Pickleball may be a relatively young sport on the professional stage, but in just a few short years, it has exploded into a global phenomenon. Along with that rapid growth, a new generation of elite athletes has emerged—players whose names are now inseparable from the sport itself.
What makes pickleball especially fascinating is how quickly many of today’s top professionals climbed to the highest level. A large number of them only discovered pickleball a few years ago, yet now dominate international rankings and major tournaments.
So, who are the faces shaping modern pickleball? Below is our curated list of the Top 10 Pickleball Players in the World—the champions you should know, follow, and absolutely watch play.
1. Ben Johns
Ben Johns sits firmly at the top of the pickleball world. Widely regarded as the most dominant player in the sport, he holds the No. 1 ranking in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles across multiple organizations, including the PPA, World Pickleball Rankings, and Global Pickleball Rankings.
Ben’s athletic journey began with tennis at around age eight, where he quickly showed elite-level potential. However, at 17, he discovered pickleball—and everything changed. After entering his first tournament, his rise was nothing short of meteoric.
In just a few years, Ben Johns has collected over 50 gold medals, including 11 Triple Crowns, and multiple victories at prestigious events like the US Open Pickleball Championships. His dominance, consistency, and versatility have made him the most recognizable name in the sport today, earning him high-profile sponsorships, including a rare endorsement deal with Franklin Sports.
2. Simone Jardim
Simone Jardim is one of the most accomplished female players in pickleball history. Originally from Brazil, she turned professional in 2015 and has since won more PPA titles than any other female player to date.
She currently ranks No. 1 in women’s doubles and consistently places among the top two in pro women’s events. Known for her strategic brilliance and mental toughness, Simone has partnered with several elite players, including Ben Johns and Lucy Kovalova.
Before pickleball, Simone was a standout collegiate tennis player at Fresno State, leading her team to three WAC conference championships. She later became a collegiate tennis coach at the College of William & Mary and Michigan State University.
Since transitioning fully to pickleball, Simone Jardim has amassed over 90 medals, including two Triple Crowns, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
3. Lucy Kovalova
Lucy Kovalova, a native of Slovakia, is one of the most dominant forces in mixed doubles, often competing neck-and-neck with Simone Jardim at the top of the rankings.
After moving to the United States, Lucy played collegiate tennis at Wichita State, where she excelled at a high level. Instead of pursuing a professional tennis career, she shifted her focus entirely to pickleball—and never looked back.
Her accomplishments include winning the Women’s Triple Crown in 2018 and numerous titles across major tournaments. Lucy is especially well-known for her long-standing mixed doubles partnership with Matt Wright, one of the most successful pairings in professional pickleball.
4. Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin is one of the most recognizable and decorated players on the pickleball circuit today. He began playing pickleball in 2015 after a background in wrestling and competitive tennis.
Originally from Washington, Tyson spent years coaching tennis and working as a tennis professional at Yakima Tennis Club. When he transitioned to pickleball, there was a learning curve—but his athleticism and relentless competitiveness quickly pushed him to the top.
A multiple-time Grand Slam Champion and National Champion, Tyson consistently ranks among the elite in both singles and doubles. His aggressive style, athletic presence, and passion for the sport have made him a fan favorite worldwide.
5. Matt Wright
Matt Wright brings elite-level intelligence and precision to pickleball. A former standout tennis player at the University of Michigan, he began playing pickleball in 2016 and rapidly rose through the professional ranks.
Matt is especially dominant in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, frequently partnering with Lucy Kovalova. Off the court, he also works as an attorney—making his success in pickleball even more impressive.
His accolades include winning the 19+ division at the US Open and multiple gold medals in open professional tournaments. Today, Matt Wright is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most consistent players on tour.
6. Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Leigh Waters is nothing short of a phenomenon. One of the youngest elite players in pickleball history, she combines fearlessness, power, and elite-level shot-making well beyond her years.
She began playing pickleball in 2017 after her family evacuated during Hurricane Irma. What started as a way to pass time quickly turned into a passion—and then domination.
Within two years, Anna Leigh was defeating legends of the sport, including Simone Jardim. She frequently competes in women’s doubles alongside her mother, Leigh Waters, and has captured titles at the US Open, USAPA Nationals, and other major events.
7. Catherine Parenteau
Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Catherine Parenteau has been immersed in racquet sports since the age of four. She went on to become one of the top five junior tennis players in Canada before competing collegiately in the U.S. at the University of Arkansas and Michigan State University.
Introduced to pickleball by Simone Jardim in 2015, Catherine transitioned almost seamlessly. Within months, she was already competing at the US Open—winning the 5.0 mixed bracket.
She has since captured major professional titles, including the US Open Pro Women’s Doubles, and continues to be a dominant force on the women’s tour.
8. Riley Newman
Riley Newman is consistently ranked just behind Ben Johns in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, making him one of the most formidable players in the world.
Introduced to pickleball in 2017, Riley’s high-level tennis background allowed him to adapt quickly. He often plays mixed doubles with his sister, Lindsey Newman, and the sibling duo is known for their chemistry and gold-medal finishes.
His resume includes podium finishes at the PPA, Texas Open, Las Vegas Open, Tournament of Champions, and APP Chicago Open, among many others.
9. Steve Deakin
Steve Deakin’s pickleball journey began after a shoulder injury sidelined his competitive tennis career during the Canadian Nationals. Looking for a less physically demanding alternative, he discovered pickleball—and quickly fell in love with the sport.
He began playing competitively in 2017 and entered his first tournament just months later. Despite being newer to the game than many of his peers, Steve rapidly built an impressive list of accomplishments.
His medals include golds and silvers at events such as the International Indoor, US Nationals at Indian Wells, Alberta Provincial Championships, and the Pickle Barrel Classic.
10. Zane Navratil
Rounding out our list is Zane Navratil, one of the top men’s singles players in the world and currently ranked No. 3 in men’s singles by World Pickleball Rankings.
Based in Wisconsin, Zane has earned over 80 medals and is known for his analytical approach to the game. A former tennis standout, he discovered pickleball in 2013 and immediately recognized the sport’s strategic depth and nuance.
His dedication and tactical mindset have firmly placed him among the world’s elite pickleball professionals.
FAQs
Who is the top-ranked pickleball player?
Ben Johns is currently considered the top-ranked pickleball player, holding No. 1 positions in men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across multiple ranking systems.
Who is the highest-paid pickleball player?
Ben Johns is widely believed to be the highest-paid pickleball player, with prize money nearing $150,000, not including sponsorships and endorsements.
How much does a professional pickleball player make?
Professional pickleball players typically earn between $50,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on tournament results, sponsorships, endorsements, and appearances.
