On this episode of Cracked Paddles, Alex Crum and Kevin Dong are joined by DUPR CEO Tito Machado for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of data in the present — and future — of pickleball. Tito breaks down the origins of DUPR and how it’s grown into the sport’s most trusted rating system, while also offering insight into how players can climb the ranks and what actually goes into the calculation of your score.

The conversation dives into how your playing style and choice of partner can impact performance, why chemistry matters more than power, and how top players adjust their game depending on who’s across the net — and who’s beside them. Tito also gives a glimpse into DUPR’s future, from fueling international growth to how player data could shape pickleball gambling markets in years to come.

This episode is available on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. You can watch by clicking here.