Pickleball is no longer just an American phenomenon; new data from DUPR reveals a massive surge in international interest, with several Asian nations leading the charge. While the sport continues to dominate the U.S. landscape, the following list highlights the countries experiencing the most rapid growth in DUPR-rated players over the last 12 months.
The Top 10 Fastest-Growing Countries for Pickleball
According to DUPR’s latest metrics, these ten countries have seen participation growth ranging from 110% to an incredible 1,200% over the past year:
- 10: Vietnam: Marking the start of the list, Vietnam has seen a significant influx of new players entering the DUPR ecosystem.
- 9: Malaysia: As the sport gains traction in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has emerged as a key hub for new pickleball activity.
- 8: Singapore: Known for its active sports culture, Singapore is rapidly adopting pickleball, contributing to the region's overall growth.
- 7: South Korea: The sport is making deep inroads in South Korea, reflecting a broader trend of racquet sports expansion in the country.
- 6: Thailand: With its growing recreational sports scene, Thailand has seen a notable spike in players registering for ratings.
- 5: Japan: Japan’s inclusion in the top five highlights the sport's successful transition into major East Asian markets.
- 4: India: As one of the world's most populous nations, India is showing massive potential for pickleball development and player acquisition.
- 3: China: The rapid adoption of the game in China underscores the global scalability of pickleball as a competitive and social activity.
- 2: Indonesia: Indonesia has seen explosive interest, securing the runner-up spot for the fastest-growing DUPR user base.
- 1: Philippines: Leading the pack with the most significant growth, the Philippines has become a standout leader in the international pickleball boom.
This international expansion mirrors the domestic success reported by the Sports Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). In the United States, the 2026 Topline Participation Report indicates that 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, a 22.8% increase from the previous year. Most impressively, participation has surged by 171.8% over the last three years.
The data also distinguishes between two types of players: casual participants (playing 1–7 times per year), who reached 16.8 million, and core players (playing 8+ times per year), who grew to 7.48 million. This split suggests that while the sport is successfully attracting curious newcomers, it is also effectively converting them into dedicated, long-term enthusiasts who drive the industry's demand for leagues, tournaments, and equipment.
