How to Qualify for Nationals
Dreaming of competing on pickleball’s biggest stage? The USA Pickleball National Championships, the longest-standing and only National Championships, bring together the very best players from across the country and earning your spot starts with the qualification process. From Golden Ticket Tournaments to sanctioned events, there are multiple pathways to secure your chance to play among the nation’s elite. Here’s everything you need to know about how to qualify and take your game all the way to Nationals.
The Path To Nationals
How To Qualify for Nationals
Step One
Become a USA Pickleball Member
The first step to playing in a Golden Ticket Tournament is becoming a USA Pickleball Champion or Challenger member. Membership gives you eligibility for sanctioned events, exclusive resources, discounts, and more. Everything you need on your pickleball journey, from your first match to Nationals.
Step Two
Compete in a Sanctioned Tournament
Once you’re a USA Pickleball member, your next step toward Nationals is playing in a sanctioned tournament. Every tournament counts, but Golden Ticket Tournaments are your fastest path to Nationals, as gold medal winners earn priority registration.
Through the Tiered Point System (TPS), you’ll also earn points each time you compete and medal. Points are based on the tournament’s tier — with Golden Tickets awarding the most — and accumulate throughout the season.
- Nationals Eligibility: Even without a Golden Ticket, enough TPS points can qualify you for Nationals. One Golden Ticket tournament automatically awards the required points.
- Series Point Championship: Top point earners in each division earn priority registration for this special event in Spring 2027.
Whether you win gold or build points over time, sanctioned tournaments keep your Nationals dream alive.
Step Three
Secure Spot at Nationals
Once you’ve played in a Golden Ticket tournament or earned points in USA Pickleball-sanctioned events, you're ready to register. Opening in August, Tier 1 priority registration is earned by winning a Golden Ticket at a 2026 Nationals-qualifying tournament, 2025 Nationals gold medalists, athletes age 70+, and athletes impacted by 2025 rainouts. After Tier 1, division capacity is reviewed and Tier 2 opens via waitlist, with athletes advanced into the draw based on TPS standings as space allows.
Looking For Your TPS Points?
Accessing and tracking your TPS points is simple. Log in to the USA Pickleball Member portal, click the TPS tab (SSO), and view your points, Nationals eligibility, tournament history, rankings, and more.
Explore Other Sanctioned Tournaments
Want to compete in other sanctioned tournaments that are non-Golden Ticket Tournaments? You can still qualify for Nationals through the Tiered Point System (TPS).