Where America’s Best Pickleball Players Are From: Dr. Ted Goudge, a Shenandoah native and retired Associate Professor of Geography at Northwest Missouri State University, has once again brought a fresh perspective to the professional sports with his latest geographical analysis. This time, Goudge takes a closer look at the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, a high-stakes, bracket-style competition that crowns the best pickleball players in the world.
The Players: A Snapshot of America’s Elite Pickleball Talent
Goudge’s map highlights the top-ranked men’s and women’s pickleball players who call the United States home. In total, 30 male players and 23 female players are featured, showing the depth of talent within the country.
California emerges as the leader with 13 top-tier players, while Florida closely follows with 11. Texas, North Carolina, and Utah round out the top five states, with three players each.
A Nationwide Sport: The Spread of Pickleball Players
The data reveals a wide geographic distribution of pickleball players across the country. While California and Florida represent a significant portion—accounting for 45% of the top-ranked athletes—pickleball’s rise in popularity is evident throughout the nation.
From the west coast to the east, this map shows the growth of the sport, which has maintained its status as the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past five years.
The Growing Influence of Pickleball
Pickleball continues to surge in popularity, with more players emerging from every corner of the U.S. The PPA Tour remains a key part of the sport’s development, with elite players representing the best of American talent.
As Goudge’s map shows, the sport has firmly planted its roots, and the future looks promising as it continues to expand.
News in Brief: Where America’s Best Pickleball Players Are From
Dr. Ted Goudge’s new map highlights the top 53 professional pickleball players in the United States, showing the sport’s rapid growth. The data reveals that California and Florida dominate the rankings, with the two states accounting for 45% of the players.
With the sport’s expansion continuing nationwide, pickleball has remained the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. over the past five years.