Top Male Pickleball Players in 2025

Pickleball has really surged in popularity in the past years and due to this, many professional players who took their game seriously arose. It’s amazing and inspiring to see these top pickleball players who went from being a beginner to becoming the best in the sport. In 2025, these pro pickleball players continue to soar, with newcomers rising up the ladders that you need to watch out for.

Let’s check out who the top male pickleball players are in 2025.

Top Male Pickleball Players

Ben Johns

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 7.096
• Men’s Doubles: 7.396

You’ve probably heard the name Ben Johns so many times when pickleball is being talked about and there’s a great reason for that. Ben Johns is one of the top male pickleball players and has been number 1 for quite some time since pro pickleball tournaments started and is considered the “King of Pickleball”. Considering how young he is and how far he has gone since he started playing, he is easily one of the best male pickleball players. Ben Johns started playing professionally in 2016 and became a pro that same year at the age of 17. It isn’t surprising that Ben Johns is one of the best male pickleball players since he played tennis and pickleball as a child and together with his brother, Collin, they trained to be pro tennis players before pursuing pickleball.

Ben Johns has more than 100 titles won in just the PPA Tour tournaments itself. He has held multiple triple crowns in the PPA Tour, more than any other male pickleball player in history. Ben Johns usually pairs with his brother for men's doubles and Anna Leigh Waters for mixed doubles.

Ben Johns is the face of JOOLA and is currently being sponsored by them. His paddle is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S 16mm.

JW Johnson

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 6.722
• Men’s Doubles: 7.126

JW Johnson is also one of the top male pickleball players. He first pursued a tennis career together with his sister Jorga before becoming a pro pickleball player. He became a pro in 2020. At the age of 19, JW Johnson became the youngest to win the men's singles, making him one of the best male pickleball players. He is also easily one of the best male pickleball players by winning 47 medals, including 3 triple crowns in the PPA Tour. JW Johnson and his sister are among the top mixed double partners and the only siblings to play it.

JW Johnson currently uses the Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Series Dynasty 12mm Pickleball Paddle and is sponsored by Franklin Sports.

Christian Alshon

DUPR Rating

• Men’s Singles: 6.921
• Men’s Doubles: 7.080

Christian Alshon is one of the top male pickleball players and is known as the “Tweener King” for his tweeners and trick shots. He has a background in tennis and became a pro pickleball player in 2021. Christian Alshon is pretty lowkey. He previously had to pause playing because of an injury but is now making a comeback. Christian Alshon won a bronze medal in the mixed and men’s doubles in the PPA Tour. He also has 4 bronze medals in men’s singles and has won over Ben Johns, making him one of the best male pickleball players.

Paddletek currently sponsors Christian Alshon and uses the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7mm pickleball paddle.

Andrei Dăescu

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: – 
• Men’s Doubles: 7.026

Andrei Dăescu was involved in a controversy in 2024 by submitting his paddle that had an illegal substance, resulting in a 60-day suspension and a $50,000 fine. This, however, does not define him. Andrei Dăescu is still one of the top male pickleball players who’s known for his powerful shots. He was a former tennis player so it’s not surprising that he also excelled in pickleball. Andrei Dăescu became a pro pickleball player in 2022. Currently, Andrei Dăescu is quietly climbing the ranks in pickleball so don’t be too surprised that he is one of the best male pickleball players.

Andrei Dăescu is sponsored by Proton and Leorêver, and currently uses the Proton Series Three Pickleball Paddle - Project Flamingo

Federico Staksrud

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 7.168
• Men’s Doubles: 7.011

Federico Staksrud has been sensational in 2024 by replacing Ben Johns as number 1 in the men's singles and doubles category. Just like most of the other pro pickleball players, Federico Staksrud also has a background in tennis and became a pro in pickleball in 2021. His replacing Ben Johns as number 1 is a first in history considering how long Ben Johns took that ranking, and an honor, obviously, since Johns set the bar high. Federico Staksrud is definitely one of the best male pickleball players that you need to watch out for in 2025.

Federico Staksrud was previously sponsored by JOOLA. In 2025, he partnered with Adidas and will debut a signature paddle in April.

Hayden Patriquin

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 6.606
• Men’s Doubles: 6.976

Hayden Patriquin is one of the youngest, at 19, and top male pickleball players currently. He is one of the few who didn't have any racket sports background before becoming a pro pickleball player in 2022. Hayden Patriquin had a background in baseball but he quit to pursue a career in pickleball. 

Hayden Patriquin currently holds 10 doubles medals in the 2024 MLP tournament, including 3 golds in men's doubles. He also held the Tours Finals title during this year, making him one of the best male pickleball players of 2025. Watch out for Hayden Patriquin this 2025 because he is not stopping.

Hayden Patriquin is currently sponsored by Franklin Sports and the Picklr, and he currently uses the Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 14mm Pickleball Paddle.

Gabriel Tardio

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 6.754
• Men’s Doubles: 6.884

Gabriel Tardio is one of the younger pro pickleball players. Age isn’t an issue with Gabriel Tardio because, at the age of 19, he is currently one of the top pickleball players in 2025. He refused to lock himself in long-term contracts at a time. In 2024, Gabriel Tardio won 9 doubles medals and was part of one of the best MLP teams. He also won against Ben Johns multiple times.

Gabriel Tardio started playing pickleball at 14 and in 2022, he became a pro pickleball player. He is currently sponsored by PIKKL and the Carvana PPA Tour. His paddle is the PIKKL Vantage Pro 16mm Carbon Fiber.

Quang Duong

DUPR Rating 

• Men’s Singles: 6.916
• Men’s Doubles: 6.605

Quang Duong is also one of the younger pro pickleball players who is fairly new but is currently becoming one of the top male pickleball players. Known as “avatar” by his tennis buddies, Quang Duong was a world-class tennis player at 15. In 2023, he became a pro pickleball player and entered the top 20 pickleball players in the PPA rankings. Selkirk currently sponsors Quang Duong and his paddle is the VANGUARD Power Air Epic.

Quang Dong aims to promote pickleball more in Asia and is committed to helping his people in Vietnam.

In a Nutshell

2024 has been a sensational year for these top male pickleball players and it seems 2025 will be too. Although there had been some controversies, there had been more wins. There are younger pros who are now climbing the ladder of success like JW Johnson, Hayden Patriquin, Gabriel Tardio, and Quang Duong. It’s amazing and inspiring to see such young players achieve this much success in pickleball. Ben Johns still holds the title of “King of Pickleball” despite losing the number 1 rank. There are also a few male pros who are making a comeback like Andrei Dăescu and Christian Alshon. 

Are you excited to see what’s next for these top male pickleball players? Us too! Watch out for their next matches to find out who will continue to rise up or if will there be new ones who will be added to this list.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Top Male Pickleball Players

Who are some of the top male pickleball players in 2025?

• Ben Johns: Considered the "King of Pickleball," known for his exceptional all-around game.
• JW Johnson: A rising star with multiple titles and a strong doubles partnership with his sister.
• Christian Alshon: Known for his trick shots and powerful game, making a comeback after an injury.
• Andrei Dăescu: A former tennis player with a powerful game, known for his aggressive style.
• Federico Staksrud: Currently ranked #1 in men's singles and doubles, known for his consistency and strong all-around game.
• Hayden Patriquin: A young rising star with a strong doubles record and a bright future.
• Gabriel Tardio: A young and talented player known for his aggressive play and competitive spirit.
• Quang Duong: A former tennis player with a strong work ethic and a commitment to growing the sport of pickleball.

What factors contribute to a player's success in professional pickleball?

• Skill: Exceptional shot-making ability, including serves, returns, dinks, lobs, and volleys.
• Physical fitness: Agility, speed, and endurance are crucial for covering the court effectively.
• Mental fortitude: The ability to maintain focus, handle pressure, and bounce back from setbacks.
• Strategic thinking: The ability to anticipate opponents' shots and develop effective game plans.
• Court awareness: Understanding court positioning and effectively covering the court with your partner.
• Sportsmanship: Maintaining a positive attitude and displaying good sportsmanship on and off the court.

How does the DUPR rating system help in assessing player performance?

• The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system provides a standardized rating for pickleball players.
• It helps to assess player skill levels and predict match outcomes.
• It facilitates fair and competitive matchmaking in tournaments and leagues.

What are some of the challenges facing professional pickleball players?

• Staying at the top of the game: The competitive landscape is constantly evolving, and players must continuously improve to maintain their ranking.
• Managing injuries: The physical demands of professional pickleball can increase the risk of injuries.
• Maintaining mental and physical fitness: Players must maintain a high level of physical fitness and mental focus to compete at the highest level.
• Dealing with the pressure of competition: The pressure to perform at a high level can be intense.

How can aspiring pickleball players improve their game and potentially reach the professional level?

• Consistent practice: Dedicate consistent time to practice and improve their skills.
• Seek professional coaching: Work with experienced coaches to refine their techniques and strategy.
• Compete in tournaments: Gain valuable experience by competing in local, regional, and national tournaments.
• Focus on fitness and conditioning: Maintain a high level of physical fitness to improve agility, speed, and endurance.
• Develop a strong mental game: Learn to handle pressure, stay focused, and maintain a positive attitude.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway	Description
Ben Johns	"King of Pickleball," multiple triple crowns, sponsored by JOOLA.
JW Johnson	Youngest to win men's singles, strong doubles partner with sister.
Christian Alshon	Known for "tweener" shots, making a comeback after injury.
Andrei Dăescu	Powerful player, recovering from suspension, sponsored by Proton.
Federico Staksrud	Replaced Ben Johns as #1 in 2024, sponsored by Adidas.
Hayden Patriquin	Young rising star, multiple doubles medals in MLP, sponsored by Franklin Sports.
Gabriel Tardio	Young and talented, won against Ben Johns, sponsored by PIKKL.
Quang Duong	Former tennis pro, rising star from Vietnam, sponsored by Selkirk.
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