Gabriel Tardio
Who is GABRIEL TARDIO?
Gabriel Tardio, known as Gabe Tardio, is a rising star in the pickleball world. Born on August 29, 2005, in Bolivia, Gabriel was introduced to pickleball at the age of 14 by his grandfather, who built a pickleball court in Bolivia to encourage the family’s love for the sport. Before discovering pickleball, Gabriel was a top-10 Under-14 tennis player in Bolivia, showcasing his early athletic promise.
In 2019, Gabriel moved to Jupiter, Florida, to pursue tennis professionally. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted his tennis ambitions, leading him to fully embrace pickleball. Gabriel started playing pickleball daily and quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional talent, athleticism, and dedication.
When asked what he loves most about pickleball, Gabriel said:
“What I love about pickleball is it’s such a fast sport, but at the same time you have to be patient. It’s fast and patient. It’s also such a new sport, it’s great.”
EARLY LIFE AND TENNIS CAREER
Gabriel’s journey in sports began with tennis, where he competed at the top youth levels in Bolivia. His family’s support for his athletic pursuits was instrumental in his success. Upon moving to the United States, Gabriel focused on advancing his tennis career until the pandemic disrupted his plans. During this period, his grandfather reintroduced him to pickleball, sparking a passion that would redefine his career path.
TRANSITION TO PICKLEBALL
Gabriel’s transition from tennis to pickleball was seamless. His background in tennis provided a strong foundation for his quick adaptation to pickleball’s unique dynamics. He started competing in local tournaments and soon began making waves in professional pickleball circuits.
Gabriel’s dedication to pickleball led to rapid improvement, and he now competes in prestigious events, including the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). His ability to excel in various formats—singles, doubles, and mixed doubles—highlights his versatility and skill.
PICKLEBALL CAREER
Gabriel’s professional pickleball career is marked by notable achievements and steady progress.
Career Highlights
- PPA Mesa (February 2024): 2nd place in Men’s Doubles with Andrei Daescu.
- MLP (Season 2): Semifinalist with LA Mad Drops.
- Key Wins: Defeated top players like Federico Staksrud, JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier in doubles.
- International Success:
- 3x Crown Champion in Venezuela
- Gold Medal in PPA Kansas City
- Silver Medal in PPA Red Rock
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Gabriel Tardio |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 2005 |
| Age | 19 Years Old |
| Nationality | American (originally from Bolivia) |
| Height | 6′ 1″ (185 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500K |
| Profession | Professional Pickleball Player |
| Resides | Jupiter, FL |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Paddle | PIKKL Vantage Pro, Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro |
| Sponsors | PIKKL USA |
RANKINGS
- Doubles DUPR Rating: 6.78
- Singles DUPR Rating: 6.56
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Outside of his professional career, Gabriel has a vibrant personal life:
- Hobbies: Playing video games, going to the gym, watching Netflix or YouTube.
- Favorite Foods: Steak and açai for dessert.
- Favorite Drill: Erne practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old is Gabriel Tardio?
Ans: Gabriel Tardio is 19 years old, born on August 29, 2005.
What is Gabriel Tardio’s net worth?
Ans: His net worth is estimated to be over $500K, earned through tournament winnings, endorsements, and sponsorships.
What are Gabriel Tardio’s key accomplishments?
Ans:
- 2nd place in Men’s Doubles at PPA Mesa 2024.
- Semifinals with LOS ANGELES MAD DROPS in MLP.
- 3x Crown Champion in Venezuela.
What paddle does Gabriel Tardio use?
Ans: Gabriel uses the PIKKL Vantage Pro paddle for professional play.