🏆 Our Top Pickleball Player Picks for 2025
The Best of the Best This Year
When I first started watching pro pickleball, I couldn’t believe how fast the game was. The players were quick, smart, and exciting. So for 2025, I made a list of the Pickleball Top Players I believe are really standing out right now.
Some players are amazing in singles. Others crush it in doubles. A few can do both — that’s super rare!
Why These Players Made the List
To be on this list, players had to:
- Win or place high in big tournaments
- Play well all year long
- Have high live and official points
- Keep fans excited with their skills
Here are my Top Pickleball Players Picks for 2025:
| Player Name | Country | Age | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | USA | 25 | All-around star |
| Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 17 | Dominates singles |
| Federico Staksrud | Argentina | 27 | Super fast singles |
| Catherine Parenteau | Canada | 29 | Smart and steady |
| Tyson McGuffin | USA | 34 | Powerful and bold |
| Anna Bright | USA | 24 | Rising young player |
| Collin Johns | USA | 30 | Doubles expert |
| Riley Newman | USA | 30 | Trick shots & power |
💪 What Makes a Top Pickleball Player in 2025?
The Skills You Need to Shine
Not every good player becomes great. I’ve learned that the Pickleball Top Players in 2025 all have a few things in common:
- Quick Feet – They move like lightning.
- Sharp Thinking – They see the next move before it happens.
- Strong Shots – From dinks to smashes, they’ve got it all.
- Calm Under Pressure – Even in big finals, they stay cool.
How Players Get Ranked in 2025
Pickleball rankings work kind of like video game scores. Players earn points from playing in tournaments. The better they do, the more points they get.
There are two main types of rankings:
- Live Points – These change after every match.
- Official Points – These update after each tournament ends.
What’s DUPR and PPA?
Let me break it down simply:
- DUPR = Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating
→ Tracks all games, including local ones. - PPA Rankings = Pro Pickleball Association
→ Based only on PPA tournaments (the pro tour).
Tip: Always check both to know who’s really doing best!
🌍 Meet the Best Pickleball Players in the World (2025)
The Global Stars Taking Over
It’s 2025, and pickleball is now a global sport. While most of the Pickleball Top Players come from the USA, many are from places like Canada, Argentina, and even Europe.
Let’s take a look at the top stars in the world right now:
| Live Rank | Player | Country | Age | Current Tournament | Live Points | Official Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | USA | 25 | PPA Tour Finals | 9800 | 9700 |
| 2 | Federico Staksrud | Argentina | 27 | Orange County Open | 9500 | 9400 |
| 3 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 17 | US Open Pickleball | 9400 | 9350 |
| 4 | Catherine Parenteau | Canada | 29 | Canada Pro Series | 9100 | 9050 |
| 5 | Tyson McGuffin | USA | 34 | Selkirk Classic | 9000 | 8990 |
Who is #1 Right Now?
In 2025, Ben Johns is still on top for men, and Anna Leigh Waters is the #1 female player. These two are like the LeBron and Serena of pickleball. Watching them play is like watching magic.
👑 Top Male Pickleball Players in 2025
Players Every Fan Should Know
If you’re just starting out as a pickleball fan, let me introduce you to the top men dominating in 2025.
These guys are strong, fast, and super fun to watch. Here’s a breakdown:
🥇 Ben Johns – The Face of Pickleball
I’ve seen Ben play live. He controls the whole game. His shots are so smooth. He’s ranked #1 in singles and doubles. He’s a calm leader on court.
⚡ Federico Staksrud – The Challenger
Federico is super fast. He plays with a fire in his eyes. He’s always trying to beat Ben and gets close every time.
🤝 Collin Johns – The Doubles Star
Ben’s brother, Collin, is great at teamwork. His positioning in doubles is next-level. He’s a key reason the Johns brothers win so much.
💪 Tyson McGuffin – The Power Player
Tyson brings energy. You’ll hear his shouts during matches. He’s strong and fierce, and fans love his attitude.
🎯 Thomas Wilson – Doubles Expert
Wilson is sharp in doubles games. He moves like he’s dancing — smooth and smart.
💥 Riley Newman & Matt Wright – Dynamic Duo
These two together? Boom. They hit hard and think fast. You never know what’s coming next.
🎾 Jack Sock – From Tennis to Pickleball
Jack just moved from pro tennis to pickleball. And wow — he’s already winning. His tennis speed really helps.
🚀 James Ignatowich – Rising Fast
James has come out of nowhere. He’s young and fearless. You’ll see him climb the rankings fast in 2025.
✈️ Jay Devilliers – The Flying Frenchman
Jay is flashy. He dives, spins, and makes wild shots. The crowd loves him.
🧱 Andrei Daescu – Strong and Steady
Andrei plays with power and patience. He doesn’t make many mistakes. A real wall at the net.
🌀 Christian Alshon – Creative and Fast
Christian makes wild moves. He plays with fun and flair. He’s a fan favorite.
👀 Christopher Haworth – One to Watch
You may not know him yet. But soon, you will. Chris is rising, and 2025 might be his big year.
👸 Top Female Pickleball Players in 2025
Meet the Women Leading the Game
When I first started watching the women’s side of pickleball, I was amazed. These players are not just strong — they are smart, fast, and full of passion. In 2025, the Pickleball Top Players on the women’s side are dominating both singles and doubles.
Let me show you who’s shining right now.
🌟 Top 10 Women in 2025 – Ranked by Performance
| Live Rank | Player | Country | Age | Current Tournament | Live Points | Official Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 17 | US Open Pickleball | 9800 | 9750 |
| 2 | Catherine Parenteau | Canada | 29 | Canada Pro Series | 9600 | 9550 |
| 3 | Anna Bright | USA | 24 | PPA Championships | 9400 | 9350 |
| 4 | Callie Smith | USA | 31 | Selkirk Classic | 9100 | 9020 |
| 5 | Lucy Kovalova | USA | 33 | Desert Ridge Open | 9000 | 8950 |
| 6 | Simone Jardim | USA | 45 | Legends Tour | 8800 | 8750 |
| 7 | Lea Jansen | USA | 28 | Orange County Classic | 8700 | 8650 |
| 8 | Jorja Johnson | USA | 18 | Junior Pro Invite | 8600 | 8550 |
| 9 | Salome Devidze | Georgia | 31 | Atlanta Slam | 8500 | 8480 |
| 10 | Vivienne David | Canada | 27 | PPA Mixed Doubles Cup | 8400 | 8350 |
🏅 Spotlight: Women Who Stand Out
- Anna Leigh Waters – She’s just 17 and already the queen of the court! Her speed and smarts are unmatched.
- Catherine Parenteau – Always calm and focused. You can count on her to play smart, every time.
- Anna Bright – She’s bold and strong. Her forehand is something special!
- Simone Jardim – A true legend. Even in her 40s, she’s beating younger players. That’s inspiring!
- Jorja Johnson & Parris Todd – Two young stars who are making big moves this year.
👉 Tip: Don’t just watch singles! Many of these women are amazing in doubles too.
📈 Updated 2025 Pickleball Rankings: Singles & Doubles
Who’s On Top in Each Division?
The rankings in pickleball change fast. One day you’re #1, the next day someone else is climbing past you. I check these rankings weekly to see who’s hot.
Let’s look at how the Pickleball Top Players are doing in 2025 in different categories.
🧍♂️ Men’s Singles Rankings – July 2025
| Rank | Player | Country | Age | Live Points | Official Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | USA | 25 | 9800 | 9700 |
| 2 | Federico Staksrud | ARG | 27 | 9500 | 9400 |
| 3 | James Ignatowich | USA | 24 | 9200 | 9100 |
🧍♀️ Women’s Singles Rankings – July 2025
| Rank | Player | Country | Age | Live Points | Official Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 17 | 9800 | 9750 |
| 2 | Catherine Parenteau | CAN | 29 | 9600 | 9550 |
| 3 | Anna Bright | USA | 24 | 9400 | 9350 |
🤝 Men’s Doubles Rankings – July 2025
| Rank | Players | Country | Live Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns / Collin Johns | USA | 9900 |
| 2 | Riley Newman / Matt Wright | USA | 9700 |
| 3 | Tyson McGuffin / Jay Devilliers | USA | 9400 |
👯♀️ Women’s Doubles Rankings – July 2025
| Rank | Players | Country | Live Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anna Leigh Waters / Anna Bright | USA | 9800 |
| 2 | Catherine Parenteau / Lea Jansen | CAN/USA | 9500 |
| 3 | Callie Smith / Lucy Kovalova | USA | 9200 |
👉 Pro Tip: Live rankings can shift daily, so check PPA’s site if you want the freshest numbers!
📊 Comparing DUPR vs. PPA: Who Ranks Who?
Wait… There Are Two Rankings?
Yep! When I started, I got confused too. Two systems? What’s going on?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
📘 What Is DUPR?
DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating.
It looks at all your games — even those at your local courts!
- Uses math to rate every shot and game.
- Helps both pros and amateurs.
- Ratings range from 2.0 (beginner) to 8.0+ (pro level).
Why It’s Great: It’s fair and updates after every match.
📗 What Is PPA Ranking?
PPA stands for Pro Pickleball Association.
It ranks only pro players who play in PPA events.
- Tracks tournament results only.
- Focuses on official points.
- Players earn money and fame from this list.
🆚 Key Differences Table
| Feature | DUPR | PPA Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Who it ranks | Everyone (all levels) | Pros only |
| How it updates | Every match | After each tournament |
| Focus | Skill rating | Tournament points |
| Who uses it | Amateurs + Pros | Pro tour only |
👉 Tip: Want to track your own rating? Use DUPR. Want to follow the big stars? Check PPA.
🚀 Rising Pickleball Stars to Watch in 2025
The Next Big Names
One of my favorite things in pickleball is seeing new stars rise. Every season, someone new starts winning and surprises everyone.
Here are the rising Pickleball Top Players in 2025 who could soon be ranked #1!
🌱 Future Stars on the Rise
| Player Name | Country | Age | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jorja Johnson | USA | 18 | Smart & fearless |
| Parris Todd | USA | 24 | Stylish, sharp serves |
| James Ignatowich | USA | 24 | Quick and bold |
| Judit Castillo | Spain | 26 | Energy-packed |
| Megan Fudge | USA | 30 | Focused, steady shots |
| Chris Haworth | USA | 25 | Calm and calculated |
🧠 What Makes Them Special?
- Speed – They move fast and keep pressure on.
- Confidence – They’re not afraid to take big shots.
- Fresh Style – New techniques and new gear.
I saw Jorja Johnson play in a small match last year, and now she’s climbing fast! It shows how quickly things can change in 2025.
👉 Tip: Follow these players now — so when they win big later, you can say, “I saw it coming!”
🐐 Pickleball’s All-Time Greats
Legends Who Changed the Game
I’ve watched pickleball grow fast over the years. But some players helped it become what it is today. These Pickleball Top Players from the past are still loved in 2025 — because they were just that good.
Some are retired. Others are still coaching or playing in special events. Either way, they’re legends.
🏆 Hall of Fame–Level Greats
| Player Name | Country | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Simone Jardim | USA | First female superstar |
| Kyle Yates | USA | Doubles genius |
| Ben Johns | USA | Still active, already a GOAT |
| Lucy Kovalova | USA | Doubles queen |
| Tyson McGuffin | USA | Power, style, and passion |
| Scott Moore | USA | Senior player dominance |
| Sarah Ansboury | USA | Teaching and playing both |
🌟 What Makes a GOAT in Pickleball?
- Winning lots of championships
- Playing for years with consistency
- Helping grow the game off the court
👉 Pro Tip: Want to learn faster? Watch how these greats played — smooth footwork, smart moves, and always calm.
🌐 Which Country Is the Best at Pickleball?
Where Do the Best Players Come From?
When I started playing, I thought pickleball was only big in the U.S. But now in 2025, it’s growing fast in other countries too!
Still, most of the Pickleball Top Players in 2025 are from the USA — but they’re getting serious competition from other nations.
🌍 Countries with Top Players in 2025
| Country | Star Players | Rank in World |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters | #1 |
| Canada | Catherine Parenteau, Vivienne David | #2 |
| Argentina | Federico Staksrud | #3 |
| France | Jay Devilliers | #4 |
| Spain | Judit Castillo | #5 |
🌏 Is Pickleball Popular in Asia?
Yes — and growing fast! Countries like India, China, Japan, and the Philippines are starting to host tournaments and build more courts.
I saw a junior match from Tokyo last week — and wow, those kids are fast!
👉 Tip: Watch for more Asian players in future rankings. They’re coming!
💰 Highest Paid Pickleball Players in 2025
Who’s Earning the Big Bucks?
Pickleball isn’t just a fun sport anymore — it’s a serious career for many. Some of the Pickleball Top Players in 2025 are making big money through tournaments, gear deals, and YouTube channels.
Let’s see who’s banking the most this year.
💸 Top 5 Highest-Earning Players
| Player Name | Country | Age | Main Income Source | 2025 Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | USA | 25 | Sponsorships + Tour Wins | $2.1 Million |
| Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 17 | Prize + Brand Deals | $1.8 Million |
| Tyson McGuffin | USA | 34 | Gear Line + Events | $1.5 Million |
| Catherine Parenteau | Canada | 29 | PPA Wins + Coaching | $1.2 Million |
| Federico Staksrud | ARG | 27 | Tour + Sponsorships | $1 Million |
🎙️ How Do They Make Money?
- Winning tournaments = prize money
- Signing with paddle brands (like Joola or Selkirk)
- Coaching or running camps
- YouTube and social media channels
- Selling their own paddle lines
👉 Pro Tip: Want to go pro? Start small, join tournaments, and build your name. The money will come later.
🎯 How Do Pickleball Skill Ratings Work?
What’s a 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0 Player?
When I first played in a local league, someone asked, “Are you a 3.5 or a 4.0?” I had no clue! 😅
But now I know: Skill ratings help match you with players at your level. It’s how the pros — and even local players — get ranked.
📊 Pickleball Rating Chart (Simple View)
| Rating | What It Means | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0–2.5 | Just starting out | Beginner |
| 3.0 | Can rally, learning strategy | Low Intermediate |
| 3.5 | Stronger shots, some control | Intermediate |
| 4.0 | Good footwork + teamwork | Advanced |
| 4.5 | Controls pace, fewer errors | Very Advanced |
| 5.0+ | Tournament-ready | Pro Level |
🛠️ How Do You Get Rated?
- Play in leagues or tournaments
- Get rated by a coach or official
- Use DUPR to track your games
Your DUPR score will update automatically if you log your games. It’s smart and fair — and it helps everyone find good matches.
👉 Tip: Don’t stress about your number! Keep learning, and your rating will grow over time.
🔄 Why the Pickleball Top Players Keep Changing
New Stars Rise Fast
One thing I’ve learned while following pickleball is this — the game moves fast! One month you see a new name, and suddenly they’re beating everyone. That’s because pickleball rewards hard work and quick learning.
In 2025, we’ve seen many Pickleball Top Players lose and win in ways no one expected!
📉 Rankings Can Change Every Week
Players gain or lose points based on how they perform in tournaments. If a top player gets injured or skips events, they can fall in rank fast. At the same time, a younger player might rise by winning back-to-back events.
Here’s a look at recent point shifts:
| Player | Country | Age | Last 3 Tournaments | Point Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Bright | USA | 24 | 🥈🥇🥈 | +400 |
| Tyson McGuffin | USA | 34 | 🥉❌🥉 | -250 |
| James Ignatowich | USA | 24 | 🥇🥇🥇 | +650 |
| Catherine Parenteau | CAN | 29 | ❌🥈🥈 | -100 |
💡 Why It Happens
- Injuries or burnout
- Younger players getting stronger
- Better strategies or coaching
- Fast tournament schedule (sometimes weekly!)
👉 Pro Tip: Always check the “Live Points” chart before a match. You’ll see who’s hot right now — not just on paper.
📅 2025 Pickleball Tournaments: Scores & Player Stats
Where Rankings Come to Life
Every big tournament in 2025 gives out points that decide who the Pickleball Top Players are. These events are fun to watch, and even more fun to play in (if you’re ready!).
I love following the scoreboard live and seeing who’s climbing.
🏟️ Big Tournaments That Matter in 2025
| Tournament Name | Month | Location | Points for Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Open Pickleball | April | Florida, USA | 2000 |
| PPA Championships | June | California, USA | 2500 |
| Orange County Classic | July | California, USA | 1800 |
| Canada Pro Series | August | Toronto, Canada | 1500 |
| Selkirk Masters | October | Utah, USA | 2200 |
📊 How Players Earn Points
- 🥇 1st Place = Highest points
- 🥈 2nd Place = Slightly fewer
- 🥉 3rd & below = Still earns some
Live Points are updated after each match, while Official Points update after the whole tournament.
👉 Tip: A player could win two small events and pass someone who placed 3rd in a big one. It’s all about staying consistent!
🤔 FAQs: Pickleball Top Players in 2025
Quick Answers to Common Questions
I get asked these all the time — by friends, fans, and even kids at the local court! So here’s a quick and easy FAQ for anyone curious about the top names in pickleball this year.
Who is the best pickleball player in the world?
In 2025, Ben Johns is #1 on the men’s side, and Anna Leigh Waters is #1 for women.
Who is ranked #1 today?
Check the latest Live Points ranking — but it’s usually Ben and Anna Leigh leading.
| Live Rank | Player | Country | Live Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | USA | 9800 |
| 1 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 9800 |
Who plays the most tournaments?
Players like James Ignatowich and Parris Todd play almost every event — they rack up points fast!
Who is the #1 female player?
Anna Leigh Waters has held the top spot in women’s singles and doubles for over a year.
Who is Server 1 in a match?
Server 1 is the first person to serve on a team in doubles. It switches every side-out, so remember to keep score properly!
👉 Tip: When watching matches, check the paddle color. Some teams use color-coded paddles to help track who’s serving!
🎉 Final Thoughts: Who Will Be the Best in 2025?
My Bold Predictions
After watching dozens of matches, studying rankings, and even chatting with local pros, I’ve got a few bold takes for 2025. Let’s see if I’m right by year-end!
🔮 Players I Think Will Stay at the Top
- Ben Johns – His skills are just too polished. Still the champ.
- Anna Leigh Waters – Young, fierce, and confident.
- Federico Staksrud – Might challenge Ben if he keeps improving.
- Anna Bright – Could take over doubles this year.
🚀 Players I Think Will Rise Fast
- James Ignatowich – Already climbing, fearless player.
- Jorja Johnson – Her game is clean and getting sharper.
- Judit Castillo – Europe’s next star is coming!
🎯 What Makes These Stars Stand Out?
- They play often and win a lot.
- They’re mentally tough, even under pressure.
- They mix power with smart strategies.
👉 Final Tip: Don’t just follow the rankings. Watch how these players move, serve, and think. That’s what really makes a top player in 2025.