Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters remain the top-ranked pickleball players heading into the second half of the 2026 season, but several rising names are closing the gap and reshaping the storylines to watch. Based on the latest mid-year PPA and MLP rankings, here are the players worth following for the rest of the season.
Men's Singles and Doubles: Ben Johns Still Leads, But the Chase Is Tightening
Ben Johns holds the top men's ranking with what analysts describe as an expanding gap over the field, built on exceptional patience and discipline. Johns is known for identifying a winning pattern early in a game and repeating it until his opponent has no answer, a style that has made him the sport's most consistent competitor for several seasons running.
Hayden Patriquin sits at number two and is widely considered the most talented player on tour, though inconsistency has kept him from closing the gap on Johns. When his shot selection is disciplined, he is a serious threat to anyone in the field.
Gabe Tardio, ranked third, has built much of his success playing doubles alongside Johns, with strong right-side play as his calling card, though his mixed doubles results lag behind his men's doubles form.
JW Johnson rounds out the group to watch at number four, playing well across both men's and mixed doubles in 2026 despite opponents increasingly targeting his partner CJ Klinger to limit his offensive touches.
Women's Singles and Doubles: Anna Leigh Waters Dominates the Field
Anna Leigh Waters continues to lead the women's rankings by a wide and growing margin, with a level of consistency that has made her the player every other top-10 competitor is chasing.
Anna Bright sits at number two, and while she benefits from partnering with Waters, her individual play in 2026 has been strong enough to hold the second spot on her own merits.
Tyra Black, ranked third, has quietly improved her right-side game this year. Her forehand dinking, once considered a weaker part of her mixed doubles play, has become far less exploitable, and she continues to bring elite power and defense to every match.
Rachel Rohrabacher, at number four, has climbed back after a mid-season slump by sharpening her forehand volley technique, which has opened up stronger left-side play across her recent matches.
Names to Watch as the Season Progresses
A few players outside the top four are worth keeping an eye on. Federico Staksrud continues to hold a top men's ranking while excelling in singles, an increasingly rare skill set on tour. On the women's side, Parris Todd has strong right-side positioning built around her backhand up the middle, while Eric Oncins is an emerging men's prospect whose improved left-side coverage could push him into the top tier if his consistency catches up to his talent. If you're the type who studies film for the trick shots as much as the rankings, our ATP tee is named for the exact kind of highlight-reel play these pros are chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the number one ranked pickleball player in 2026?
Ben Johns holds the top men's ranking and Anna Leigh Waters holds the top women's ranking, according to the latest 2026 mid-year PPA rankings.
Who is the most improved pickleball player this season?
Tyra Black and Rachel Rohrabacher have both shown notable improvement in 2026, with Black tightening her forehand dinking and Rohrabacher rebuilding her left-side game around a stronger forehand volley.
Where can I watch top pickleball players compete?
Top-ranked players compete throughout the year on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball team events, both of which broadcast select matches and post full replays online.
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