The Best Male Pickleball Players Of 2025: Q1 Rankings Revealed
Source: PPA Tour
Yesterday, we broke down the top 20 women making waves in professional pickleball. Today, it's time to turn the spotlight on the men. These updated rankings reflect the latest trends and performances across the 2025 pro pickleball season—and the shuffle has been fascinating.
Some stars are solidifying their legacies. Others are just breaking through. Let’s get into it.
1. Ben Johns (Previously #1)
Still the gold standard. While some question his intensity during MLP events, Ben’s renewed partnership with Gabe Tardio seems to have injected fresh energy into his game. When fully locked in, Johns remains the player to beat.
2. Christian Alshon (Previously #3)
Alshon’s trajectory continues upward. After earning “Most Improved” honors in 2023 and nearly repeating in 2024, he’s now arguably the top threat to dethrone Ben. The margin is slim, but it’s still there.
3. Andrei Daescu (Previously #7)
A significant jump, and well deserved. Daescu’s left-side dominance and elite dinking ability make him a serious problem, even for the likes of Johns. His mixed results have improved too, despite not always having A-list partners.
4. Federico Staksrud (Previously #2)
Versatile across all formats, though he’s hit a rough patch in singles as the field tightens. Mixed doubles remains an area for growth.
5. JW Johnson (Previously #4)
Aggression has made all the difference. JW’s recent improvements in mixed have come from better poaching instincts, but his men’s doubles results have slipped slightly since parting ways with Dylan Frazier.
6. Gabe Tardio (Previously #6)
Two singles golds and a solidified partnership with Ben Johns in men’s doubles? Tardio’s stock is rising. He’s holding his own in mixed as well, even when paired with inconsistent partners.
7. Hayden Patriquin (Previously #6)
A top-tier doubles specialist, especially alongside Staksrud. Mixed results are lagging, but his presence on the men’s doubles court is unquestionable.
8. Will Howells (Previously #9)
A wildcard. Howells remains hard to evaluate due to a limited schedule against elite competition. His upcoming MLP debut and potential move to the PPA Tour in 2026 should tell us more.
9. Dekel Bar (Previously #12)
Consistency has been the name of the game for Bar in 2025. He’s been strong in both men’s and mixed doubles, narrowing the gap with the top-tier players.
10. Dylan Frazier (Previously #11)
His decision to leave JW Johnson in pursuit of the left side hasn’t panned out. Ironically, his best results have come when playing right with partners like Eric Oncins. A reunion with JW—or a partnership with Howells—might unlock his next level.
11. Tyson McGuffin (Previously #13)
The grinder. McGuffin is still incredibly tough, versatile, and underestimated. While a slow decline may be coming, he continues to show up deep in brackets.
12. CJ Klinger (Previously #14)
Arguably the best lefty on tour. He handles lower-ranked opponents with ease but struggles to break into the top 10. Needs more assertiveness—and better partners—in mixed.
13. Riley Newman (Previously #8)
It’s been a rocky 2025 for Newman. The split from Matt Wright was the right call, but the follow-up hasn’t worked. Reaching quarters consistently, but nothing beyond. His game may need a refresh.
14. Pablo Tellez (Previously #10)
Steady but unspectacular. Tellez is a popular partner due to his left-side compatibility, but he hasn’t made real waves this season, especially in mixed.
15. Eric Oncins (Previously Unranked)
The breakout name of 2025. His win with Frazier over Alshon/Daescu turned heads, but his performance with Matt Wright in Mesa sealed the deal. Expect to see a lot more of him this year.
16. Connor Garnett (Previously #17)
A singles force (top 5) and a solid doubles contributor. Doubles results usually cap at quarterfinals, but he’s dependable and has upside.
17. Augie Ge (Previously #15)
Another reliable lefty. Like Tellez, Ge is never short on partners but doesn’t pose a big threat to podium.
18. Jaume Martinez Vich (Previously #19)
Elite at singles, weaker in mixed. Consistently a threat in early rounds, but rarely pushes deep in doubles.
19. James Ignatowich (Previously #18)
Tough to pin down. Once top 10, injuries stalled his momentum. But recent flashes hint at a possible resurgence. A player to keep an eye on.
20. Noe Khlif (Previously Unranked)
The final spot goes to Khlif, who brings athleticism, speed, and solid all-around skills. Needs to improve power and passing shots, but has the raw tools to climb.
On The Cusp
Quang Duong, Hunter Johnson, Zane Navratil, and Tyler Loong. The line between #16-20 and the next group is razor thin.
Final Thoughts
This top 20 list captures the dynamic shifts happening in men’s professional pickleball. As the sport continues to evolve, so too does the competition. Veterans are being tested, young stars are rising, and partnerships are constantly reshaped. Expect this ranking to look very different again in just a few months—because in pro pickleball, nothing stays still for long.