Pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world. With its captivating nature, the sport enthrals crowds through a mix of slow and intense rallies, powerful smashes and net drops. Its popularity and participation have surged across the United States, Europe, and Asia over the years, with several players making a name for themselves through their consistency and flamboyant playing styles.

Here are the top five pickleball players:

Ben Johns

With his remarkable consistency, Ben Johns, currently ranked No. 4 on the PPA Tour, is widely regarded as the undisputed king of pickleball. He is considered the sport’s first superstar, excelling across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Johns' uncanny precision and tactical prowess have earned him immense success. Since turning professional in 2018, he has won nearly 150 titles across the three disciplines. In 2019, he dominated the pickleball circuit by winning an astonishing 108 consecutive singles matches and triumphing in 22 straight mixed doubles tournaments.

Now 26, Johns remains hungry for more, eager to add to his ever-growing list of accolades.

JW Johnson

JW Johnson initially took up pickleball for fun as a physical activity but soon transformed himself into one of the world’s best players.

He was the youngest player in history to win the men's singles title at the age of 19. In 2022, he won an impressive 47 medals, including three triple crowns. Now 22, Johnson is currently ranked sixth on the PPA Tour and has shown immense potential to take the pickleball world by storm in the coming years.

Federico Staksrud

A dominant force in both men’s singles and doubles, Federico Staksrud achieved a career milestone by dethroning Ben Johns as World No. 1 after a standout performance at the PPA Las Vegas Open in 2024 - a position he continues to hold.

Staksrud is known for his incredible speed, agility, and ability to bounce back from difficult situations, making him a formidable competitor on the court.

Anna Leigh Waters

At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has already cemented her place as a megastar in pickleball. The top-ranked women's singles player has recently won her 50th women’s singles title on the PPA Tour at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open.

Her dominance was on full display in the final, where she overpowered Parris Todd in straight games. She also clinched the women’s doubles title partnering Catherine Parenteau.

ALW is currently the youngest player in the PPA Tour’s top 10, and she leads the rankings by a significant margin with 2,100 points. Known for her dynamic playstyle, quick reflexes, and relentless drive, she remains the queen of the court, excelling in both singles and doubles.

Kate Fahey

Kate Fahey is among the elite group of players who transitioned from tennis to pickleball. After a successful collegiate tennis career at the University of Michigan - where she was a three-time All-American and a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year - she initially pursued a professional tennis career before switching to pickleball.

Her transition surprised many, but once she was introduced to pickleball, she never looked back. Last season, she medalled in six of the last eight tournaments, including two titles Currently ranked No. 2 on the PPA Tour, Fahey, however, has yet to overcome her biggest challenge: defeating Anna Leigh Waters. Most recently, she fell short in the final of the Zimmer Biomet Masters against ALW. Determined to change that narrative, Fahey will be eager to secure a breakthrough victory against her rival.

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