Pickleball has gone from a backyard pastime to one of the fastest-growing competitive sports in the world. Today, professional players are filling stadiums, winning major tournaments, and showing millions of fans just how exciting this sport can be.
But who are the best pickleball players in the world right now?
Some players dominate with incredible power, others rely on lightning-fast reactions, and a few seem to control every inch of the court. From legendary champions like Ben Johns to the unstoppable Anna Leigh Waters, the professional pickleball scene is packed with exceptional talent.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for inspiration, a regular player studying professional techniques, or simply a fan following the sport, this guide covers the best pickleball players in 2026, their strengths, achievements, and what makes them stand out.
Who Are the Best Pickleball Players in 2026?
The best pickleball players in 2026 include Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Gabriel Tardio, Anna Bright, Federico Staksrud, Hayden Patriquin, Catherine Parenteau, and Jorja Johnson.
According to the Carvana PPA Tour’s World Pickleball Rankings, Ben Johns leads the men’s rankings, while Anna Leigh Waters holds the No. 1 position in women’s competition.
These rankings consider performance across men’s or women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles over the previous 52 weeks. They are not simply singles rankings.
Top 10 Best Male Pickleball Players in 2026
Men’s professional pickleball has become incredibly competitive. Experienced champions are facing younger players who bring speed, aggressive shot-making, and fearless strategies to the court.
Here are ten standout male players to know in 2026.
Ben Johns
Country: United States
Known for: All-around skills, consistency, and doubles dominance.
Ben Johns is widely regarded as one of the greatest pickleball players of all time. His ability to control rallies, recognize opponents’ weaknesses, and execute difficult shots makes him a nightmare to play against.
What separates Johns from many competitors is his patience. He doesn’t always look for the biggest shot or the quickest winner. Instead, he builds points intelligently, waits for opportunities, and makes opponents work for every mistake.
His achievements across singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles have established him as one of the sport’s most successful professionals.
Why watch him: Study his positioning, shot selection, and ability to control the pace of a rally.
Hayden Patriquin
Country: United States
Known for: Aggressive play, athleticism, and powerful attacks.
Hayden Patriquin is one of the exciting young talents in professional pickleball. He plays with confidence and brings tremendous energy to the court.
His aggressive approach, quick reactions, and ability to attack opportunities make him particularly dangerous in doubles.
Patriquin has become a major name on the professional circuit and continues to challenge established champions.
Why watch him: His attacking mentality and ability to turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities.
Gabriel Tardio
Country: Bolivia
Known for: Fast hands, aggressive doubles play, and athletic movement.
Gabriel Tardio has emerged as one of the most exciting international stars in professional pickleball.
His quick reflexes and attacking instincts make him a difficult opponent, particularly around the kitchen line. He has also established himself as a major contender in men’s doubles.
Tardio represents the growing international reach of professional pickleball.
Why watch him: His speed, anticipation, and ability to handle fast exchanges at the net.
Federico Staksrud
Country: Argentina
Known for: Powerful groundstrokes and competitive singles play.
Federico Staksrud is one of the strongest competitors in men’s professional pickleball.
His athletic background, powerful strokes, and court coverage make him especially dangerous in singles. He can generate pace from the baseline while maintaining enough control to stay in extended rallies.
Staksrud has repeatedly competed against the sport’s biggest names and remains a serious championship contender.
Why watch him: His footwork, aggressive baseline game, and singles strategy.
Christian Alshon
Country: United States
Known for: Aggressive shot-making and strong court awareness.
Christian Alshon brings an attacking style that makes his matches entertaining.
He combines powerful groundstrokes with quick hands and an ability to put opponents under pressure. His performances across professional competitions have helped establish him among the leading male players.
Why watch him: His ability to attack weak returns and create opportunities from difficult positions.
JW Johnson
Country: United States
Known for: Exceptional consistency and all-around doubles skills.
JW Johnson is known for his smooth movement, controlled shots, and intelligent decision-making.
He doesn’t need to overpower every opponent. Instead, he uses excellent positioning, smart placement, and patience to create openings.
His ability to compete at a high level across different formats makes him an important name in professional pickleball.
Why watch him: His controlled play, court positioning, and ability to remain composed under pressure.
Andrei Daescu
Country: Romania
Known for: Powerful attacking game and doubles experience.
Andrei Daescu is a highly respected professional with a strong competitive background.
His height, reach, and powerful strokes give him an advantage in attacking situations. He is particularly effective when creating pressure in doubles exchanges.
Why watch him: His aggressive positioning and ability to use power without sacrificing control.
Tama Shimabukuro
Country: United States
Known for: Competitive energy and developing professional consistency.
Tama Shimabukuro has become an increasingly recognizable name in the professional rankings.
He brings speed, determination, and an attacking mindset to competition. His position among the leading men’s players demonstrates the depth of talent emerging on the professional circuit.
Why watch him: His athleticism and willingness to compete against established stars.
CJ Klinger
Country: United States
Known for: Aggressive play and quick reactions.
CJ Klinger is another player worth following in 2026.
He combines athletic movement with an attacking approach and can create problems for opponents through his pace and shot selection.
Why watch him: His energy and ability to compete in fast-paced rallies.
Eric Oncins
Country: Brazil
Known for: International experience and aggressive doubles play.
Eric Oncins represents the growing strength of international pickleball.
His performances on the professional circuit have helped him earn recognition among the leading male competitors. His competitive style and ability to challenge experienced opponents make him a player to watch.
Why watch him: His international perspective and developing professional game.
Top 10 Best Female Pickleball Players in 2026
Women’s professional pickleball is just as exciting as men’s competition. The leading female players combine incredible speed, smart positioning, precision, and powerful attacks.
Here are ten of the top female players making an impact in 2026.
Anna Leigh Waters
Country: United States
Known for: Explosive power, speed, and championship-level consistency.
When discussing the best female pickleball players, Anna Leigh Waters is a name that belongs at the top.
She has dominated professional pickleball through exceptional athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, quick hands, and outstanding court awareness.
Waters is particularly impressive because she competes successfully across singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Her achievements have made her one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.
Why watch her: Her aggressive playing style, lightning-fast reactions, and ability to perform under pressure.
Anna Bright
Country: United States
Known for: Aggressive doubles play and excellent hand speed.
Anna Bright is one of the strongest competitors in women’s professional pickleball.
She brings tremendous energy to the court and is particularly effective in doubles. Her quick reactions and attacking instincts allow her to put opponents under constant pressure.
Bright is also a major championship contender and one of the leading players in the current women’s rankings.
Why watch her: Her confidence, aggressive volleys, and fast-paced doubles game.
Hurricane Tyra Black
Country: United States
Known for: Athleticism, powerful shots, and aggressive play.
Hurricane Tyra Black has established herself as one of the top competitors in professional pickleball.
Her athletic background helps her move quickly around the court, while her powerful shots make her a serious threat in attacking situations.
She is a particularly exciting player to watch because she combines speed with an aggressive approach.
Why watch her: Her athletic movement and ability to create offensive opportunities.
Jorja Johnson
Country: United States
Known for: Quick hands, versatility, and doubles excellence.
Jorja Johnson has become one of the leading young stars in professional pickleball.
She is known for her excellent hand speed, court awareness, and ability to compete at a high level in both women’s and mixed doubles.
Her competitive consistency has helped her earn a place among the top female players.
Why watch her: Her smart positioning, quick reactions, and doubles chemistry.
Catherine Parenteau
Country: Canada
Known for: Consistency, intelligent strategy, and technical skills.
Catherine Parenteau is one of the most accomplished players in professional pickleball.
Her background in tennis helped develop her excellent footwork and strong competitive foundation. However, her success comes from much more than athletic ability.
She understands how to control rallies, choose the right shots, and put opponents in uncomfortable positions.
Why watch her: Her patience, technical precision, and tactical approach.
Parris Todd
Country: United States
Known for: Athleticism and aggressive singles play.
Parris Todd is a powerful competitor with an exciting playing style.
She uses her speed and athletic ability to cover the court effectively. Her aggressive approach allows her to put pressure on opponents, especially in singles competition.
Why watch her: Her movement, powerful shots, and competitive determination.
Rachel Rohrabacher
Country: United States
Known for: Strong doubles play and consistent performance.
Rachel Rohrabacher has become an established name in professional women’s pickleball.
Her positioning, shot selection, and ability to work effectively with partners make her a difficult opponent.
She has earned recognition through strong performances in professional doubles competition.
Why watch her: Her doubles strategy and ability to maintain pressure during extended rallies.
Kate Fahey
Country: United States
Known for: Singles strength and intelligent shot placement.
Kate Fahey is an increasingly important name in women’s professional pickleball.
She is known for her competitive singles game, excellent movement, and ability to construct points intelligently.
Her performances have helped establish her as one of the leading players to watch.
Why watch her: Her singles strategy, consistency, and ability to control rallies.
Tina Pisnik
Country: Slovenia
Known for: Tennis experience and controlled shot-making.
Tina Pisnik brings valuable racket-sport experience to professional pickleball.
Her background contributes to her movement, timing, and understanding of court positioning. She has become a respected competitor on the professional circuit.
Why watch her: Her technical skills and ability to read opponents.
Kaitlyn Christian
Country: United States
Known for: Quick reactions and competitive doubles play.
Kaitlyn Christian is another talented professional making her mark in women’s pickleball.
Her athleticism and experience in racket sports help her compete in fast-paced exchanges. She is particularly interesting to watch in doubles, where anticipation and communication are essential.
Why watch her: Her hand speed, positioning, and ability to compete against top-ranked opponents.
Best Pickleball Players by Playing Style
Not every great pickleball player dominates in the same way. Some rely on powerful attacks, while others win through patience and precision.
Here’s a quick comparison of notable players and their strengths.
| Player | Standout Strength |
|---|---|
| Ben Johns | All-around strategy |
| Anna Leigh Waters | Power and athleticism |
| Gabriel Tardio | Fast hands |
| Federico Staksrud | Singles performance |
| Anna Bright | Aggressive doubles |
| Catherine Parenteau | Consistency |
| Hayden Patriquin | Attacking play |
| Jorja Johnson | Doubles versatility |
| Kate Fahey | Singles strategy |
| JW Johnson | Controlled play |
What Makes the Best Pickleball Players So Good?
Watching professional pickleball is entertaining, but understanding what makes these athletes successful can help you improve your own game.
Here are five qualities that separate elite players from average competitors.
Excellent Dinking Skills
Dinking is one of the most important skills in pickleball.
Professional players use soft shots near the kitchen line to control rallies, move opponents, and create opportunities for attacking.
Fast Hand Speed
At the professional level, rallies can change in seconds.
Players need quick reflexes to handle volleys, counterattacks, and unexpected shots.
Smart Court Positioning
Great players don’t simply chase the ball.
They understand where to stand, when to move forward, and how to cover open spaces without leaving their partners exposed.
Consistency Under Pressure
Winning isn’t always about hitting spectacular shots.
Top professionals understand when to play safely, when to attack, and how to avoid unnecessary mistakes during important points.
Strong Mental Game
Professional matches can be intense.
The best players remain focused after losing points, adjust their strategies, and stay confident during difficult situations.
Who Is the No. 1 Pickleball Player in 2026?
According to the Carvana PPA Tour’s World Pickleball Rankings in November 2026, Ben Johns is the No. 1 male player, while Anna Leigh Waters is the No. 1 female player.
The rankings combine results from men’s or women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles.
The ranking system gives 50% weight to gender doubles, 35% to mixed doubles, and 15% to singles, making it an overall measure of professional performance rather than a singles-only ranking.
How Can Beginners Learn From Professional Pickleball Players?
You don’t need professional equipment or years of experience to learn from the world’s best players.
Start with these simple habits:
- Practice dinking: Spend time controlling the ball instead of always hitting hard.
- Improve your footwork: Move efficiently and stay balanced during rallies.
- Watch professional matches: Observe how top players position themselves and choose their shots.
- Develop your serve: Work on accuracy, depth, and consistency.
- Practice patience: Learn when to attack and when to wait for a better opportunity.
A great way to improve is to watch a professional match and focus on just one skill at a time. For example, study Ben Johns’ shot selection or Anna Leigh Waters’ court movement.
Small improvements can make a significant difference in your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the greatest pickleball player of all time?
Ben Johns is widely considered one of the greatest male pickleball players in history because of his remarkable success across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Anna Leigh Waters is similarly regarded as one of the greatest female players.
Who is the best male pickleball player in 2026?
Ben Johns holds the No. 1 position in the Carvana PPA Tour’s men’s World Pickleball Rankings in November 2026.
Who is the best female pickleball player in 2026?
Anna Leigh Waters is the No. 1 female player in the November 2026 PPA Tour World Pickleball Rankings.
Who is the youngest top pickleball player?
Anna Leigh Waters is one of the sport’s most prominent young champions. She became a professional star as a teenager and achieved major success at an exceptionally young age.
Is Ben Johns better than Anna Leigh Waters?
Both are extraordinary players, but comparing them directly is difficult because they compete in different men’s and women’s divisions. Both have established themselves among the sport’s all-time greats.
What country has the best pickleball players?
The United States has the deepest professional pickleball scene and produces many of the sport’s leading players. However, international stars from countries such as Argentina, Canada, Bolivia, Brazil, and Slovenia are increasingly competitive.
Where can I watch the best pickleball players?
You can follow professional tournaments, player profiles, rankings, and match updates through the Carvana PPA Tour’s official website and its streaming and broadcast partners.
Final Thoughts
The best pickleball players in 2026 demonstrate just how far this sport has evolved. From Ben Johns’ incredible consistency to Anna Leigh Waters’ explosive athleticism, every top professional brings something different to the court.
Players like Gabriel Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, Anna Bright, and Jorja Johnson also show that the next generation is ready to challenge established champions.
If you’re learning pickleball, don’t just watch these professionals for entertainment. Study their footwork, dinking, positioning, and decision-making. Their techniques can teach you valuable lessons regardless of your skill level.
And remember: you don’t have to play like a professional to enjoy the game. Start practicing, stay consistent, and develop your own winning style.
The next pickleball star could be someone who is just picking up a paddle today.
Theo Bennett is a passionate sports writer and storyteller at SportNestify.com covering cricket, football, hockey, tennis, basketball and more. With a focus on clear insights, engaging analysis, player stories, and the latest sporting trends, Leo turns every game into a story worth following. His goal is simple