As of 2024, pickleball continues to grow in popularity, and with it, the rise of numerous top-tier professional athletes. The sport’s landscape is dynamic, with a mix of young prodigies and experienced veterans vying for the top spots. Here’s a comprehensive look at the best pickleball players in the world, both men and women, based on their recent performances, rankings, and accomplishments.
Men’s Division: Dominance of Ben Johns
Ben Johns
Ben Johns remains at the pinnacle of men’s pickleball in 2024. Known for his tactical brilliance and all-around skill, Johns has consistently ranked as the world’s No. 1 player in men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. His dominance in the sport is marked by his numerous gold medals from major tournaments, including the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and the US Open Pickleball Championships. Johns’ ability to adapt his game to different conditions and opponents has allowed him to maintain his top position for several consecutive years. His strategic play and powerful forehand make him a force on the court (The Pickleball Source) (My Pickleball Authority).
| Player | Ranking (2024) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | 1 | Multiple gold medals in PPA, US Open championships |
| Tyson McGuffin | 2 | 13 gold medals, Grand Slam, and National Champion |
| JW Johnson | 3 | Known for aggressive playstyle and major tournament wins |
Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin, another key player in the pickleball world, has also held top spots in men’s singles and doubles. With 13 gold medals under his belt, McGuffin’s legacy in pickleball is well-established. His career took off in 2015, and since then, he has maintained a high level of performance, earning him recognition as one of the sport’s best athletes. McGuffin is particularly known for his resilience and powerful serves, which help him remain competitive against younger players (Tennisnerd.net).
JW Johnson
Rising star JW Johnson is one of the most aggressive and consistent players on the pro circuit. He entered the top five rankings in 2023 and continues to make waves with his powerful, fast-paced playstyle. Known for his ability to win against more experienced players, Johnson is seen as one of the future stars of pickleball (The Pickleball Source) (My Pickleball Authority).
Riley Newman
Riley Newman is ranked among the top pickleball players, particularly in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, where he often partners with his sister, Lindsey Newman. His success in tournaments such as the Texas Open and the Las Vegas Open has solidified his place as a leading figure in pickleball (My Pickleball Authority).
Women’s Division: The Rise of Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Leigh Waters
At just 17, Anna Leigh Waters is the world’s No. 1 female pickleball player in 2024. Waters’ remarkable career began at a young age, and she has amassed over 100 gold medals, including 26 PPA Triple Crowns. Her dominance in both singles and doubles (where she often partners with Catherine Parenteau) has made her a near-unbeatable force. Waters’ 20-3 record in 2024 alone demonstrates her exceptional consistency and talent(
| Player | Ranking (2024) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Leigh Waters | 1 | 100+ gold medals, 26 PPA Triple Crowns |
| Catherine Parenteau | 2 | US Open Pro Women’s Doubles Champion |
| Lea Jansen | 3 | Over 30 singles medals, rapid rise in rankings |
| Salome Devidze | 5 | Multiple APP and PPA gold medals, win over Anna Leigh Waters |
Catherine Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau, ranked second in the world, has established herself as a formidable doubles player alongside Waters. Her background in tennis has greatly influenced her pickleball success, helping her secure several major titles, including the US Open Pro Women’s Doubles Championship (My Pickleball Authority).
Lea Jansen
Lea Jansen, a player who took up pickleball in 2019, is another strong contender in women’s singles and doubles. Despite taking a brief break from the sport to manage her diabetes, Jansen returned to the circuit with impressive results, quickly reestablishing herself in the top rankings. She currently holds the third spot in women’s singles(Tennisnerd.net).
Salome Devidze
Salome Devidze has also made a significant impact in the pickleball world. Known for her strategic play and powerful shots, Devidze is one of the few players who have defeated Anna Leigh Waters in professional competition. This accomplishment, coupled with her multiple gold medals from PPA and APP events, has secured her place as one of the top female athletes in the sport (Tennisnerd.net).
The Professional Pickleball Circuit
The professional pickleball circuit is highly competitive, with a calendar packed with key tournaments that attract the best players from around the world. Some of the most prestigious events include:
- Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour: The PPA Tour is the premier competition for pro players, offering events throughout the year in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories (My Pickleball Authority).
- US Open Pickleball Championships: This event is known for its large prize pools and elite competition, drawing players like Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Leigh Waters (Tennisnerd.net).
- Tournament of Champions: Another major event on the circuit, this tournament is renowned for its high level of competition and large audiences (The Pickleball Source).
The Future of Pickleball
As pickleball continues to grow globally, the future of the sport looks bright. The top players, both men and women, are pushing the boundaries of the game with their athleticism and innovation. Young stars like Anna Leigh Waters and JW Johnson are paving the way for the next generation, while veterans like Ben Johns and Tyson McGuffin maintain their dominance.
All in all, the best pickleball players in 2024 are a mix of young talent and experienced pros. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters lead the pack in their respective divisions, but with emerging stars like JW Johnson and Salome Devidze making waves, the sport’s landscape is constantly evolving. These athletes will continue to inspire both fans and aspiring players as pickleball grows into a globally recognized sport.
