Surprising DUPR Data Reveals Pickleball’s Next Big Hub—and It’s Not in North America

Malaysia has the third-most DUPR users of any country, behind only the United States and Canada. And its numbers are surging fast.

Pickleball may have been born in the Pacific Northwest, but if recent DUPR trends are any indication, the sport’s future might just be taking shape halfway across the globe—in Malaysia.

While North America still dominates in total DUPR users, Malaysia has quietly surged to the number three spot globally, according to DUPR, behind only the United States and Canada. In fact, it now boasts more DUPR users than any country outside North America.

And it's not just about the numbers—it’s about the rate of growth.

Over the past year, Malaysia was the second-fastest growing country in terms of new DUPR users, trailing only South Korea. Zoom in a bit more and you’ll find Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital, is ranked second in the world by city—just behind pickleball-crazy Austin, Texas.

That’s not a fluke.

With nearly 300 registered DUPR clubs, Malaysia’s pickleball scene is building real infrastructure. Its players are logging matches, getting rated, and most importantly, showing up.

This growth suggests that Malaysia is more than just a rising region—it could become a major international hub for competitive and recreational pickleball in the near future.

Asia on the Rise

Malaysia isn’t the only one riding the wave. Asia now ranks second by total DUPR users (just behind North America) and is the fastest-growing continent on the platform. Countries like Vietnam, India, and South Korea are also climbing rapidly.

In fact, three of the top five fastest-growing countries in the past year are in Asia, pointing to a continent-wide momentum that could reshape the sport’s global footprint.

DUPR Growth by the Numbers

Let’s break down the leaderboard:

Top Countries by Total DUPR Users:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Malaysia
4. Vietnam
5. Australia

Fastest Growing Countries (Past Year):

1. South Korea
2. Malaysia
3. Vietnam
4. Ireland
5. India

Top Cities by DUPR Users:

1. Austin, TX
2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. New York, NY
4. Houston, TX
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Meanwhile, in the U.S.

Pickleball’s heart still beats strong in the States, with California, Florida, and Texas leading the way in total DUPR users. But some surprising names are showing up on the growth charts—Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Hawaii are among the top five fastest-growing states this past year.

The Player Profile Is Evolving

Across the board, DUPR data shows that pickleball is getting younger. While the sport still thrives with older adults, the majority of users on the platform are now under 55. Gender growth remains nearly equal, and gendered matches remain more popular than mixed ones—a trend that has stayed consistent over time.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be clear: DUPR data doesn’t represent every pickleball player, and it can’t fully capture the sport’s offline growth. But when you look at where players are logging matches, where new users are signing up, and where clubs are multiplying—Malaysia is making serious noise.

With its current trajectory, don’t be surprised if it soon becomes a must-visit destination for global pickleballers.

Asia is rising—and Malaysia might just be leading the charge.