Best Pickleball Player in the World

The best pickleball player in the world, by any measure, is Anna Leigh Waters. At just 19 years old, she holds the No. 1 ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles on the PPA Tour, and is widely regarded as the greatest female player the sport has produced. On the men’s side, Ben Johns stands alone as the greatest of all time, with a 108-match singles winning streak, 21 Triple Crowns, and over 150 gold medals to his name.

Best Female Pickleball Players in the World

The women’s game has produced a handful of players who consistently compete at the top of the professional circuit. These are the names that define what elite pickleball looks like right now.

• Anna Leigh Waters: The undisputed No. 1 worldwide, with nearly 200 career gold medals on the PPA Tour. Waters turned professional as a teenager and has dominated the women’s game ever since, holding top rankings in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the same time. Her consistency across all three disciplines has drawn comparisons to the greatest athletes in any racquet sport, and she became the first pickleball player to sign with Nike.
• Anna Bright: Widely regarded as the consensus No. 2 female player in the world, known for her aggressive, powerful style of play. Bright commands a high valuation and top draft status in Major League Pickleball, and has established herself as one of the most formidable competitors on the tour across all three disciplines.
• Jorja Johnson: One of the most exciting young talents in the women’s game, with a reputation built largely on strong performances in mixed doubles. Johnson has risen quickly through the rankings, combining natural athleticism with sharp court positioning that has made her one to watch across the full professional season.

Best Male Pickleball Players in the World

Ben Johns set the benchmark for what dominance in professional pickleball looks like. The men’s game has a small group of players consistently contending for the top positions.

• Ben Johns: Widely recognised as the greatest male pickleball player of all time. His 108-match singles winning streak, 21 Triple Crowns, and more than 150 gold medals put him in a category of his own. Johns is celebrated not only for his results but for the depth of his tactical and strategic understanding, which separates him from every other competitor the sport has seen.
• Christopher Haworth: Holds the top spot in current PPA Tour men’s singles rankings, making him the present benchmark in competitive men’s play. Technically precise and mentally composed, Haworth has built his standing through consistent performances across the full professional season rather than a single standout tournament run.
• Federico Staksrud and JW Johnson: Both consistently rank in the top 3 on the men’s tour, regularly contending for titles in singles and doubles. Staksrud brings power and aggression at the net. Johnson offers exceptional athleticism and, alongside Ben Johns, is part of one of the most decorated doubles partnerships in the sport’s modern era.

How to Track Who Is the Best Pickleball Player in the World

Pickleball rankings shift frequently. The professional circuit is growing fast, and new tournaments are added throughout the season, so standings can look different from week to week.

For the most current picture of where the top players stand, follow the official PPA Tour Rankings or check DUPR Rankings. DUPR is particularly useful because it ranks players across all skill levels globally, making it a practical tool for recreational players and fans tracking the sport’s development, not just those following the professional game.

Get on the Court with Sin Ten Sports

The best pickleball players in the world combine elite athleticism, technical precision, and top-quality equipment. Reaching the level of Anna Leigh Waters or Ben Johns takes years of dedication, but every player at every stage starts with a paddle that suits their game.

We stock a range of quality pickleball paddles for players from first-time beginners to serious competitors. Visit us at our table tennis shop in Singapore at Braddell MRT, or browse online to find the right fit.

Curious how pickleball stacks up against other racquet sports? Read our breakdown of padel vs pickleball for the key differences in rules, equipment, and gameplay.