Rules / Qualifications / FAQ's

2021 Tournament Season

FAQ

Most frequently asked questions and answers

A: There are 18 tournaments* on the 2021 APP Tour, concluding with the season ending The APP Masters International Pickleball Championships held on January 18 – 23, 2022.

A:
For the 2021 APP Tour, pros and senior pros must play in a minimum of four (4) events either from 2020 and 2021 schedules. One must place in his / her top tier to qualify for the 2022 APP Masters. Amateurs must play in a minimum of two (2) events either from 2020 and 2021 schedules. One must place in his / her top tier to qualify for the 2022 APP Masters.

A: Yes. The following 2020 Tour events and your rankings will roll over into 2021 Tour: Chicago Open, Las Vegas Open, Cincinnati Open and Hilton Head Open.

A: The year 2021 will see an increase in prize money for all professionals, including three separate APP regional series where both pros and amateurs can obtain circuit bonuses and direct entry into the APP Masters. There is more than $700K in prize money. Visit apptour.org for prize money payout by event and medals.

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2021 Rules & Qualifications

Professional & Senior Professional Divisions

Section 1

The APP Tour will have a two-tier system based on each tournament’s total payout purse. Points will be awarded for matches won and players will be placed on the APP Standings List after each event has concluded.

Section 2

The following tournaments are Tier I: Delray Beach Pickleball Open, Atlanta Metro Open, Hilton Head Open, and Casa Grande Open. A Tier I tour event will have a total purse greater than $50,000.  See Tournaments Prize Money
 

Section 3

The following tournaments are Tier II: Punta Gorda Open, Los Angles Open, Beer City Open, World Pickleball Open, Cincinnati Open, So Cal Classic, Chicago Open, Indianapolis Open, Pacific Northwest Classic, Las Vegas Metro Open, and New Jersey Open. A Tier II tour event will have a minimal purse of $25,000 but no greater than $49,000.  See Tournaments Prize Money

*Minimum of eight players / teams per draw to secure 100% payout of money offered for that division. If the minimum is not met per draw, tournament directors will notify players ahead of brackets drawn and review the proposed financial payout and point distribution for the modified draw

Section 4

POINT DISTRIBUTION: The point distribution for Tier I tour events for Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles.* 

  • Winner – 600 
  • Runner Up – 480 
  • 3rd – 360 
  • 4th – 240

*40 points awarded each main draw win (non-top four finisher)
*20 points awarded each back draw win (non-top four finisher)

Section 5

POINT DISTRIBUTION: The point distribution for Tier II tour events for Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles.* 

  • Winner – 300 
  • Runner Up – 240 
  • 3rd – 180 
  • 4th – 120

*20 points awarded each main draw win (non-top four finisher) *10 points awarded each back draw win (non-top four finisher)

Section 6

ELIGIBILITY: Professionals and senior professionals qualifying for the APP Masters Championships will need to have played and completed in four (4) tour events.

Amateur Divisions

Section 7

The following amateur divisions will be offered for the eleven (11) Tour events: Ages: 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 65+, and 70+ Skill Level: Singles 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 ,4.5 and 5.0 Doubles and Mixed Doubles: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. ELIGIBILITY: Players qualifying for the APP Masters Championships will need to have played and completed in two (2) Tour events. Players can play unlimited events.

Section 8

OFFICIAL BALL: ONIX Dura Fast 40

Section 9

FORMAT: All Tour events and The APP Masters will be a double elimination; all players will have the ability to play for the Gold Medal match through the consolation bracket. All players are guaranteed two (2) matches.

Approved Structure of the 2021 APP Tour
Updated April 2021