Professional Pickleball Players (pro pickleball players)
Professional pickleball players has exploded in popularity, with tours like the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) and MLP (Major League Pickleball) hosting high-stakes tournaments and propelling its elite athletes to the spotlight. Central to this surge is Ben Johns, widely regarded as the current face of the sport. A former table tennis and tennis player, Johns turned pro in 2016 and has dominated across men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. He has captured over 80 PPA Tour titles and remains a consistent top‑2 ranked athlete across all disciplines (playpickle.sg, en.wikipedia.org).
Across the women’s field, Anna Leigh Waters is a standout phenom. Turning pro at just 12, she’s amassed more than 148 gold medals and currently holds the No. 1 ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles (en.wikipedia.org). Her aggressive style and powerful game continue to reshape expectations in pro pickleball, and she even played mixed doubles with tennis legend Andre Agassi at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships (reuters.com).
Veteran star Simone Jardim, a former tennis coach, was the inaugural dominant female pro. She earned three straight U.S. Open triple crown wins (2017–2019) and was recently inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame (en.wikipedia.org). Jardim’s athleticism and shot-making consistency paved the path for the next generation of women in the sport.
Among emerging male stars, Christian Alshon, Andrei Dăescu, and Federico Staksrud are making waves, often ranked just behind Johns. Alshon was honoured as “Most Improved” in 2023 and 2024, and is currently considered one of the few who might dethrone Johns (en.wikipedia.org, playpickle.sg). Dăescu, known for a powerful left‑side game, and Staksrud, celebrated for his all‑round excellence in singles and mixed doubles, consistently place in the sport’s top five .
Other leading men include JW Johnson, Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, and Quang Duong, who have quickly climbed rankings. Johnson has aggressive poaching instincts in doubles, while Tardio recently claimed two singles gold medals. Patriquin shines in men’s doubles, and Quang Duong—a former tennis player nicknamed “Avatar”—has surged into the top 20 after joining the pro circuit in 2023 (101-pickleball.com).
Zane Navratil also stands as a powerful singles force. Known for his creative “chainsaw serve” (later ruled legal), defence, and athleticism, Navratil trained as a tennis athlete before dedicating himself full-time to pickleball in 2020 .
Kyle Yates, a Hall of Famer since 2024, is remembered as a pro doubles force, dominating early PPA years (2014–2018). His six U.S. Open titles and legendary longevity mark him as a cornerstone of modern pro pickleball .
Prominent women on tour include Catherine Parenteau, currently placed in the top five across singles, doubles, and mixed categories. Parenteau transitioned from collegiate tennis to pro pickleball in 2016 and has since become a respected coach and brand ambassador (en.wikipedia.org).
Beyond rankings, stars like Tyson McGuffin and Jack Sock are fan favourites known for engaging with amateurs and warming up alongside everyday players (reddit.com). Their accessibility helps grow grassroots interest in the sport.
Celebrity involvement has soared. Former tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Steffi Graf, and Andre Agassi have stepped into pro play, gaining attention and enhancing pickleball’s visibility .
Financially, pickleball pros are now earning in the millions. Anna Leigh Waters reportedly earned over $3 million in 2025—surpassing NBA-calibre rookie contracts (talksport.com). Meanwhile, top males continue to benefit from prize pools and sponsorships from major brands.
Professional pickleball now offers fans a compelling blend of youthful energy, athletic crossover, and celebrity flair. With players like Johns, Waters, Jardim, and Navratil leading the way, it’s no surprise media coverage and financial stakes are climbing. As the sport grows in the UK, following these pros provides clear insight into elite performance and inspires grassroots engagement. Whether you’re a fan, an aspiring athlete, or a club leader, these players set the standard—and the courts of tomorrow.