Playing in a Tournament

In Costa Rica, pickleball has grown so much that there are now tournaments happening several weekends a month throughout the country, bringing together players of all levels for some good competition—and a lot of fun.

Some events are smaller and more local, while others attract participants from across the country. Among the larger and more established tournaments are those held at venues like El Cafetal in San Ramón, Hacienda Pinilla in Guanacaste, and Hotel Tilajari in La Fortuna. These locations have multiple courts, which makes it possible to run bigger brackets and host players from different regions.

Tournament Categories

Most tournaments in Costa Rica include mixed doubles, men’s, and women’s divisions. Singles brackets are generally not offered, so expect a strong focus on doubles play.

Within each division, players are typically grouped by skill level into three categories:

• A – Advanced players (generally 3.7 DUPR and above)

• B – Intermediate players (around 3.1 to 3.7 DUPR)

• C – Beginners or casual players (below 3.1 DUPR)
  
  

Mixed and men’s brackets usually offer all three levels (A, B, and C), while women’s divisions are often limited to just B and C.

While DUPR is commonly used as a guideline, it’s not strictly enforced—so there’s some flexibility when it comes to bracket placement.

Unlike in the U.S. or Canada, most Costa Rican tournaments don’t separate players by age. Seniors, juniors, and adults typically play together within the same skill brackets.

At larger tournaments, especially those offering cash prizes, the A category often includes the top players in the country. If you're looking to watch (or compete with) some of the best, those are the brackets to follow.

📹 Check out this video to get a feel for the level of play in the men’s A final at the El Cafetal tournament in July 2025.

Tournament Format

There isn’t a standardized tournament format in Costa Rica, but most events follow a similar structure: pool play followed by single-elimination playoffs.

Match formats vary, but the most common setups are:

• Best 2 out of 3 games - The first two games are played to 11 points (win by 1, not 2). If each team wins one of those games, a third and final game to 7 points is played to break the tie.

• One with to 15 (win by 2).
  
  

There are no referees, so games are played in good faith and self-officiated.

What to Expect

Most tournaments are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Some events run an entire bracket in a single day, while others split pool play on one day and playoffs the next.

It’s common for schedules to run behind, so expect some waiting between matches. This actually becomes part of the social experience—there’s usually food and drinks for sale, and it’s a great time to connect with the growing pickleball community.

How to Participate in a Tournament

If you're interested in joining a pickleball tournament in Costa Rica, it's easier than you might think!

You can check out the tournament calendar on our site to see upcoming events. Each listing includes contact information so you can reach out directly to the organizers. Most people speak English, so don’t worry if your Spanish isn’t perfect!

Keep in mind that tournament dates are often announced with short notice, so it's a good idea to check the calendar regularly.

If you already have a tournament in mind—or even just the idea of participating—but aren’t sure where to start, we can help coordinate everything for you. From registration and finding a partner to booking a nearby hotel, just send us a message and we’ll walk you through the options.