental recognition of the sport's growth.
Malaysia's position in the global pickleball landscape is remarkable. The country is currently recognised as the second fastest-growing pickleball nation globally. It also holds the third rank worldwide for total users of the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, mirrors this national trend, being the #2 fastest-growing DUPR city. The infrastructure supporting this growth is substantial, with nearly 300 DUPR clubs established across the country and an estimated 1,500 courts available for play. This infrastructure supports an estimated 200,000 active pickleball players in Malaysia.
DUPR plays a crucial role in the structure and development of pickleball in Malaysia. Samuel Siew, the tournament organiser, emphasized DUPR's significance, stating that the rating system provides an excellent way for players to compete on their level and aspire to improve. He noted that players frequently ask each other about their DUPR rating ("what’s your DUPR?"), indicating that the system has become a common conversation point and a key factor in helping the community find suitable playing groups for practice and development. DUPR helps players find appropriate competitive brackets, ensuring fair competition for everyone from intermediates to aspiring professionals. Colin Wong, with a DUPR rating of 5.1, is noted as the highest-rated player competing in the tournament and a player to watch.
Beyond the competition, the Alliance Bank KL Open is framed as more than just a tournament. Alongside the matches, a Pickleball Summit is also being held, bringing together leaders to discuss the future direction of the sport. Samuel Siew also highlighted the strong community and social aspect as a major reason for the tournament filling up quickly. He described sports as powerful connectors, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect, meet new friends, become more competitive, and stay active through pickleball. This event, and the rise of the sport in Malaysia, are seen as just the beginning, positioning Malaysia as a significant pickleball powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025 setting a record as Malaysia's largest tournament ever is a clear indicator of the country's extraordinary and rapid growth in the sport. The sheer numbers – 648 players from 13 countries – highlight its increasing prominence on the international stage. The explicit mention of DUPR powering this growth underscores the critical role that standardised rating systems play in organising and professionalising the sport globally, helping players find appropriate competition levels and fostering development. The combination of a major tournament, significant player base, substantial infrastructure, and supporting events like the Pickleball Summit positions Malaysia as a leading nation in the global pickleball boom, particularly within Southeast Asia. The emphasis on community and social connection by the organiser also offers insight into the grassroots appeal driving this rapid expansion.