The Best Doubles Pickleball Players by DUPR on Every Continent

Understanding where you stand in the world of pickleball can be both humbling and inspiring. When we look at the global landscape of doubles pickleball through the lens of DUPR ratings, we get a fascinating glimpse into who truly dominates the sport across different continents. The numbers reveal something remarkable: very few players on this planet will ever experience what it’s like to hold a DUPR rating of 7.0 or above, yet this list features two players who have crossed that elite threshold.

Last week, we explored DUPR’s rankings of the top singles players on each continent, showcasing household names like Anna Leigh Waters, Federico Staksrud, and Quang Duong. Now we’re diving into the doubles game, where partnerships and chemistry add another layer of complexity to the competition. The doubles format has always been the heart of pickleball, and these rankings demonstrate just how competitive the global scene has become.

Understanding DUPR and Why These Rankings Matter

Before we dive into the continental breakdown, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what we’re actually looking at here. For those new to the sport or unfamiliar with rating systems, DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. Think of it as a comprehensive measurement system that evaluates your skill level based on your actual match results against other rated players.

Unlike traditional tournament rankings that only consider wins and losses, DUPR takes into account the quality of your opponents, the score margins, and the recency of your matches. It’s designed to be the most accurate representation of a player’s current skill level, regardless of where they play or what tournaments they enter. The system uses a scale that theoretically runs from 2.0 to 8.0, though in practice, most recreational players fall somewhere between 2.5 and 4.5.

What makes a 7.0 DUPR rating so extraordinary is the mathematical reality behind it. The rating system is built so that each incremental increase becomes exponentially harder to achieve. A player rated 5.0 is significantly better than someone at 4.0, but the gap between 6.0 and 7.0 is vast. We’re talking about the difference between a strong competitive player and someone who competes at the absolute highest professional levels. To put it in perspective, most club champions hover around 4.5 to 5.5, strong regional players might reach 5.5 to 6.0, and only the elite professionals break into the 6.5+ territory.

The reliability score mentioned in these rankings is equally important. DUPR requires an 80% reliability threshold for this list, which means these players have competed in enough rated matches against a diverse enough pool of opponents that the system has high confidence in their rating accuracy. This prevents someone from achieving an inflated rating by only playing against select opponents or in limited match situations.

North America: The Epicenter of Elite Doubles Play

It should surprise absolutely no one that North America dominates the top of these rankings. The continent that birthed pickleball and has nurtured its explosive growth over the past decade claims both the highest-rated woman and man in doubles play worldwide.

Ben Johns stands atop the men’s doubles rankings with a staggering 7.158 DUPR rating. For those who follow professional pickleball, this validates what we see week after week on tour. Johns has redefined what’s possible in pickleball doubles, combining surgical precision at the kitchen line with an almost supernatural ability to read his opponents’ intentions. His partnership flexibility has been remarkable too—he’s achieved elite success with multiple partners, demonstrating that his doubles prowess isn’t dependent on one specific chemistry but rather on his comprehensive understanding of positioning, shot selection, and court geometry.

What makes Johns’ rating even more impressive is the level of competition he faces regularly. He’s not padding his stats against lower-level players; he’s consistently competing against the best players in the world in high-stakes professional tournaments. Every match is a battle against opponents with DUPRs well above 6.0, yet he maintains this extraordinary rating through consistent dominance.

On the women’s side, Anna Leigh Waters claims the top spot with a 6.850 DUPR rating in doubles. Waters has become something of a phenomenon in pickleball, having turned professional at an age when most players are just learning the sport. Her doubles game combines aggressive net play with exceptional hand speed and an ability to handle pace that seems to improve with every tournament.

What’s particularly noteworthy about Waters’ rating is how she’s maintained it while frequently partnering with her mother, Leigh Waters. The mother-daughter duo has become one of the most formidable partnerships in professional pickleball, winning numerous tournaments and consistently finishing on the podium. This speaks to not just individual skill but also the importance of communication, trust, and strategic cohesion in doubles play.

The North American dominance in these rankings reflects the continent’s infrastructure for competitive pickleball. With multiple professional tours, countless tournaments at every skill level, and a rapidly expanding player base, North American players have more opportunities to compete at high levels and refine their games against quality opposition.

Europe: A Continental Powerhouse on the Rise

Europe’s showing in these rankings tells a compelling story about the global expansion of pickleball. Andrei Daescu from Romania holds the second-highest men’s doubles DUPR rating globally at 7.110, a number that puts him in truly rarefied air. Breaking the 7.0 barrier is an achievement that only a handful of players worldwide can claim, and Daescu has established himself as one of the premier doubles players on the planet.

Daescu’s success represents the growing sophistication of European pickleball. While the sport arrived later to Europe than North America, the continent has embraced it with characteristic intensity. European players have benefited from strong backgrounds in racquet sports like tennis, table tennis, and badminton, bringing refined techniques and tactical understanding that translate beautifully to pickleball doubles.

The European pickleball scene has developed its own competitive ecosystem, with tournaments sprouting up across the continent and players traveling internationally to test themselves against top competition. This regular exposure to diverse playing styles and high-level opponents has accelerated the development of European players, and Daescu stands as the shining example of how far the European game has come.

Tina Pisnik from Slovenia represents the women’s side with a 6.128 DUPR rating. While this places her behind Waters in the global rankings, it’s still an exceptional number that demonstrates elite-level play. Slovenia might seem like an unlikely hotbed for pickleball excellence, but the country has a strong tradition of racquet sports and athletic achievement that has translated well to pickleball adoption.

Pisnik’s rating indicates consistent performance against strong opposition, likely involving competition both within Europe and internationally. The European women’s doubles scene has grown increasingly competitive, with players from multiple countries pushing each other to higher levels. This competitive depth creates an environment where ratings like Pisnik’s are earned through sustained excellence rather than isolated strong performances.

South America: Emerging Talent and Growing Enthusiasm

South America’s representation on this list highlights the truly global reach pickleball has achieved. Gabe Tardio from Bolivia leads the men’s division with an impressive 6.971 DUPR rating, coming tantalizingly close to that elite 7.0 threshold. Tardio’s near-7.0 rating places him in an exclusive category of players worldwide and signals that world-class pickleball talent exists far beyond the sport’s traditional strongholds.

What makes Tardio’s achievement particularly remarkable is the relative scarcity of high-level competition in South America compared to regions like North America. Achieving such a high rating requires not just natural talent and refined skills but also the dedication to seek out top-level competition, potentially traveling extensively to find opponents who can push your rating upward. The fact that Tardio has reached this level speaks to both his individual excellence and his commitment to competing against the best players he can find.

Mari Humberg from Brazil represents the women’s division with a 5.984 DUPR rating. Brazil’s massive population and cultural enthusiasm for sports has created fertile ground for pickleball’s growth. The country has seen rapid expansion of courts and clubs, and players like Humberg demonstrate that this growth isn’t just recreational—it’s producing competitive players who can hold their own on the international stage.

Humberg’s rating places her among the top women’s doubles players globally, even if she hasn’t quite reached the stratospheric heights of Waters or Pisnik. The South American pickleball scene continues to develop, with more tournaments, better facilities, and increasing prize money attracting serious athletes to the sport. As this infrastructure improves, we can expect South American players to become increasingly competitive at the highest levels.

Asia: Diversity of Talent Across a Massive Continent

Asia’s continental representation comes from two quite different countries, illustrating the diverse ways pickleball has taken root across this massive region. Quang Duong from Vietnam leads the men’s division with a 6.427 DUPR rating. Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s pickleball hotspots, with the sport gaining significant traction in recent years.

Duong’s rating reflects the competitive intensity developing in Southeast Asian pickleball. The region has seen substantial investment in pickleball infrastructure, with new facilities opening regularly and tournaments attracting players from across Asia and beyond. Vietnamese players have shown particular aptitude for the strategic elements of doubles play, perhaps drawing on cultural traditions of tactical thinking and teamwork.

What’s especially interesting about Duong’s rating is that it positions him firmly in the “elite competitive” category globally. This isn’t just the best player in a developing region—this is someone who could compete credibly against top players anywhere in the world. His presence on this list signals that Asian pickleball has progressed well beyond the developmental stage and is producing genuinely world-class talent.

Aibika Kalsarieva from Kyrgyzstan represents the women’s division with a 5.873 DUPR rating. Kyrgyzstan might seem like an unexpected source of high-level pickleball talent, but the country has a strong sporting tradition and has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm. Central Asian countries have produced exceptional athletes across numerous sports, often punching well above their weight given their populations.

Kalsarieva’s achievement highlights how pickleball’s relatively low barrier to entry—you don’t need expensive facilities or equipment compared to many sports—allows talent to emerge from unexpected places. Her rating indicates serious competitive achievement, likely requiring travel to international tournaments to accumulate matches against sufficiently strong opponents to reach this level.

Australia (Oceania): Island Excellence in Doubles Play

Australia has long been a powerhouse in racquet sports, so it’s no surprise to see strong representation in pickleball doubles. George Wall leads the men’s division for Oceania with a 5.974 DUPR rating. Australia’s sporting culture emphasizes outdoor recreation and competitive play, creating an ideal environment for pickleball’s growth.

Australian pickleball has benefited from the country’s existing tennis infrastructure and a population that readily embraces new racquet sports. The competitive scene has developed rapidly, with tournaments now regular occurrences across the major cities and coastal areas. Wall’s rating suggests he’s not just dominating local competition but has tested himself against international opponents as well.

The geographic isolation of Australia presents both challenges and opportunities for competitive players. While there’s less frequent exposure to North American or European competition, Australian players have developed their own distinctive styles and strategies. When they do compete internationally, they often bring fresh approaches that can catch opponents off guard.

Danni-Elle Townsend represents the women’s division with a 5.868 DUPR rating. Australian women have shown particular strength in doubles play, perhaps reflecting the country’s strong tradition of women’s sports and athletic achievement. Townsend’s rating places her among the top women’s doubles players globally, even if she hasn’t quite reached the heights of players from regions with deeper competitive pools.

The Oceania region, while smaller in population than other continents, has shown remarkable enthusiasm for pickleball. New Zealand, while not represented in these particular top rankings, has also developed a vibrant pickleball scene, creating regional competition that helps push players like Wall and Townsend to higher levels.

Central America and Mexico: Regional Growth and Development

Central America’s representation comes entirely from Mexico, which makes sense given the country’s size, proximity to the United States, and growing pickleball infrastructure. Daniel De La Rosa leads the men’s division with a 6.396 DUPR rating, while Constanza Gorches tops the women’s division at 5.622.

Mexico’s pickleball scene has exploded in recent years, particularly in coastal resort areas and major cities. The country’s climate allows for year-round outdoor play, and the sport has found particular popularity among both locals and expatriate communities. Mexican players benefit from relatively easy access to American tournaments, providing opportunities to compete against top-level opponents and validate their ratings against the strongest competition.

De La Rosa’s rating of 6.396 is genuinely impressive and indicates consistent success against strong competition. Mexico has developed several excellent competitive players who regularly compete in international events, and De La Rosa stands at the top of this growing group. His success has helped inspire more Mexican players to pursue competitive pickleball seriously.

Gorches’ 5.622 rating, while lower than De La Rosa’s, still represents strong competitive play. The women’s game in Mexico has grown substantially, with more tournaments and stronger competition emerging each year. As the infrastructure continues to develop and more women take up competitive play, we can expect these ratings to climb as the competitive pool deepens.

Africa: The Frontier of Pickleball Development

Africa represents the newest frontier for pickleball expansion, and the ratings from this continent reflect a sport still in its developmental stages in most regions. Mota Alhouni from Libya leads the men’s division with a 6.189 DUPR rating, while Caity Klaasen from South Africa tops the women’s division at 5.374.

Alhouni’s rating is particularly remarkable given the limited pickleball infrastructure in Libya and much of North Africa. Achieving a rating above 6.0 requires access to strong competition and frequent opportunities to play rated matches. Alhouni has likely had to be creative in seeking out competitive opportunities, possibly traveling extensively to find suitable opponents and tournaments.

South Africa has emerged as the clear leader in African pickleball, with the most developed infrastructure, the most courts, and the strongest competitive scene. Klaasen’s 5.374 rating reflects the growing strength of South African pickleball, particularly among women. The country’s strong sporting tradition and existing tennis infrastructure have provided a foundation for pickleball’s growth.

What’s exciting about these African ratings isn’t necessarily how they compare to other continents right now, but rather what they represent for the future. Pickleball is growing rapidly across Africa, with new courts and clubs opening regularly. As the competitive infrastructure develops and more players take up the sport seriously, we can expect African players to climb these rankings in coming years.

What These Rankings Tell Us About Global Pickleball

Looking at these continental rankings collectively reveals several important truths about the current state of global pickleball. First, while North America still dominates the absolute top of the ratings, the gap is narrowing. Europe has produced a player in Daescu who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best North American players, and South America’s Tardio is knocking on the door of that elite 7.0 threshold.

Second, the sport has achieved genuine global reach. Every inhabited continent has produced competitive doubles players with DUPR ratings that would make them formidable opponents anywhere in the world. This wasn’t true even a few years ago, and it signals that pickleball has transcended its origins as primarily an American sport.

Third, the ratings demonstrate the importance of competitive infrastructure. The continents with the highest ratings—North America and Europe—also have the most developed tournament systems, the most courts, and the most opportunities for players to compete regularly against strong opposition. This infrastructure allows talent to develop more quickly and reach higher peaks.

Finally, these rankings hint at exciting future developments. As pickleball continues to grow in regions like Asia, South America, and Africa, we can expect more players from these continents to crack the elite levels. The global competitive landscape will become increasingly diverse, bringing new playing styles, strategies, and personalities to the highest levels of the sport.

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