Rising Stars Challenge Ben Johns’ Reign: The latest rankings for the top 20 men in pro pickleball are out, showing some major shifts since the start of the year. Ben Johns remains at No. 1, while Christian Alshon has closed the gap. Several new faces are climbing quickly as the 2025 season heats up.
Ben Johns Still Leads, But Challengers Are Gaining
Ben Johns holds the No. 1 spot again, but questions remain about his effort level in certain events like Major League Pickleball (MLP). His new partnership with Gabe Tardio has energized him.
Christian Alshon moves up to No. 2 from No. 3. He was the most improved player in 2023 and stayed in that conversation for 2024. Now, he’s the top threat to Johns.
Middle Pack Players Jockey for Position
Andrei Daescu jumps from No. 7 to No. 3. Known for his left-side play and ability to out-dink Johns, he’s made strides in mixed doubles despite having weaker partners.
Federico Staksrud slips from No. 2 to No. 4. While strong in all three formats, he has faced tougher singles competition. JW Johnson drops to No. 5, improving his mixed doubles play but struggling in men’s since splitting with Dylan Frazier.
Gabe Tardio stays at No. 6 after recent singles golds and solid play with Johns. Hayden Patriquin shares the same spot as last time at No. 7, strong in men’s doubles with Staksrud but weaker in mixed.
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New Faces Rising, Old Names Falling
Will Howells climbs to No. 8 from No. 9. Limited by not facing top opponents year-round, he’s expected to prove more in MLP and the 2026 PPA Tour.
Dekel Bar rises to No. 9 and has been steady in men’s and mixed. Dylan Frazier rounds out the top 10.
Tyson McGuffin, now No. 11, is described as “very tough” and underestimated. He consistently reaches semifinals and is expected to drop slowly but surely.
CJ Klinger (No. 12) is the top lefty but struggles against the best.
Riley Newman falls from No. 8 to No. 13. Since parting with Matt Wright, he’s reached quarterfinals but gone no further.
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A Crowded Field Outside the Top 10
Pablo Tellez (No. 14) is a steady partner in men’s but underperforms in mixed doubles.
Eric Oncins makes a big debut at No. 15 after strong wins in North Carolina and Mesa.
Connor Garnett moves up one spot to No. 16. He’s top five in singles but a quarterfinal ceiling in doubles.
Augie Ge falls to No. 17. Like Tellez, he’s a reliable lefty but not a medal threat.
Jaume Martinez Vich (No. 18) is better at singles. In doubles, he’s good enough to win early but not medal.
James Ignatowich is at No. 19, down from earlier highs in 2023. Injuries and slow 2025 results hurt his standing, but “he has potential to get back to the top 10.”
Noe Khlif rounds out the list at No. 20. Strong in all formats with great speed, but his power and consistency need work.
Others Just Outside the Rankings
Players just missing the cut include Quang Duong, Hunter Johnson, Zane Navratil, and Tyler Loong. The difference between those ranked 16–20 and those just outside is very small.
What This Means for 2025
This year’s top 20 highlights rising stars and aging veterans holding on. Expect more changes as MLP, PPA, and APP events continue. With new partnerships forming and younger players improving fast, the leaderboard is far from set.
News in Brief: Rising Stars Challenge Ben Johns’ Reign
Ben Johns remains the top male pickleball player in 2025, but Christian Alshon is closing in fast. New names like Eric Oncins and Noe Khlif are climbing, while veterans like Riley Newman and James Ignatowich face challenges. With rising talent and shifting partnerships, rankings could change fast this season.
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