Rising Stars of Pickleball: Pickleball continues to grow worldwide, with top players dominating courts in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. These five athletes have risen to fame with their skill, consistency, and exciting playing styles, making them must-watch competitors on the pickleball circuit.
Ben Johns: The Sport’s First Superstar
Ben Johns is widely recognized as one of pickleball’s greatest players. Ranked No. 4 on the PPA Tour, he excels in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Johns turned professional in 2018 and has since won nearly 150 titles. In 2019, he dominated the sport, winning 108 consecutive singles matches and securing 22 straight mixed doubles titles. Now 26, he remains determined to build on his legacy.
JW Johnson: A Rising Star
JW Johnson first picked up a paddle for fun but quickly became one of the sport’s top players.
At 19, he became the youngest player to win a men’s singles title. In 2022, he claimed 47 medals, including three triple crowns. Now ranked No. 6 on the PPA Tour, the 22-year-old has the potential to reach the top.
Federico Staksrud: The Current No. 1
Federico Staksrud made history by dethroning Ben Johns as World No. 1 after winning the 2024 PPA Las Vegas Open.
Known for his speed and resilience, Staksrud is a force in both singles and doubles. His ability to recover from tough situations makes him a formidable opponent.
Anna Leigh Waters: The Queen of Pickleball
At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has already achieved remarkable success.
She recently won her 50th women’s singles title at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. In the final, she dominated Parris Todd in straight games. Waters also won the women’s doubles event with Catherine Parenteau.
Currently ranked No. 1 in women’s singles, she leads the PPA Tour with 2,100 points. Her quick reflexes and aggressive style keep her at the top.
Kate Fahey: The Tennis Star Turned Pickleball Contender
Kate Fahey transitioned from a successful college tennis career at the University of Michigan to pickleball, where she quickly became a top competitor.
Ranked No. 2 on the PPA Tour, she has medaled in six of the last eight tournaments, winning two titles. However, she has yet to defeat Anna Leigh Waters, most recently falling short in the Zimmer Biomet Masters final. Fahey is determined to change that in the future.
The Future of Pickleball
As pickleball continues to grow, these five athletes are shaping the sport’s competitive landscape. With their impressive performances, they are inspiring new players and driving the game’s popularity to new heights.
News in Brief: Rising Stars of Pickleball
Pickleball’s rapid growth has brought new stars to the forefront. Ben Johns, JW Johnson, Federico Staksrud, Anna Leigh Waters, and Kate Fahey are among the sport’s top players. Their consistency and exciting playing styles have made them key figures in pickleball’s rise worldwide.
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