Branded as a fast-growing sport in the USA, pickleball was invented in 1965 and peaked during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pickleball has simple rules and is easy to learn, that's why it’s beginner-friendly. The essential shots of pickleball are hard to master and require practice and patience. You need to invest in the right pickleball equipment and wear proper pickleball attire to be able to fully concentrate on improving your skills.
A lot of pickleball players, some are previous tennis players, have now dedicated their talents and skills to becoming professional pickleball players. There are many men and women top players in pickleball. Let’s find out which male pickleball players hold the title of being the best.
Top Pickleball Players: Male
Ben Johns
Benjamin Johns is considered the number 1 male pickleball player in the world. He liked playing tennis, table tennis, and pickleball when he was younger. In 2016, he decided to pursue pickleball and became a pro that same year. Since then, he has held his highest rank of number 1 in all major divisions of the PPATour. He currently holds 108 winning streaks and 123 PPATour gold medal titles. He teamed up with Anna Leigh Waters in the Mixed Doubles category in 2023, and together, they have won 16 consecutive titles as partners.
Being one of the best professional pickleball players, skills aren't the only thing Ben invests in. He also invests in power pickleball paddles to help him dominate the court. JOOLA sponsors him and a paddle was made specifically for him, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16.
For the best affordable pickleball paddles that provide power and control, check out 101 Pickleball’s Infinity Balance.
James Ignatowich
James Ignatowich started as a college tennis player turned pickleball enthusiast. He enjoyed the challenges of pickleball so much that he decided to pursue a professional career. He started playing pickleball in 2021 and became a pro in 2022. Even though he is still fresh in the sport, he has proven he has what it takes to be a pro. He currently ranks 3 and 11 in the Men’s Mixed and Doubles respectively, and has won two gold medals in the 2023 Indoor National Championship on the PPA Tour. He usually partners with Tyson McGuffin and Anna Bright.
He is currently sponsored by Selkirk and uses the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, a paddle designed for power players.
Riley Newman
Riley Newman, a pickleball top competitor, is a frequent Champion Sunday player. Champion Sunday is the last day of the PPATour where most of the significant and highly anticipated matches happen. He was first introduced to pickleball in 2017 and became a pro in 2018. He won his first gold medal in his first 5.0 tournament together with his sister Lindsey. He has only competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
Riley uses a ProXR Zane Navratil Signature, an ultra-raw carbon pickleball paddle that focuses on extreme spins.
Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin was a tennis player before pursuing to become one of the professional pickleball players. He reached the top 1500 on the ATP Tour Men and later became the head tennis pro at the Yakima Tennis Club. In 2015, he decided to try pickleball after being a tennis coach for six years. He eventually became a pro in 2016. He has since become dedicated to pickleball by running clinics, teaching pickleball, making instructional videos, and promoting pickleball to others.
Tyson McGuffin is a pickleball fan-favorite and is currently sponsored by JOOLA and Skechers among others.
Thomas Wilson
Thomas Wilson, a pickleball rising athlete, is currently number 2 and 10 in the PPATour Men’s Mixed Doubles and Doubles, respectively. Before playing pickleball, Thomas Wilson played tennis in college but had to stop when he was injured. A decade after his tennis dreams were cut off, his parents introduced him to pickleball. He became a pro in 2020.
He is currently sponsored by CRBN and uses the CRBN¹ X Series, a durable carbon fiber pickleball paddle that focuses on spin and dwell time.
Matt Wright
Matt Wright, a pickleball veteran, currently ranks 7 and 12 in the PPATour Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. His mixed doubles partner is Lucy Kovalova. He is not just a pro pickleball player, he is also a full-time lawyer.
Matt is sponsored by Onix and uses the Onix Evoke Premier, one of the best power pickleball paddles.
Frederico Staksrud
Frederico Staksud is still a rising star in pickleball compared to the others. The Argentinian-born pickleball pro started playing in 2021 and became a pro the same year. He used to play tennis and compete in multiple colleges.
When he got the chance to train with other pro pickleball players like Simone Jardim, Kyle Yates, and Ryan Sherry, he decided to pursue the sport. He is currently number 1 in the PPATour Men’s Singles.
JOOLA currently sponsors Frederico and uses the Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 paddle.
Julian Arnold
Julian Arnold, a pickleball newcomer but tennis veteran, is a pickleball MVP in February 2023 and has won 14 medals since he started. He is part of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) team Los Angeles Mad Drops.
Julian uses the Volair pickleball paddle Mach 1 from one of his sponsors, Voalir, the best pickleball paddle for control and spin.
These men are currently the best in the sport. Most of them used to be tennis players before transitioning to pickleball. Whether a veteran like Ben Johns or a newcomer like Federico Staksurd, pickleball provides opportunities for everyone. Of course, they didn’t get to the top without putting in sweat and effort, they dedicated a lot of time and skills to becoming one of the best professional pickleball players.
| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| Pickleball Overview | Fast-growing sport in the USA, invented in 1965, peaked during Covid-19 pandemic. Simple rules but requires practice. Proper equipment and attire are crucial for skill improvement. |
| Ben Johns | Ranked #1 male pickleball player globally. Became a pro in 2016, holds 108 winning streaks and 123 gold medals. Uses JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16. Sponsor: JOOLA. |
| James Ignatowich | Former college tennis player, turned pickleball pro in 2022. Currently ranks 3 and 11. Uses Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. Sponsor: Selkirk. |
| Riley Newman | Pro since 2018, known for Champion Sunday matches. Uses ProXR Zane Navratil Signature paddle. |
| Tyson McGuffin | Former tennis player turned pickleball pro in 2016. Known for clinics and instructional videos. Sponsors: JOOLA, Skechers. |
| Thomas Wilson | Rising star, ranked 2 and 10 in Men’s Mixed Doubles and Doubles. Uses CRBN¹ X Series paddle. Sponsor: CRBN. |
| Matt Wright | Veteran player, ranks 7 and 12. Full-time lawyer, uses Onix Evoke Premier. Sponsor: Onix. |
| Frederico Staksrud | Rising star, ranked #1 in Men’s Singles. Started playing in 2021. Uses Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14. Sponsor: JOOLA. |
| Julian Arnold | Newcomer, MVP in February 2023, has 14 medals. Part of Major League Pickleball team Los Angeles Mad Drops. Uses Volair Mach 1 paddle. |
| Contact Us | For more information, email us at 101grouppb@gmail.com |
FAQs About the Top Male Pickleball Players of 2024
1. Who is the top male pickleball player in 2024?
Answer: The top male pickleball player in 2024 is Ben Johns. He has been ranked #1 globally since turning pro in 2016 and holds an impressive record of 108 consecutive wins and 123 gold medals on the PPA Tour. His expertise and consistency have made him a dominant force in the sport, and he has recently partnered with Anna Leigh Waters in Mixed Doubles, winning 16 consecutive titles together.
2. How do players like James Ignatowich transition from tennis to pickleball?
Answer: Players like James Ignatowich transition from tennis to pickleball by leveraging their existing skills in racquet sports. Ignatowich, a former college tennis player, found the challenges of pickleball exciting and pursued a professional career. He became a pro in 2022, quickly climbing the ranks by winning multiple medals, showcasing how tennis players can adapt their skills to succeed in pickleball.
3. What are the primary differences between tennis and pickleball?
Answer: The primary differences between tennis and pickleball include court size, equipment, and gameplay rules. A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, and players use solid paddles instead of strung racquets. The ball used in pickleball is a plastic wiffle ball, which affects its speed and bounce. Additionally, pickleball has unique rules regarding serving and the non-volley zone, making it easier for beginners to learn while still offering depth for competitive play.
4. What equipment do top male pickleball players use?
Answer: Top male pickleball players utilize specialized paddles tailored to their playing styles. For instance, Ben Johns uses the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 paddle, designed for power and control. Similarly, James Ignatowich uses the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, which is also designed for powerful play. The right equipment is crucial for maximizing performance on the court, influencing factors such as spin, control, and power.
5. What strategies do players like Riley Newman employ during competitions?
Answer: Players like Riley Newman employ various strategies during competitions, including strong teamwork in doubles, effective communication, and court positioning. Newman, known for his performance on Champion Sunday, often focuses on controlling the pace of the game and utilizing extreme spins with his ProXR Zane Navratil Signature paddle to unsettle opponents. Adapting to opponents’ styles and leveraging personal strengths are essential components of his competitive strategy.
6. How do sponsorships impact the careers of professional pickleball players?
Answer: Sponsorships significantly impact the careers of professional pickleball players by providing financial support for training, travel, and equipment. For example, Tyson McGuffin is sponsored by brands like JOOLA and Skechers, which not only help cover expenses but also enhance their visibility and marketability in the sport. Such partnerships allow players to focus on their performance and training, ultimately contributing to their success on the court.
7. What does it take for a newcomer like Frederico Staksrud to succeed in pickleball?
Answer: For newcomers like Frederico Staksrud to succeed in pickleball, it requires a combination of talent, dedication, and training. Staksrud, who became a pro in 2021 after transitioning from tennis, has been able to train alongside established players and leverage their experience. His ranking as #1 in Men’s Singles showcases that with the right coaching, practice, and competitive exposure, newcomers can quickly rise in the ranks of professional pickleball.