Are you ready to experience the thrill of Major League Pickleball (MLP) without needing a pro contract? If you have been watching the pros on TV and itching to play in that high-energy, team-based format, your opportunity has arrived. The OAP Team Tournament is returning to Orlando this January, bringing the excitement of team strategy, courtside coaching, and intense camaraderie to the amateur level.
Scheduled for January 30 through February 1, 2026, this event promises to be one of the highlight weekends on the Florida pickleball calendar. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Orlando Racket Sports facility, the tournament solves the biggest problem players face in Florida: the weather. With fully indoor, air-conditioned courts, you are guaranteed perfect playing conditions regardless of the forecast.
Whether you are a 3.0 beginner looking for your first tournament experience or a 5.0 Moneyball contender chasing cash prizes, this guide covers everything you need to know about the OAP Team Tournament. We will break down the unique MLP format, how to register without a full team, and what you need to know about DUPR ratings and brackets.
Understanding the Unique “MLP Style” Format
The defining feature of the OAP Team Tournament is its “MLP Style” structure. Unlike traditional tournaments where you sign up with one partner and play doubles all day, this event is about the Mixed Team dynamic. It transforms pickleball from an individual pursuit into a collective effort.
How the Teams Work
Teams are composed of four players. Depending on the division you enter, the composition changes:
- Mixed Team Divisions: Requires 2 Men and 2 Women.
- Men’s Team Divisions: Requires 4 Men.
- Open Gender Divisions: Allows any combination (Men with Women, Women with Women, etc.).
The Match Structure
In a standard doubles tournament, you play one game to 11 or 15. In this MLP Style format, a “Match” consists of four separate games played against an opposing team. This tests your versatility and depth as a squad. Here is how a typical Mixed Team match flows:
- Game 1: Mixed Doubles Pair A vs. Pair A
- Game 2: Mixed Doubles Pair B vs. Pair B
- Game 3: Women’s Doubles (The two women from each team compete)
- Game 4: Men’s Doubles (The two men from each team compete)
This format ensures that every player on the team is crucial to the final result. You will need to be familiar with standard doubles rules, but the strategy shifts when you are playing for aggregate points and team pride.
FAQ: Is there a “Dreambreaker”?
If you follow pro MLP, you know that a 2-2 tie usually leads to a “Dreambreaker”—a singles tie-breaker. However, for the OAP Team Tournament, Dreambreakers will not be used. This is excellent news for players who specialize in doubles and prefer not to play singles. No player is required to play singles in the team format; the winner is determined by match wins and point differentials.
Divisions Breakdown: From Moneyball to Skinny Singles
The tournament offers a variety of divisions ensuring fair and competitive play across all Skill Divisions. Whether you are playing for fun or funds, there is a bracket for you.
1. The Moneyball Divisions
For the highly competitive players, the Moneyball brackets offer a chance to win cash prizes. The entry fee is higher ($70 per bracket compared to the standard $30), but the stakes are raised. Prize money is calculated based on a minimum of 25 teams registered, so encourage your high-level friends to sign up. Moneyball divisions are available for both Mixed and Men’s teams.
2. Age and Skill Brackets
Standard amateur brackets are divided by skill (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0) and age.
- Any Age: Open to all adults (19+).
- 50+ Division: Dedicated brackets for seniors, ensuring you compete against peers in your age group.
It is vital to be honest about your skill level. The tournament enforces a strict policy against “sandbagging” (playing down). You cannot enter a 3.0 bracket if you are a known 4.0 player, even if your partner is a beginner.
3. Skinny Singles (A Separate Event)
While the main draw is the team event, the tournament also hosts Skinny Singles on Friday. It is important to clarify that Skinny Singles is a completely separate division from the Team Format.
What is Skinny Singles? Unlike full-court singles which requires immense cardio, Skinny Singles is played on half the court (usually cross-court or down-the-line). It focuses on precision, dinking, and strategy rather than pure athleticism. If you are looking to play a solo event without the physical toll of full-court coverage, this is the perfect division for you.
Registration Guide: Solving the “Free Agent” Problem
One of the most common questions regarding the OAP Team Tournament is: “What if I don’t have a team of four?”
Can I Register as an Individual?
Yes! You do not need to stress about finding three other players before signing up. The tournament organizers allow you to register as an individual. If you do not have a team, select “Need a Partner” during registration, and the Tournament Director will work to place you on a team with similar skill levels. This is a fantastic way to meet new people and maybe even find a permanent partner for future events.
Naming Your Team
If you do register as a full squad, you will need a team name. This is part of the fun of the MLP format. Whether you go with something intimidating or hilarious, having a unified identity builds team chemistry. If you are stuck for ideas, check out this list of creative pickleball team names to get inspired.
Crucial Payment Rules
Administrative errors can cause you to miss out on the tournament. Here is the most important rule regarding registration: Every player must pay individually.
A team captain cannot pay the lump sum for the whole group. If you register but your partners have not paid, the system may automatically move your team to the waitlist to make room for fully paid teams. To secure your spot:
- Register your name and select your event.
- Pay the $30 Registration Fee + the Event Fee immediately.
- Ensure your three teammates do the exact same thing ASAP.
Refund Policy: Please note there are Strictly No Refunds. Once you have registered and paid, you are committed. Ensure you are injury-free and your calendar is clear before clicking that payment button.
Ratings, DUPR, and Fair Play
Modern pickleball relies heavily on data to ensure fair matchups, and this tournament is no exception. The OAP Team Tournament is fully integrated with the DUPR rating system.
Does this count toward my rating?
Yes. All matches in the Team Events and Moneyball divisions will be entered into DUPR. This means every game counts toward your global rating. If you are playing in a Moneyball division, you have the option to “opt-out” of DUPR recording, but you must notify the Tournament Director before your matches begin. Skinny Singles matches do not count toward DUPR.
If you do not have a DUPR rating yet, the Tournament Director may assign you a bracket based on your known ability or other rating systems. If you are unsure where you stand, reviewing official skill ratings can help you determine if you should be in the 3.5 or 4.0 bracket.
Venue Logistics: Orlando Racket Sports
The choice of venue is a major selling point for this tournament. Orlando Racket Sports is located at 7059 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL.
Why is this venue superior?
- Climate Control: It features Central Florida’s largest indoor and air-conditioned facility. No wind affecting your lob, no sun in your eyes, and zero chance of rain delays.
- Surface: The facility features 11 permanent concrete courts. This provides the authentic bounce of outdoor play with the comfort of indoor amenities.
- Equipment: The official ball for the tournament is the Selkirk Pro S1. It is highly recommended that you pick up a pack of these balls beforehand to practice, as they play slightly differently than standard outdoor balls. You can learn more about indoor vs outdoor ball differences to adjust your game strategy accordingly.
Spectator Info: If you have friends or family who want to watch, bring them along! Entry is free for guests and spectators. Food will be available for purchase on-site.
Tournament Schedule and Medals
While specific start times are emailed to players a few days before the event, the general Round Robin schedule is as follows:
Friday (Late Afternoon/Evening)
- Men’s Skinny Singles
- Women’s Skinny Singles
Saturday
- MLP Mixed Team (Any Age)
- MLP Mixed Team (Age 50+)
- MLP Mixed Moneyball
Sunday
- MLP Men’s Team (Any Age)
- MLP Men’s Team (Age 50+)
- MLP Men’s Team Moneyball
Format: All divisions run on a Round Robin format leading to playoffs. This ensures you get plenty of playtime—you aren’t going home after one loss. The top teams will advance to medal rounds where Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals are awarded to the top three finishers.
Points are crucial in the Round Robin stage. Standings are determined first by match wins, then by point differential in head-to-head, and finally by point differential across the entire pool. Every point in every game matters!
Conclusion
The OAP Team Tournament is shaping up to be a premier event for 2026. It offers the rare chance to enjoy the strategic depth of the 4-player team format usually reserved for professionals. With a low entry cost (starting at just $60 total for one event), a high-quality indoor venue, and the promise of competitive DUPR-rated matches, it is an event you don’t want to miss.
Registration closes on January 23, 2026, but early registration is highly recommended to secure your free tournament shirt and avoid the waitlist. Gather your squad, brush up on your official pickleball scoring rules, and get ready to compete for the gold in Orlando!
See you on the courts at Orlando Racket Sports!
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