Pickleball has gone from a backyard pastime to a professional sport with world-class athletes. While the game is still young compared to tennis or golf, a new generation of pickleball stars is making a name for themselves, dominating tournaments, and inspiring millions of players worldwide.
But who are the biggest names in pickleball? And how did they rise to the top?
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The most famous pickleball players
- Their success stories and major achievements
- What makes them stand out on the court
- How they’ve helped grow the sport globally
If you’re a pickleball fan, competitor, or just curious about the best players in the game, this guide will introduce you to the legends and rising stars of pickleball!
1. Ben Johns – The Face of Professional Pickleball
Who Is Ben Johns?
Ben Johns is widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time. His dominance in the sport has been compared to what Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic did for tennis.
Career Highlights
- Over 100 pro titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
- 14+ consecutive Triple Crowns (winning singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in the same tournament).
- #1 ranked player on the PPA Tour for multiple years.
What Makes Him Great?
- Incredible consistency – His shot precision and control make him nearly unbeatable.
- Strategic mastery – He adapts his gameplay better than anyone.
- Powerful yet controlled – He can crush a ball but also play the softest dinks.
His Impact on Pickleball
- Helped bring major sponsors and media attention to the sport.
- Inspired a younger generation to take pickleball seriously as a professional career.
- Helped shape the modern style of play that players now try to replicate.
If you want to play like Ben Johns, start by gearing up properly—wear a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt from Big Green Pickle and stay comfortable during those long matches!
2. Anna Leigh Waters – The Teenage Superstar
Who Is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest pickleball star to ever dominate the sport. She turned pro at age 12, and by 15, she was already winning major tournaments against seasoned players.
Career Highlights
- Youngest #1 ranked player in pickleball history.
- Multiple PPA Tour titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
- Dominated the sport before even turning 18!
What Makes Her Great?
- Speed and agility – Her footwork is unmatched, allowing her to cover the court effortlessly.
- Aggressive playing style – She doesn’t wait—she attacks first and forces errors from opponents.
- Fearless mindset – Despite her age, she plays with the confidence of a veteran.
Her Impact on Pickleball
- Inspired younger players to take up the sport.
- Proved that age doesn’t matter in pickleball—it’s all about skill.
- Became a role model for young female athletes in the sport.
If you’re looking to play fast-paced pickleball, you’ll need lightweight, breathable gear like the moisture-wicking t-shirts from BigGreenPickle.com!
3. Tyson McGuffin – The Rockstar of Pickleball
Who Is Tyson McGuffin?
Tyson McGuffin is one of the most charismatic and entertaining players in the sport. With his tattoos, energy, and intense play style, he’s brought a new level of excitement and personality to pickleball.
Career Highlights
- Multiple Grand Slam and PPA titles.
- Known for having one of the best serves in the game.
- Became one of the first players to land major sponsorships.
What Makes Him Great?
- Aggressive, hard-hitting style – He’s one of the few players who brings an intensity like tennis.
- One of the best trash-talkers in the game – In a fun way, of course!
- Incredible energy – He plays every point like it’s match point.
His Impact on Pickleball
- Helped make pickleball more entertaining to watch.
- Expanded the sport’s appeal to younger audiences.
- Built a strong personal brand, showing that pro pickleball players can be marketable athletes.
If you’re an intense, competitive player, make sure to stay hydrated like Tyson—grab a pickleball tumbler from BigGreenPickle.com to keep your drink ice-cold during those heated rallies!
4. Riley & Lindsey Newman – The Sibling Duo Dominating Pickleball
Who Are Riley & Lindsey Newman?
Riley and Lindsey Newman are a brother-sister duo that has taken pickleball doubles by storm. Their chemistry on the court is unmatched, and they’ve won countless tournaments together.
Career Highlights
- Ranked among the top doubles teams in the world.
- Known for their insane defensive skills and teamwork.
- Multiple PPA Tour titles as a doubles pair.
What Makes Them Great?
- Incredible court coverage – They know each other’s moves before they happen.
- Defensive masters – They can extend rallies like no other team.
- Relentless hustle – They never give up on a point, no matter how tough it looks.
Their Impact on Pickleball
- Proved that doubles strategy is just as important as singles skill.
- Brought more excitement and energy to the doubles game.
- Inspired more family teams to compete in the sport.
If you love playing doubles with friends or family, make sure you’re dressed for the game—check out the moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts at BigGreenPickle.com for ultimate comfort!
Final Thoughts
These famous pickleball players have helped transform the sport into a global phenomenon. Whether it’s Ben Johns’ dominance, Anna Leigh Waters’ youthfulness, Tyson McGuffin’s energy, or the Newmans’ doubles teamwork, every player brings something unique and exciting to the game.
And if you want to play like the pros, make sure you’re geared up for success:
✅ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts to stay cool under pressure.
✅ Pickleball tumblers to keep your drinks cold on the court.
Pickleball is only getting bigger and better—who will be the next big star?
