BREAKING NEWS: Ben Johns Named Greatest Pickleball Player of the 21st Century
May 19, 2025
In a historic recognition, Ben Johns has been officially named the Greatest Pickleball Player of the 21st Century, edging out a list of elite contenders in a sport that has seen explosive global growth.
Known for his unmatched skill set, surgical precision, court vision, and unselfish style of play, Johns has become the face of modern pickleball. At just 25 years old, he has already captured dozens of major titles and revolutionized the game with his creative shot-making and tactical awareness.
The selection panel, made up of analysts, former champions, and leading voices in the pickleball world, voted Johns ahead of an all-star lineup that included Anna Leigh Waters, Federico Staksrud, Catherine Parenteau, Collin Johns, and Dylan Frazier.
“Ben’s dominance, consistency, and ability to elevate those around him made this a unanimous decision,” one panel member said. “He’s not just the best — he’s changed the way pickleball is played.”
The announcement cements Johns’ legacy as the defining player of a generation and a global ambassador for the sport.
