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Top Male Pickleball Players to Watch in 2025: Federico Staksrud, Ben Johns, and More

Top Male Pickleball Players to Watch in 2025: As the 2025 pickleball season begins, several top male players are poised to make a significant impact on the professional circuit. With new partnerships and high expectations, here are the players to watch this year.

Federico Staksrud

Federico Staksrud’s 2024 season was historic. He became the No. 1 player in Men’s Singles, dethroning Ben Johns, and earned medals in 20 out of 24 events. Staksrud also excelled in doubles, finishing in the top eight in both disciplines.

With a strong start in 2025, he has taken over the No. 1 ranking in Men’s Doubles and signed an endorsement deal with Adidas. This year could mark the rise of “Big Fed” as the new face of pickleball.

Ben Johns

Ben Johns, who has dominated the sport since its professional debut, enters 2025 with a slightly diminished lead. Despite losing his No. 1 spot in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles in 2024, Johns won 32 gold medals.

Now partnered with Gabe Tardio after splitting with his brother Collin, Johns remains a top contender for the year ahead. His consistency and record-breaking achievements ensure his continued prominence in pickleball.

Hayden Patriquin

At just 19, Hayden Patriquin emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars in 2024. The California native won 10 doubles medals and helped lead the St. Louis Shock to success in Major League Pickleball (MLP).

Patriquin’s dynamic playstyle and entertaining personality make him a fan favorite. He formed a successful partnership with Staksrud in doubles, with three golds in 2024, and will be a favorite for gold in 2025.

Gabriel Tardio

Gabriel Tardio made a name for himself in 2024 with multiple doubles medal wins and victories over top-ranked teams. After an impressive season, Tardio secured a three-year, $800,000 deal with Johns, becoming his primary doubles partner for 2025.

Tardio’s steady rise in the rankings and adaptability on the court make him a key player to watch in the coming months.

JW Johnson

JW Johnson may have flown under the radar in 2024, but he remains a significant force in pickleball. Ranked in the top 5 in both doubles genres, Johnson is also just outside the top 10 in Men’s Singles.

After parting ways with his long-time partner Dylan Frazier, Johnson is expected to find new success with fresh doubles partners in 2025.

Quang Duong

Quang Duong’s rise in 2024 surprised many. After starting the season without much fanfare, Duong defeated Johns in singles and took singles and doubles golds.

Despite controversy early in 2025, Duong’s strong performance last year earned him respect as a rising talent in pickleball.

Andrei Daescu

Andrei Daescu’s 2024 was defined by his first gold medal wins, securing five in total. Known for his doubles game, Daescu will look to continue his strong play in Men’s and Mixed Doubles in 2025.

Christian Alshon

Though often overlooked, Christian Alshon remains one of the top players in the sport. He reached four bronze medal matches in singles and had notable victories over Ben Johns. Alshon’s versatility across doubles and mixed doubles makes him a powerful competitor on all fronts in 2025.

Will Howells

Will Howells finished 2024 ranked No. 1 in both doubles disciplines on the APP and played a key role in his MLP team’s success.

Opting out of a UPA contract, Howells is focusing on international competition. His decision to pursue global opportunities could influence the future of the sport, bringing international recognition to pickleball.

News in Brief: Top Male Pickleball Players to Watch in 2025

The 2025 pickleball season features several top male players to watch, including Federico Staksrud, Ben Johns, and Hayden Patriquin.

Staksrud’s historic 2024 has propelled him to the top, while Tardio and JW Johnson are expected to make an impact in doubles. The season ahead will be exciting for fans as new rivalries and partnerships unfold.

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