Pickleball Ranking in Sweden – How the SvPF Ranking Works
How does ranking work in Swedish pickleball? The ranking system is used to compare tournament results, show players' positions, and create fairer seeding and competition classes.
For many years, the term SPT Ranking was associated with the Swedish Pickleball Tour. Starting from the 2026/2027 competition season, the Swedish Pickleball Federation has introduced a new competition structure with SvPF Ranking, SvPF Elite, and SvPF Level.
On this page, we explain how pickleball ranking in Sweden works, the difference between ranking and DUPR, and the importance of ranking when you start competing.
What is pickleball ranking?
Ranking is a way to compare players' tournament results over time. By participating and performing in ranking-eligible tournaments, players collect ranking points that are used to create a national ranking list.
Ranking should not be confused with a player's general skill level or rating. For example, a player may have a high DUPR rating but relatively few Swedish ranking points if the person has not regularly participated in Swedish ranking tournaments.
If you want to understand the difference in more detail, you can read our guide on rating in pickleball.
SPT Ranking has a new structure
Previously, the Swedish competition system was based on the Swedish Pickleball Tour, often abbreviated SPT, with competition categories such as SPT 100 and SPT 400.
Starting from the 2026/2027 season, after the 2026 Swedish Championships, the Swedish Pickleball Federation is introducing a new structure.
The most important new designations are:
- SvPF Elite – the highest national competition level and the successor to the former SPT 400.
- SvPF Level – level-based competitions for a broader group of players and the successor to the former SPT 100.
Therefore, you may still encounter the term SPT Ranking when reading older information or talking to players, but SvPF Ranking is the current designation in the new competition structure.
Two ranking lists: 19+ and 50+
One of the major changes starting from the 2026 Swedish Championships is that Swedish pickleball will have two separate ranking lists:
- 19+
- 50+
Ranking points are awarded within the competition class the player participates in.
This means, for example, that a player over 50 who chooses to compete in a 19+ class will accumulate ranking points for the 19+ ranking for that competition.
Which game formats have ranking?
The national competition structure includes several of the most common game formats in pickleball:
- Men's Singles
- Women's Singles
- Men's Doubles
- Women's Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
This means that a player's position may differ between different game formats. Being highly ranked in men's doubles, for example, does not automatically mean the player has the same ranking position in singles.
What is SvPF Elite?
SvPF Elite is the highest level in the new Swedish competition structure.
During the season, five SvPF Elite tournaments are planned in addition to the Swedish Championships. Elite classes are arranged for both 19+ and 50+ in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Ranking here has a very concrete meaning as it is used to determine which registered players or teams get a spot in Elite.
For 19+, the eight highest-ranked registered players or teams are placed in SvPF Elite.
For 50+, the corresponding applies to the six highest-ranked registered players or teams.
Other registered players are instead placed in SvPF Level according to the level division applicable to the competition.
What is SvPF Level?
SvPF Level is for the broader Swedish competition activities. The ambition here is for players to meet opponents at a level closer to their own skill.
Level division is based, among other things, on DUPR rating. In this way, ranking and rating complement each other:
- Ranking shows your results and merits in ranking-eligible Swedish tournaments.
- DUPR is used as a measure of current playing strength and can be used for level division.
This is an important distinction to understand for those starting to compete.
Ranking and DUPR – what's the difference?
Ranking and DUPR are sometimes used as if they were the same thing, but the systems serve different functions.
Ranking
Ranking is based on performances in tournaments included in the Swedish ranking system. The better your tournament results, the better your opportunity to climb the ranking list.
DUPR
DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating and is an international rating system that attempts to estimate a player's current skill level based on match results.
DUPR is used, among other things, as a supplementary tool to create more even level divisions in Swedish competitive pickleball.
→ Read our complete guide to DUPR rating
Why is ranking important?
For a recreational player who primarily plays socially, ranking may not be of great importance. But as soon as you start competing more regularly, it becomes significantly more relevant.
Ranking can affect, among other things:
- your position on the national ranking list
- seeding in tournaments
- the opportunity to qualify for SvPF Elite
- which opponents you may face in the competition format
- how your competition results develop over time
How do you get a better ranking?
There is, of course, no shortcut. To climb the rankings, you need to play ranking-eligible tournaments and perform well over time.
The most effective way is therefore to:
- Play regularly.
- Participate in ranking-eligible tournaments.
- Develop technique and tactics between tournaments.
- Meet players of different levels.
- Follow your results and identify which aspects of the game you need to improve.
On our page with pickleball tournaments in Sweden, you will find information about upcoming tournaments.
Can a beginner start competing?
Yes. You don't need to be a highly ranked player to start competing in pickleball.
On the contrary, the new structure with level-based competitions is intended to create better conditions for players to meet opponents at an appropriate level.
If you have never competed before, it is wise to first become comfortable with rules, scoring, and match play. After that, a level-adjusted tournament can be an excellent next step.
→ Pickleball for beginners – complete guide
SPT 100, SPT 200, and SPT 400 – what happened to them?
If you have played pickleball for a while, you might recognize older designations like SPT 100, SPT 200, and SPT 400.
The Swedish competition system has changed on several occasions, and older guides may therefore contain point tables and competition categories that no longer reflect the current structure.
From the 2026/2027 season, the central designations are instead SvPF Elite and SvPF Level.
Therefore, we recommend that you always check the Swedish Pickleball Federation's current competition regulations before a tournament, especially regarding exact ranking points, qualification, and competition format.
Frequently asked questions about pickleball ranking
Are SPT Ranking and SvPF Ranking the same thing?
SvPF Ranking is the current national ranking in the Swedish Pickleball Federation's new competition structure. SPT Ranking is an older and still well-known term from the Swedish Pickleball Tour.
Is ranking the same as DUPR?
No. Ranking is based on results within the Swedish ranking system, while DUPR is an international rating system that estimates a player's current skill level.
Are there different ranking lists for different ages?
Yes. Starting from the 2026 Swedish Championships, separate national ranking lists will be used for 19+ and 50+.
Do I need a ranking to start competing?
Not necessarily. The requirements depend on the tournament and class. SvPF Level is designed to create competition opportunities for players of different levels.
How do you get into SvPF Elite?
In 19+ classes, the eight highest-ranked registered players or teams advance to Elite. In 50+ classes, the six highest-ranked registered players or teams apply.
Where can I find the current Swedish pickleball ranking?
The official current ranking is published by the Swedish Pickleball Federation. Since rankings and competition regulations can change, the federation's ranking should always be used as the definitive source for current placement and points.
Summary – ranking in Swedish pickleball
Pickleball ranking in Sweden has evolved with the sport. Starting from the 2026/2027 season, a new structure with SvPF Ranking, separate ranking lists for 19+ and 50+, and the competition levels SvPF Elite and SvPF Level will be used.
For competitive players, ranking and DUPR work together but measure different things. Ranking reflects your results in the Swedish competition system, while DUPR is used as a broader measure of playing strength.
If you want to start competing, the next step is to find a tournament that suits your level.
