Rally Kings & Queens: Meet the Players Who Stole the Spotlight This Season

Every season, a few pickleball players rise above the rest — not just for their stats, but for their spirit, skill, and the way they light up the court. They remind us why we love this game: the rallies, the grit, and the moments that make the crowd gasp.

This year was packed with players who didn’t just play — they owned their moments. Let’s meet the kings and queens of the rally who made 2025 a year to remember.

1. Anna Leigh Waters – The Phenomenon

At just 18, Anna Leigh Waters has become the face of modern pickleball. She’s fierce, focused, and already ranked No. 1 across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles — something few players ever achieve in their entire careers.

Her style? Explosive. Her presence? Electric. Waters plays with a mix of fearlessness and finesse that keeps her opponents guessing and her fans in awe.

Why she stole the spotlight:

• Dominates every division she enters.
• Balances youthful energy with veteran-level strategy.
• Proves that pickleball is a sport for all generations — and the next one is already here.

Takeaway for players: Confidence isn’t arrogance. Believe you belong on the court before you even pick up your paddle.

2. Ben Johns – The Engineer of Excellence

Ben Johns is the picture of precision. Ranked among the world’s best in men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Johns approaches pickleball like a science experiment — every shot measured, every point calculated.

He’s known for composure under pressure and a game plan that seems two moves ahead. His technique may look effortless, but it’s built on relentless study and adaptation.

Why he stole the spotlight:

• Consistency that borders on perfection.
• Smart partnerships and tactical flexibility.
• An ability to turn even defense into art.

Takeaway for players: Strategy wins stamina battles. Think through your match like a chessboard, and make every shot part of a bigger plan.

3. Andre Agassi – The Legend Who Crossed Over

Yes, that Andre Agassi — the tennis legend — made his professional pickleball debut in 2025 and promptly won his first doubles match alongside Anna Leigh Waters. His entry sent shockwaves through the sport and drew a whole new audience to pickleball.

It’s proof that elite skill and mindset can translate across disciplines. And maybe even more important, that it’s never too late to find a new passion.

Why he stole the spotlight:

• Brought mainstream attention to pickleball.
• Showed that reinvention is always possible.
• Added celebrity sparkle to an already booming community.

Takeaway for players: Reinventing yourself keeps you fresh. Whether you’re 18 or 58, it’s never too late to start a new chapter — or a new sport.

The Common Thread: Focus, Fun, and Fearlessness

What do these three share? They all play with focus, consistency, and total commitment — but they never lose their sense of fun.

• Waters shows the power of fearlessness.
• Johns proves that preparation equals dominance.
• Agassi reminds us that passion transcends boundaries.

Each one brings a different energy to the game, but together they represent what pickleball is all about: intensity, creativity, and community.

The Spotlight Is for Everyone

You don’t have to be a pro to steal the show. Maybe your moment is a perfect serve during league play, or a comeback in your first local tournament. Maybe it’s just the smile you get after a 20-shot rally.

Every time you step on the court, you’re writing your own story.

Because in pickleball, greatness isn’t just about rankings — it’s about showing up, giving your all, and letting your passion shine through every single rally.

So grab your paddle, call your partner, and chase your own spotlight. You never know who’s watching.