Richard Livornese Jr. is an emerging talent in the world of professional pickleball. Hailing from New Jersey, he has rapidly ascended the ranks, showcasing dedication and passion for the sport. Transitioning from collegiate lacrosse to pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard has become a prominent figure on the APP Tour and is recognized as one of the top rising stars under 23.
Early Life
Born in Flemington, New Jersey, Richard Livornese Jr. was actively involved in sports from a young age, particularly football and lacrosse. He attended Stevens Institute of Technology, where he played college lacrosse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with sports activities halted, Richard discovered pickleball at a local club in his hometown. This newfound interest quickly turned into a passion, leading him to co-found a pickleball academy and set his sights on a professional career in the sport.
Family Life
Richard comes from a close-knit Italian-American family. While specific details about his family members are private, he has mentioned the challenges of adhering to a strict athlete’s diet, especially when it means forgoing traditional family meals like pasta and pizza.
Career
Richard’s pickleball career has been marked by rapid progress and notable achievements. He has competed in 36 professional tournaments, participating in a total of 355 career matches as of June 2025. His record includes 191 wins and 164 losses in men’s doubles, 76 wins and 52 losses in men’s singles, and 72 wins and 58 losses in mixed doubles.
Some of his career highlights include:
Richard is also a member of the 2023 APP Next Gen National Team and has committed to a three-year contract with Major League Pickleball (2024–2026).
Beyond playing, Richard contributes to the pickleball community by coaching at The Pickle Jar in New Jersey and sharing insights through articles on platforms like Pickleball Portal.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Richard’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his earnings come from tournament prizes, coaching, sponsorships (notably with Bounce Pickleball), and content creation. His decision to pursue pickleball professionally over a lucrative finance job underscores his commitment to the sport.
