Benjamin Ellingham Johns Bio
Benjamin Ellingham Johns is an American professional pickleball player known for his dominance in the sport. As of March 2025, he holds the No. 1 world ranking in mixed doubles, No. 2 in singles, and No. 1 in men’s doubles according to the Pro Pickleball Association. Johns has won over 80 titles, including multiple triple crowns at major tournaments, marking him as one of the most successful players in pickleball history.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Ellingham Johns was born on March 18, 1999, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. He was raised in Laytonsville, Maryland, and was homeschooled during his childhood. Johns developed athletic skills early on, playing tennis and table tennis, which laid the foundation for his later success in pickleball. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
Path to Pickleball
Johns transitioned from tennis and table tennis to pickleball in 2016 at age 17 during a vacation in Florida. He quickly made an impact by placing fifth in Men’s Pro Singles at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships just months after starting. Within a year, he won his first gold medal at the Riverbend RV Resort Pickleball Tournament and then secured gold in Men’s Pro Singles at the U.S. Open. His early achievements also include winning three gold medals at the Canadian Nationals, establishing himself as a rising star in the sport.
Benjamin Ellingham Johns Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Johns began competing consistently in pickleball tournaments shortly after his debut in 2016. His rapid ascent was marked by multiple gold medals, including his first at the Riverbend RV Resort Pickleball Tournament and success at the U.S. Open and Canadian Nationals. These early victories helped him gain recognition and set the stage for his professional career.
Pro Pickleball Association Breakthrough (2019–Present)
In 2019, Johns became the first male professional pickleball player to win a triple crown—gold medals in singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles—at a major tournament, the Tournament of Champions in Utah. He repeated this achievement at the U.S. Open in 2021 and 2022. Johns has amassed over 80 titles on the PPA Tour, including 15 triple crowns. Notably, he achieved a 108-match winning streak in men’s singles in 2019 and remained undefeated in mixed doubles for 22 consecutive tournaments, underscoring his dominance.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Johns has formed successful partnerships in doubles events, including teaming with Gabriel Tardio in men’s doubles during the 2025 PPA Tour. Their partnership has been highly productive, reaching championship rounds consistently and only finishing with silver twice as of the Bristol Open 2025. In mixed doubles, Johns continues to partner with Anna Leigh Waters, maintaining a strong competitive presence.
Sponsorships and Equipment
In 2019, Johns signed a sponsorship deal with Franklin Sports that lasted three years. In 2022, he began a collaboration with JOOLA Pickleball, a sporting goods company based near his hometown. Together, they developed the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 pickleball paddle, reflecting his influence on equipment design.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johns is known for his strategic play, versatility across singles and doubles formats, and exceptional consistency. His ability to maintain long winning streaks and perform under pressure highlights his mental toughness and technical skill. His partnerships demonstrate strong teamwork and adaptability on the court.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johns’ career milestones include being the first male player to win a triple crown at major pickleball tournaments multiple times and setting record winning streaks in singles and mixed doubles. His appearances on mainstream media, such as the 2021 Live with Kelly and Ryan show, have increased the sport’s visibility.
Benjamin Ellingham Johns Career Wins
Benjamin Johns has accumulated over 80 titles on the Pro Pickleball Association Tour, including 15 triple crowns. His victories span singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles events, reflecting his all-around excellence and dominance in the sport.
Pro Pickleball Association Highlights
Johns’ first major win came shortly after he began competing in 2016, with multiple gold medals at the U.S. Open and Canadian Nationals. His most recent notable achievements include triple crown victories at the U.S. Open in 2021 and 2022. His consistent presence in championship rounds and ability to secure multiple titles each season underscore his elite status.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the PPA Tour, Johns has demonstrated strong performances in various national and international tournaments, contributing to his reputation as one of the sport’s top players. His early success in Canadian Nationals and other events helped build his competitive foundation.
Benjamin Ellingham Johns Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Johns comes from an athletic family with his elder brother Collin Johns also being a highly ranked professional pickleball player. The brothers have partnered in doubles events, supporting each other’s careers and contributing to their mutual success.
Personal Life
Johns resides in Austin, Texas. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his pickleball career and collaborations with sponsors.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Benjamin Johns continues to compete at the highest level on the PPA Tour. His partnership with Gabriel Tardio in men’s doubles has been particularly successful, reaching championship rounds consistently with only two losses as of the Bristol Open. His mixed doubles collaboration with Anna Leigh Waters remains strong, contributing to his sustained dominance. Johns’ performance this season reflects his ongoing commitment to excellence and his status as a leading figure in professional pickleball.