What Players Need to Know Before the 2026 US Open Player Lottery

The 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships celebrates 10 years of unforgettable pickleball at the most prestigious and vibrant pickleball tournament on the planet — The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™.

Special 10th anniversary moments, expanded experiences, and world-class competition are on deck, so preparation matters more than ever. With the Player Lottery opening January 14–20, 2026, here are the crucial things to know, plus a few smart tips to help you get ready.

1. The Player Lottery Runs January 14–20, 2026

The General Registration Lottery Period opens January 14–20, 2026 (Eastern Time).

This system was designed to remove the pressure of registration-day rushes and create a fair experience for all players.

• You may register at any time during the registration window
• Priority is not based on the speed of registration

Pro Tip: Give yourself time to edit details, find a partner, or resolve issues before the Player Lottery closes.

2. You Need Both a Pickleball Den Account and a DUPR Account

The US Open Pickleball Championships partners with Pickleball Den as its exclusive tournament software and DUPR as its exclusive rating system for evaluating and seeding players.

Before the Player Lottery:

1. Create or confirm your Pickleball Den account

2. Create or confirm your DUPR account

3. Link DUPR to Pickleball Den under Account Settings. To link your DUPR:

• Login to your Den account
• Select Account and scroll to the Player Profile section
• Click Connect DUPR Account and follow the prompts

Your rating is locked in at the time of registration.

Pro Tip: Create or confirm your accounts early to avoid last-minute stressors such as account or sign-in issues.

3. Event Eligibility is Based on Age and Skill

In order to be eligible for the US Open Player Lottery, you may compete in the event that matches:

• The age of the youngest team member, and
• The skill level equal to or higher than the highest-rated team member

Example (Doubles Team):

Player A: 54 years old, 3.752 DUPR

Player B: 47 years old, 4.102 DUPR

Correct event: 45–49 Age / 4.0 Skill

Age is determined as of 12/31/2026, and DUPR ratings are determined at the time of registration.

4. You Can Register Without a Partner, But Only Temporarily

Players may enter the lottery without a partner and appear on the Players Needing Partners list.

However, it’s important to know that a partner must be added before the lottery closes.

Pro Tip: Need a partner? Before the Registration Lottery opens, visit the US Open Player Connection page to find a teammate, post your details, and connect with players from around the globe.

5. Payment Is Only Required If You’re Selected

Payment is not required during lottery registration.

Important Dates to Remember

• January 28, 2026: Lottery winners notified by email
• January 31, 2026: Payment deadline for winners
• February 2, 2026: Unpaid teams removed and alternates notified

Pro Tip: Watch your email closely after the lottery closes to ensure you can claim your spot and complete registration on time.

Get Ready for the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™

While the US Open Player Lottery removes the rush, preparation still matters. Get your accounts set up early, understand eligibility rules, and mark the key dates so you’re ready to be part of a historic 10th anniversary of the US Open Pickleball Championships.

Want more details?

For full lottery rules, registration procedures, and event information, visit the official US Open Pickleball Registration Guide: https://www.usopenpickleball.com/event-guide/registration.

Be sure to like the US Open Pickleball Championships on Facebook and sign up for email updates so you don’t miss important announcements or deadlines.