Who Are The Famous Pickleball Players In The World?

Here are the top 17 famous pickleball players who rule the national and international pickleball circuits.

Pickleball has become the fastest-growing emerging professional sport during the recent decade. The expanding professional leagues, global championships, and money flowing from sponsors make it a mainstream sport, making us wonder who rules the court in the player’s circuit.

Well, some feared and aggressive famous pickleball players have gotten massive fan followings across the globe. Here are some of them.

Famous Pickleball Players

1. Ben Johns

Ben Johns is undoubtedly the most popular pickleball player in America. He is best known for showcasing exceptional talent and strategic skills on the field. His playing style is the one-handed backhand, a blend of power and finesse, giving him a competitive advantage.

Often referred to as the golden boy of pickleball, Johns is a fierce competitor in singles, mixed doubles, and doubles. Despite being young, he has won over 119 titles, including nineteen triple crowns for winning singles and doubles.

He is a pro at his game, and we can get a hint of it from his infamous streak. For those who don’t know, Ben had a 108-match single winning streak that survived for the longest time. His best doubles and mixed doubles partners are Collin (his brother) and Anna Leigh Waters, respectively.

2. Jay Deviliers

Born in 1994 in France, Jay is a famous French professional pickleball player and is currently ranked number 4 in the men’s singles. He was given the name Flying Frenchman for his agility, quick reflexes, and strategic finesse. As of now, he has already contributed to 60 finishes between singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Jay started as a tennis player on the collegiate level at Wichita State University and was introduced to the pickleball game in 2020. After this, he started getting attention during the PPA tour and won his first mixed doubles the following year, in 2021. Here are some of his achievements as a pickleball player.

• He is ranked No. 9 in men’s mixed doubles by the Professional Pickleball Association.
• DeVilliers won the gold in mixed doubles during the 2022 APP Mesa Open and 2022 PPA Selkirk Showdown.
• He won silver in men’s singles during the 2023 PPA Arizona Grand Slam.

3. Anna Bright

Anna Bright is yet another emerging famous pickleball player who started her career in February 2022. Before this, she was playing tennis on the women’s varsity team at UC Berkeley University, where she earned the title of a composed and fierce competitor in a short time. When she first worked under Ben John, he defined her as “something special.”

Before the PPA tours, Bright played on the APP circuits and MLP team Ranchers. Now, she even has a gold card, which means she is touring Pro with the PPA. Experts believe that Anna Bright’s success is attributed to her fast hands, good anticipation, and consistency.

Before joining Pickleball officially, she used to work full-time as an account manager at DUPR and quit it to continue her PPA tours. Anna partnered with Jorja Johnson for doubles and won gold in women’s singles. She now partners routinely with ALW and has earned several golds at top events during the tour.

4. Simone Jardim

Simone Jardim is a renowned female pickleball player with exceptional precision and incredible tactical awareness. Many experts describe her consistency and control as the reason for her image as a strategic thinker. Her journey started with her leaving Brazil and establishing herself from scratch, which is true evidence of her adaptability and dedication.

Simone won the US National Open women’s singles four times consecutively from 2016 to 2019. She even received a triple crown for the US National Open Pickleball Championship in 2017 and 2018. Apart from this, Simon carries 32 titles from the Pro Pickleball Association and the record for most wins as a female player.

Currently, she is serving as a coach and mentor to inspire future generations of players. Her role as a head coach at Michigan State University and former collegiate tennis coach had a significant influence on a generation of developing players.

5. Tyson McGuffin

Tyson McGuffin is yet another fierce yet cool pickleball player, popular for his aggressive playing style and lightning-fast responses. Tyson started playing pickleball at the age of 24. Before that, he was an accomplished US tennis player and a successful wrestler.

Tyson’s first major success at pickleball came at the 2017 USA National Pickleball Champion, where he established his image as a top player. Later, he participated in the National Championship four times and was ranked the number 4 player in singles and number 10 in men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Off the court, McGuffin has always been seen sharing his sports experience with the public. He started his sports campaigns when he was 32 to inspire a younger generation coming into sports. All in all, his personal life is a testament to his passion for pickleball and resilience as a sportsman.

6. Lucy Kovalova

Born in 1979 in Slovak, Lucy Kovalova is yet another famous female pickleball player, ranked in the top 3 women’s doubles and mixed doubles. She began her career as a tennis player on the Junior National team in Slovakia and was introduced to pickleball in 2015. Since then, she has received numerous honors and achievements.

In 2018, Lucy won many titles during the USA Pickleball National Championship, including a rate title triple crown. She also won gold in women’s doubles, singles, and mixed doubles during the 2018 national championship. Overall, Lucy is a nine-time Open Championship medalist, four-time USA National champion, and two-time Tournament of Champions.

Lucy is one of the few dominant players who remain consistent and successful even after the pandemic and continues to be ranked high in the flux of upcoming players. Currently, she shares a number 1 spot in women’s doubles and ranks 2 in mixed doubles.

7. Kyle Yates

Kyle Yates, born in the 1990s in America, is a formidable competitor in pickleball, much thanks to his quick reflexes, tactical superiority, and strategic mindset. He stands among the top players to enter the pro league and earn gold medals. Yates’s ability to play with a diverse range of shots and understand the game’s nuances makes him a fierce player.

Off the field, Kyle is known for his efforts to encourage the upcoming players through workshops and clinics. He has been a part of several major pickleball events across the USA and is regarded as an inspiration for many. Not only this, but his personal life is a true testament to the balance of professional ambition and engagement in the pickleball community.

Some of his pickleball achievements are stated below.

• Gold medalist in men’s doubles during the 2014 US National Pickleball Tournament (his first tournament).
• Receiving numerous titles in men’s pro doubles during the 2016 US Open tournament, Tournament of Champions, and USAPA Nationals.
• Six US open pro-double titles.
• He was also ranked the number one men’s doubles player by the World Pickleball Federation in 2018.

8. Sarah Ansboury

Born in 1983, Sarah Ansboury is an American native who has been in the pickleball scene for quite some time. She has managed to establish herself as a tactically aware, quick, and skillful player. On the court, experts usually mark her presence by strategic placement, tactical acumen, and a comprehensive understanding of doubles play.

As a pickleball player, Sarah has earned several honors, including gold and silver medals in women’s singles during the 2015 US Tournament of Champions, four medals in the USAPA National tournaments, and five gold medals in women’s doubles. She has also won gold in women’s doubles and mixed doubles during the 2016 US Open Pickleball championship.

Sarah also believes in promoting the game among new sportsmen and has made substantial contributions to the pickleball industry. She coaches upcoming players and has been a part of several clinics across the world. Her personal life is a testament to her dedication, community involvement, and consistency.

9. Matt Wright

Matt Wright is an established pickleball player who has made a name for himself with an impressive net presence and aggressive playing style on the court. Matt holds the image of a fierce and dominant double player and still does incredibly well. His comprehensive shot selection and consistent attacks attributed to his feared opponent image.

Matt was introduced to Pickleball in 2016, and his first game in the mixed doubles during the US Open tournament was with Lucy Kovalova, another brilliant player. Before that, he played as the No. 1 in the men’s division tennis team at the University of Michigan, and this helped him overcome any learning curve in the pickleball game.

In 2018, Matt won the National tournament in mixed doubles with Lucy Kovalova, and he was among the top five male doubles players. He does not stop here and has been a part of various pickleball-related ventures targeted toward expanding the sport’s reach. Fans across the world like him for his approachable and down-to-earth personality.

10. Adam Stone

Adam Stone is an all-rounded pickleball player best known for his tactical intelligence and comprehensive selection of shots. His “feared opponent” image comes from his ability to deliver under pressure and give a tough time to adversaries on the court. Fans and analysts love him for showing versatility, as he has brought several honors in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Adam Stone has several podium finishes in national and international tournaments, including 3 APP titles, 2 US Open medals, and a national gold medal. Before starting pickleball, Adam was a top tennis player at the University of Texas, Tyler, and picked up the APP tours, winning several silvers in Chicago, Punta Gorda, and Las Vegas. Throughout his career, he has won against the best players like Ben Johns.

He is currently among the top 5 professional men’s doubles players in the world. Some of his notable achievements include winning gold at the 2021 World Pickleball Open Championship, silver at the 2019 USAPA Nationals, and 2022 Open Pro events in Atlanta. Adam has also received 5.0 ratings from the USA Pickleball Association.

11. Anne Leigh Waters

Born in 2007 in America, Anne Leigh Waters is one of the youngest pickleball champions. Despite her age, she has already left a mark on the sport with a dynamic playing style and significant achievements. Experts believe that her ability to handle pressure and keep her composure signifies her potential to survive in the game for a long time.

Currently, Anne Leigh is ranked number 1 in the world’s women’s singles and partnered with Catherine Paenteau in the doubles. She has been playing with Ben Johns in mixed doubles, which has given her a competitive advantage. As of now, Leigh Waters has already amassed 100 titles, and the future seems bright for this pickleball star.

12. Callie Smith

Callie Smith is yet another famous pickleball player, starting her career in 2020, and has already become a top player on the court. She is best known for her agility, quick reflexes, and tactical superiority in women’s pro doubles and mixed doubles. Pickleball analysts believe her fitness and consistency on the court are the reason for her accomplishments.

Callie grew up playing tennis (D1) at the University of Utah. When she was coaching tennis after graduation, her husband’s grandfather encouraged her to play in a pickleball tournament with him.

Later, she was approached by a local pickleball ambassador, and the rest is history. Now, Callie is ranked No. 2 in PPA women’s doubles and No. 4 in women’s singles.

On the pro tours, she partnered with Jay Devilierr in mixed doubles and Lucy Kovalova in women’s doubles, which gives her an incredible competitive advantage over others. Off the field, Callie is a devoted mother who balances work and home really well. She also teaches other upcoming players through instructional videos on her academy, Paddle Up, which has significantly influenced their pathways.

13. Catherine Parenteau

Born on August 26, 1994, Catherine Parenteau is a famous pickleball player from Canada, best known for her precision and competitive instinct on the court. Her agility, tactical superiority, and consistency have helped Catherine establish herself as a formidable opponent. During her career, she has also faced the challenge of changing doubles partners, which showcases her versatility.

Currently, Catherine holds the rank 2 in women’s singles and rank 3 in women’s doubles. Before officially becoming a pickleball player, she used to enjoy tennis in high school and at Michigan State University when she moved to the United States. Catherine was first introduced to pickleball by her tennis coach, Simone Jardim, who also became her inspiration.

During her first US Open, she won around 5.0 mixed brackets and earned the title of a fierce competitor. Off the court, Catherine believes in promoting pickleball and has been a part of many clinics and workshops. When she is not on tours, she serves as a TP TPA-certified instructor in Naples, Florida, and also teaches clinics all across the country.

14. Andrea Koop

Andrea Koop is yet another highly competitive tennis and pickleball player from the USA. She began her tennis career at the Michigan State College of Law and won the NCAA Women’s Team championship with the UCLA Bruins in 2008. Apart from her sports accomplishments, Andrea earned a civil litigation law degree from college and practiced as a full-time lawyer.

Koop, in an interview, explained her introduction to pickleball; she said,

“I reached out to her about meeting up for coffee. She responded that she didn’t want to get coffee, but I should go with her to play pickleball”.

Ever since the winter of 2017, Koop has earned several honors and a gold card pro on the PPA tour. She, along with Irina Tereschenko was the silver-medal runner-up in the doubles finals during the 2022 US Open Pickleball Championship.

Some of her accomplishments include 3 US Open medals, 17 Career Gold medals, and 10 APP titles. Currently, Andrea runs the Beer City Open Pickleball Championships and serves as the tournament director of this charity pickleball tournament.

15. Riley Newman

After Collins Johns and Be Johns, Riley Newman is considered a legend in the men’s doubles, best known for his aggressive playing style and strategic thinking. His incredible shot-making abilities, hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes. Moreover, Riley’s rise to fame became one of the few men’s players who used a two-handed backhand.

Riley enjoys an extensive career in pickleball and has been rewarded by the Professional Pickleball Association, earning 19 PPA tours and five major wins. These wins include the 2018 US Open men’s doubles with Lucy Kovalova and significant wins during the 2019 men’s doubles in the Tournament of Champions with Ben Johns.

His impressive career has also earned him some lucrative sponsorship from companies like Takeys USA, Gamma Pickleball, and Discoveryland. Riley has also collaborated with other influential athletes, including Lucy Kovalova and Kyle Yates.

16. Lauren Stratman

When it comes to the pickleball circuit, Lauren Stratman is a force to be reckoned with. She had a passion for tennis and started her sports journey at Columbia University and Westmont College. Born and grew up in Santa Barbara California, this collegiate tennis player and determined coach was introduced to pickleball in 2018 after some of her students were convinced to try it out.

She started her first tournament in February 2019 and has managed to establish herself as the top player. Experts define her consistency, aggressive playing style, and tactical acumen as the reason she presents herself as a formidable threat on the court. Since 2020, she has earned several APP gold medals and was ranked the number one female pickleball player on the APP tour in 2021.

She is now planning to continue the PPA tour and is expected to earn a few medals. Lauren also teaches pickleball all over the country and has been a part of several clinics. When she is not playing, Lauren is passionate about traveling and having fun with her Aussie dog, named Baylee.

17. Irina Tereschenko

Last but not least, Irina Tereschenko is an active coach who has played racket for over 20 years. Irina is a Russian native who began her sports career with D1 tennis at Texas Tech University. She is often praised for her agility, tactical acumen, and strategic thinking, making her a precise, intense, and determined player.

Irina’s introduction to pickleball has been anything but normal. In 2015, a legendary pickleball player, Chris Miller, flew to the tournament of champions, and he knew Irina from university tennis. He proposed playing pickleball and was confident that she would win, and that’s what happened.

Now, Irina dominates the pickleball tournaments across the United States and has earned several honors. She brought the gold from the 2016 USAPA National women’s singles champion and partnered with Lucy Kovala in women’s pro doubles during the 2018 National Pickleball tournaments and the 2019 US Open tournament. All in all, her pickleball profile includes 35 gold medals, 1 US Open gold medal, and 2 USAPA National Pro Gold medals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is The Best Female Pickleball Player?

Anne Leigh Waters from America is ranked the No. 1 world female pickleball player for women’s doubles. In addition, Simon Jardim and Lucy Kovalova are regarded as one of the best players with high PPA rankings and significant contributions.

Who Is The Top Male Pickleball Player?

Ben Johns is regarded as the number one pickleball player in the world. He is referred to as the golden boy of pickleball, who has earned over 119 titles.

What Is A Pickleball Player Called?

A pickleball player is called a pickler.

Are There Professional Pickleball Players?

Yes, pickleball has emerged as a professional sport, with professional inter-state and national tournaments.

Final Thoughts

In essence, pickleball has exploded across the globe with people of all ages enjoying the game, even professional players from all nationalities. This has put the famous players in the limelight. Let’s see whether your favorite pickleball player is on this list.

 

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