Explained: How the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) System Works
The PWR World Tour, introduced in July 2024, is a comprehensive international pickleball circuit created by PWR.
Designed to provide a structured route for players to earn ranking points, the tour includes prestigious tournaments such as the PWR World Series and Grand Slams. Its ultimate goal is to promote the sport globally while offering athletes enhanced career opportunities.
What is the PWR World Tour?
Launched as a global competitive platform, the PWR World Tour offers players a clear pathway to climb the world rankings.
It features a series of high-profile tournaments across various regions, enabling participants to earn points and secure qualifications for top-tier events like the PWR World Series.
This structure aims to professionalize pickleball and spotlight talent on an international stage.
Understanding the Ranking System
The Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system is a standardized global ranking framework that evaluates players based on their performance in PWR-sanctioned events.
At the heart of this system is the Points Allocation System, which distributes ranking points according to the level and category of each tournament.
To fully understand the PWR rankings, one must consider several elements :
- Tournament tiers
- Point distribution scales
- Ranking and participation guidelines
- Performance-based point awards
Tournament Tiers in the PWR World Tour
There are eight competitive tiers within the PWR World Tour, each offering different ranking points based on the event's level. Higher-tier tournaments grant more points, helping players move up the rankings faster.
Here’s a breakdown of the tournament tiers :
- PWR 2000 (Grand Slam): The most prestigious level, drawing elite international players and offering the highest points.
- PWR 1000: Just below the Grand Slams, these international events award 1000 points to champions and attract top-tier talent.
- PWR 700: National-level competitions where the country’s best players battle for rankings within the national circuit.
- PWR 400: Regional or state-level events providing opportunities for broader participation and competition at a high level.
- PWR 200: Club-level tournaments held within cities, where multiple clubs face off in a competitive, single-day format.
- PWR 100: Entry-level inter-club tournaments for emerging talent starting their competitive journey.
- PWR 50: Introductory-level tournaments conducted within a single club, helping players ease into the competitive environment.
Amateur and Social Category
Beyond the official tiers, there’s the PWR Socials/Amateurs Category, meant for recreational players and beginners
. While winners receive 20 points, these are not counted towards official PWR rankings. This category focuses on community engagement and encouraging more people to play the sport casually.
How Are the Points Distributed ?
Points are awarded based on the final placement of players or teams in each tournament. The table below outlines the distribution of points for each tournament tier, from the Winner down to players exiting in the early rounds. This system applies to singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
Read Also : Who are the 20 best female players in pro pickleball ?