In this Ben Johns biography and profile, you’ll find his background, career highlights, rankings, personal life, sponsors, and the key facts that matter most.
Basics
Full Name: Benjamin Todd “Ben” Johns
Nationality: American
Born: March 18, 1999 (Age 26)
Birthplace: Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
Current Residence: Austin, Texas & Boca Raton, Florida
Playing Style: Right-handed with one-handed backhand
Year Turned Pro: 2016
Education: University of Maryland (Materials Science & Engineering)
Career Prize Money: $145,000+ (tournament winnings only)
Total Annual Earnings: $2.5+ million (2025, including salary & endorsements)
Astrological Sign: Pisces
Record
Current Status: #1 ranked player in the world across all divisions
DUPR Rating: 7.341 (highest-rated male player globally)
PPA Tour Rankings: #1 in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles
Career Medal Count: 123+ PPA gold medals (as of Red Rock Open 2024)
Triple Crowns: 21 Triple Crown victories (more than any other male in professional pickleball history)
Major Achievements:
- 108-match winning streak in singles
- 36 singles titles
- 41 doubles titles (31 with C. Johns, 8 with M. Wright, 1 with J. Devilliers, 1 with D. Bar)
- 46 mixed doubles titles (31 with A. Waters, 12 with S. Jardim, 1 with J. Irvine, 2 with E. Wright)
- Medal earned in all 59 PPA tournaments played
- 16 consecutive doubles titles with Anna Leigh Waters (March 2023-February 2024)
Socials
Instagram: @benjohns_pb – 120K+ followers
Twitter/X: @BenJohns_pb
Official Websites: Pickleball Getaways | Pickleball 360
Business Ventures: Johns Design & Consulting (signature court design)
DUPR Profile: Ben Johns DUPR
Bio
Ben Johns transformed from a multi-sport athlete into the greatest pickleball player of all time. Originally excelling in tennis and table tennis while helping train his older brother Collin for professional tennis, Ben discovered pickleball during a 2016 Florida vacation at age 17. Within months, he placed fifth at the U.S. Open, launching an unprecedented career trajectory.
Career Timeline:
- 2016: Discovered pickleball, turned professional same year
- 2017: Won first U.S. Open gold medal in Men’s Pro Singles
- 2019: Became first male to achieve Triple Crown at Tournament of Champions
- 2021-2022: Additional Triple Crowns at U.S. Open
- 2024: Graduated University of Maryland with Materials Science & Engineering degree
Known for his strategic precision, unmatched consistency, and analytical approach to the game. His dominance spans all three competitive divisions simultaneously, a feat unmatched in professional pickleball history.
Personal
Family: Middle child of seven siblings; brother Collin Johns (regular doubles partner and fellow pro); sister Hannah Johns (PPA sideline reporter and senior content editor)
Education: University of Maryland graduate (Materials Science & Engineering, 2024)
Residence: Austin, Texas (family travels to tournaments)
Hobbies: Traveling, reading, weightlifting, investing, playing padel, table tennis, badminton, spikeball, golf, Fortnite, Magic: The Gathering, chess
Philosophy: Strategic, analytical approach to both game improvement and business ventures
Partners
Current Paddle:
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle
Major Sponsors:
- JOOLA (Paddle and apparel sponsor)
- Jigsaw Health (Nutrition partner)
Business Ventures:
Johns Design & Consulting (signature court design and planning)
Pickleball Getaways (all-inclusive pickleball vacation instruction with Dekel Bar)
Pickleball 360 (instructional video subscription service with Collin Johns and Dekel Bar)
FAQs
How does Ben Johns’ DUPR rating compare to other pros?
Ben’s 7.341 DUPR rating represents the highest male rating globally, significantly ahead of most professional players who typically range between 6.5-7.0, demonstrating measurable dominance beyond subjective rankings.
How did Materials Science engineering influence his game?
His engineering background fostered analytical thinking about paddle physics, spin mechanics, and court geometry, allowing him to optimize equipment choices and understand ball behavior at a deeper technical level than most competitors.
Why did Ben Johns switch from tennis to pickleball?
He discovered pickleball offered better competitive opportunities and career potential than tennis, where he faced stiffer competition. His tennis foundation provided immediate advantages in the emerging professional pickleball landscape.
Is Ben Johns involved in pickleball court design?
Yes—Johns Design & Consulting offers signature court planning services, leveraging his Materials Science background and playing experience to optimize court specifications, surfaces, and layouts for clubs and municipalities seeking professional-grade facilities.
