Ben Johns

Ben Johns: The Greatest Pickleball Player of All Time

Ben Johns is widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time and the most dominant force in the history of the PPA Tour. He competes in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, holding the #1 ranking in all three divisions for the majority of the time since 2020 — a feat no other player has achieved.

Quick Facts

• Hometown: Laytonsville, Maryland
• Education: University of Maryland — B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering
• Plays: Right-Handed
• Paddle: JOOLA
• Tour: PPA Tour
• Divisions: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles

Background & Early Career

Ben Johns grew up in Laytonsville, Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering. He discovered pickleball through his athletic background and quickly rose to dominance, becoming the sport’s youngest-ever #1 ranked player. His combination of elite athleticism, tactical intelligence, and relentless competitiveness set him apart from the moment he entered the professional circuit.

Career Achievements

Johns’ career statistics are staggering and unmatched in professional pickleball history:

• 123+ PPA Tour titles (gold medals) — more than any player in history
• 21 Triple Crowns (winning singles, doubles, and mixed at the same event) — more than any other male player. The only other male to achieve a Triple Crown is Tyson McGuffin with 1.
• 108-match winning streak in men’s singles
• #1 ranking in all three divisions simultaneously since 2020
• 36 singles titles
• 41 doubles titles (31 with Collin Johns, 8 with Matt Wright)
• 16 consecutive mixed doubles titles with Anna Leigh Waters (March 2023–February 2024)
• Earned at least one medal (gold, silver, or bronze) in all 59+ PPA tournaments he has entered

Playing Style

Johns is known for his extraordinary court coverage, precise shot placement, and ability to remain calm under pressure. His two-handed backhand is one of the most effective weapons in professional pickleball, and his ability to speed up and slow down rallies at will makes him nearly impossible to game-plan against. Whether in singles or doubles, Johns combines power, finesse, and an unmatched competitive drive that has defined an era of the sport.

Major League Pickleball

In addition to his PPA Tour dominance, Johns competes in Major League Pickleball (MLP), bringing his elite-level play to the team format and helping grow the sport’s audience.

Off the Court

Outside of competition, Johns is a savvy entrepreneur and co-owner of three pickleball businesses:

• Pickleball Getaways — all-inclusive vacations with professional pickleball instruction
• Pickleball 360 — an instructional video subscription service
• Johns Design & Consulting — signature court design and planning

His hobbies include traveling, reading, weightlifting, investing, and playing padel, table tennis, badminton, golf, chess, and Magic: The Gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Johns

Is Ben Johns the best pickleball player ever?

Yes, Ben Johns is widely considered the greatest pickleball player of all time, with 123+ PPA Tour titles, 21 Triple Crowns, and a 108-match singles winning streak — all records in professional pickleball.

How many titles has Ben Johns won?

As of 2024, Ben Johns has won over 123 PPA Tour gold medals, including 36 singles titles and 41 doubles titles, with at least one medal in every PPA tournament he has entered.

Where is Ben Johns from?

Ben Johns is from Laytonsville, Maryland. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering.

What paddle does Ben Johns use?

Ben Johns is sponsored by and plays with a JOOLA pickleball paddle.

Who does Ben Johns play doubles with?

Ben Johns has primarily partnered with his brother Collin Johns in men’s doubles (31 titles together) and Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles (16 consecutive titles from March 2023 to February 2024).

Does Ben Johns play in Major League Pickleball?

Yes, Ben Johns competes in Major League Pickleball (MLP) in addition to the PPA Tour.

What is Ben Johns’ singles winning streak?

Ben Johns holds the record for the longest singles winning streak in professional pickleball at 108 consecutive matches.

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