If you know pickleball, you know Ben Johns.
And if you don’t… well, you’re about to learn why this guy is considered the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of our sport.
The numbers don’t lie – Ben just doesn’t lose.
Singles? Dominates. Doubles? Crushes it. Mixed doubles? You better believe he’s at the top.
They call him Mr. Triple Crown for a reason, folks. While most of us are stoked to win a local rec tournament, Ben’s out there collecting major titles like they’re Pokemon cards.
But here’s the thing that makes Ben’s story even more incredible: while most of us were trying to figure out college life, he was already revolutionizing pickleball and becoming the sport’s first real superstar. Pretty wild, right?
So what’s his story? Where did this pickleball phenomenon come from? And how did a young guy from Maryland end up becoming the most dominant force our sport has ever seen?
Stick around, because we’re about to dive deep into the life of pickleball star Ben Johns, from his early days to his incredible achievements and everything in between. Trust me – whether you’re a weekend warrior or a tournament player, you’re gonna want to hear this story.
Let’s get started!
Who is Ben Johns?
Let’s talk numbers. Because Ben’s stats? They’re absolutely mind-blowing. We’re not just talking about being good at pickleball – we’re talking about the most dominant force the sport has ever seen.
When it comes to titles, Ben doesn’t just collect them – he hoards them. He’s racked up over 100 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles and recently crushed another milestone with his 200th career singles win.
Think about that for a second. While most players dream of winning just a handful of pro tournaments in their lifetime, Ben’s out here casually stacking up hundreds of wins like they’re nothing.
But here’s what really sets Ben apart: the triple crown. For those new to the sport, that means winning gold in singles, doubles, AND mixed doubles all at the same tournament. No big deal, right?
Wrong. It’s like running a marathon, then immediately doing a triathlon, and winning both. It just shouldn’t be possible.
Partners? Ben’s got the best. In men’s doubles, he teams up with his brother Collin. Talk about keeping it in the family!
And mixed doubles? That’s where things get really interesting. He partners with the phenomenal Anna Leigh Waters, who is the female GOAT and started dominating the pro scene at just 15 years old. Together, they’ve become an unstoppable force in mixed doubles history.
But here’s the thing about Ben that really makes him special.
Despite being basically pickleball royalty, he’s still one of the most down-to-earth players you’ll ever meet. Win or lose (mostly win), that signature grin never leaves his face.
Between points, you’ll catch him cracking jokes and keeping things light. Even during the most intense matches.
That’s Ben Johns for you. The GOAT who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
How Ben Johns Got Started with Pickleball?
Surprisingly, Ben Johns didn’t pick up a pickleball paddle until he was 17. But here’s the thing – he was already a beast at other racquet sports.
Tennis? Check.
Table tennis? You bet.
When Ben first stepped onto a pickleball court, he had already spent years crushing it in both sports. Talk about a perfect training ground!
But wait – there’s more to this story. Ben’s one of seven siblings (imagine those family gatherings!). And if you think growing up with six brothers and sisters doesn’t teach you how to compete, think again. His older brother Collin was already a pro tennis player, giving Ben a pretty sweet practice partner.
Then came that magical first day on the pickleball court.
Know that feeling when you first played and got hooked? That was Ben.
But while most of us were just happy to keep the ball in play, Ben went out and won his first tournament. Because of course he did!
Here’s where it gets crazy: Ben kept playing tournaments all through college. Most college kids are trying to figure out how to do laundry – this guy was out there becoming the #1 player in the world before he even got his degree!
And talk about keeping it in the family! Not only did Ben convince his brother Collin to join him on the pro tour (creating one of the most dangerous doubles teams ever), but his sister Hannah became the PPA Tour’s TV reporter.
The Johns family? They’re basically pickleball royalty!
But every great athlete needs great gear, right?
Ben started out with Franklin Sports, making waves with his first major sponsorship deal.
Then in 2022, he joined forces with Joola Pickleball – a company he knew well from his table tennis days.
Want to know how big a deal Ben is?
In June 2023, he made history by signing pickleball’s first-ever lifetime deal with Joola. They’ve created some sick paddles together, including his latest beast – the Perseus CFS 16. (Fun fact: if you’ve ever wondered why Ben’s paddles hit different, it’s because he’s actually involved in designing them!)
Recommended: The Best Pickleball Ball Machines
What is Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle of Choice?
Let’s talk about Ben’s paddle of choice – the Perseus CFS 16. If you’ve been around pickleball for a while, you might remember his Hyperion paddle.
Well, this bad boy is the next evolution, and trust me, it’s worth geeking out about for a minute.
Why’s it called Perseus? Well, just like the ancient hero who slayed Medusa, this paddle’s designed to slay the competition. (See what they did there?)
Here’s what makes this paddle special:
First up, it’s got the perfect weight at 8.0 ounces. Not too heavy, not too light – just right for generating that explosive power Ben’s known for.
And that elongated shape? It gives you extra reach for those crazy-good roll shots Ben loves to hit.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. They’ve packed this paddle with a 16mm core (that’s pretty thick!) and wrapped it in carbon fiber.
Why does this matter?
Think about it like this: when you’re in a crazy-fast kitchen battle, you need a paddle that gives you total control. That’s exactly what this combo delivers.
The secret sauce? Something they call a “Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core.” Sounds fancy, right? In regular human speak, that means you get:
- A massive sweet spot (hello, forgiveness!)
- Incredible control for those soft dinks
- Enough pop to put away overheads
Ben actually helped design this thing. It’s not just some paddle with his name slapped on it – it’s literally built for his aggressive playing style. Each feature was chosen to match how the GOAT plays the game.
Is it the best paddle out there? Well, that’s like asking if pizza is the best food – it depends on what you’re looking for! But if you want to play like Ben (and who doesn’t?), this paddle’s definitely worth checking out.
Just remember – the paddle doesn’t make the player. But hey, it sure doesn’t hurt to use the same gear as the GOAT!
What Makes Ben Johns Unbeatable?
Ever watched Ben play and wondered “How does he make it look so easy?” Let’s break down what makes the GOAT so… well, GOAT-like.
First up: that third shot drive. While everyone else is dropping their third shots, Ben’s out there throwing lightning bolts. When most pros tell you not to drive the third shot, Ben just laughs and proves them wrong.
But here’s his real superpower: he can play ANY style. Need to bang? He’ll bang harder than anyone. Time to dink? His soft game is absolutely ridiculous. Speed up the game? Slow it down? Attack? Defend? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Let’s talk about his dinking for a second. Because this is where Ben really shows off his table tennis background. Those hands? Faster than a cat video going viral. His reset shots are so clean they could make a surgeon jealous.
And then there’s his serve. Nothing fancy. No crazy spin. Just deep, consistent, and absolutely perfect placement. Every. Single. Time.
But want to know his biggest weapon? It’s between his ears. Ben’s mental game is unmatched. Down in a game? He doesn’t care. Bad call? Whatever. Broken paddle grip? (Yeah, that happened!) He just laughs it off.
Here’s what’s truly scary: he seems to get better when the pressure’s on. While other players start feeling the heat in big moments, Ben gets calmer. Colder. More precise. It’s like he’s got ice in his veins.
The craziest part? He’s constantly adding new shots to his arsenal. Just when players think they’ve figured him out, he pulls out something new. Remember when he started hitting those around-the-post winners from behind the baseline? Who even does that?
And unlike some top athletes who keep their secrets guarded, Ben’s actually shared a lot of his techniques through clinics and online tutorials. (Pretty generous for a guy who could probably keep winning without teaching anyone his tricks!)
Want to really understand how good Ben is? Watch him when he’s in trouble. Most players have a go-to panic shot. Not Ben. He’s got about five different ways to get out of any situation. It’s like watching a chess master who’s always thinking three moves ahead.
Through his hard work and dedication to the craft, Ben has been an inspiring figure to those who know him. He demonstrates that with commitment, resilience and perseverance, anything is possible.
Ben’s unwavering commitment to pickleball serves as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to achieve their goals. His impressive accomplishments are matched by his humility and dedication, proving that anything is achievable if you put your mind to it – no dream too big. It’s no wonder why Ben Johns has become a role model for pickleball players everywhere!
The Accomplishments of Ben Johns in Pickleball (So Far)
Let’s break down Ben’s mind-blowing achievements in a way that’ll make your jaw drop:
The Numbers That’ll Blow Your Mind 🤯
Ever wonder what greatness looks like on paper? Check this out:
- Over 100 PPA titles (and counting!)
- 15 triple crowns (that’s winning singles, doubles, AND mixed doubles in the same tournament)
- A ridiculous 108-match winning streak in singles (yeah, you read that right!)
- DUPR ratings that’ll make your head spin: 7.1 in singles and 6.65 in doubles
Speaking of streaks… most of us celebrate winning three games in a row at our local rec center. Ben? He went over ONE HUNDRED matches without losing. In singles. Against the best players in the world. Let that sink in for a minute!
Recent Glory 🏆
Just when you think he can’t get any better, he does. Check out his latest hardware:
- Gold at the 2023 Biofreeze USA National Championships
- Crushed it with his brother Collin in men’s doubles
- Dominated mixed doubles with Anna Leigh Waters
- Owned the PPA Masters in La Quinta
But wait – there’s more! Ben’s not just crushing it in regular tournaments. He’s also becoming a force in Major League Pickleball (MLP). If you haven’t watched these team events yet, you’re missing out! Picture the energy of March Madness mixed with the skill of pro pickleball. That’s MLP, and Ben’s right in the middle of it all.
Beyond the Medals 🌟
Here’s what makes Ben truly special – he’s not just winning matches, he’s changing the game:
- Travels the world spreading pickleball fever
- Helps develop new paddle technology
- Inspires the next generation of players
- Makes the sport more exciting to watch
- Keeps pushing what’s possible on a pickleball court
The scary part? He’s nowhere near done. While most players would be happy with a fraction of these achievements, Ben’s just getting started. He’s not just playing pickleball – he’s reinventing it.
Ben John’s Business Endeavors
Ben Johns success in pickleball has led him to launch several businesses. In 2021, Ben Johns launched Pickleball Getaways, which combines vacations to exotic destinations with pickleball instruction on-site.
Pickleball Getaways is a pickleball training and teaching program that is combined with a week long getaway vacation at a wonderful resort destination. Some of the places they go are Mexico, Costa Rica, and Portugal coming up this summer.
In 2021, Ben Johns launched an instructional video subscription service titled Pickleball 360. In 2021, Ben Johns also launched elog.com which is a cryptocurrency website.
Lastly, in 2021 Ben Johns launched The Freestyle Boys podcast where they talk about tournament schedules, pickleball info and tips, food, travel, and personal life.
Ben Johns’s businesses are all successful and he continues to make a name for himself in the world of pickleball. He is an inspirational figure to many people who enjoy playing this sport and his various ventures have given him an edge over other competitors.
His drive and ambition have put him at the forefront of the pickleball industry, and he is sure to continue his successes in the years to come.
Conclusion
So What Makes Ben Johns the GOAT? 🐐
When you step back and look at the whole picture, it’s pretty incredible. We’ve got a guy who picked up a pickleball paddle at 17 and completely changed the sport. But it’s more than just the wins (though 100+ titles is absolutely bonkers!).
Think about it:
- He’s made defense look explosive
- He’s proven you can drive the third shot
- He’s shown that age doesn’t matter in pickleball
- He’s kept the sport fun while making it more professional
And the craziest part? Ben’s still in his mid-20s. Most athletes are just getting started at his age, but he’s already got a lifetime contract, signature paddles, and more titles than he can probably count.
What’s Next for the GOAT?
If you think Ben’s done, think again. He’s not just playing the game – he’s evolving it. Whether it’s:
- Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on court
- Growing the sport through MLP and the PPA Tour
- Developing new paddle technology with Joola
- Inspiring the next generation of players
The Future of Pickleball Runs Through Ben Johns
Here’s the thing about Ben that really matters for everyday players like us: he shows what’s possible when you combine natural talent with ridiculous dedication. No, we might not win 100 pro titles. But we can learn from his approach, his attitude, and his love for the game.
So next time you’re on the court, try channeling a little bit of that Ben Johns energy. Drive that third shot. Reset that hard ball. Go for that crazy shot. Because that’s what Ben would do.
And who knows? Maybe we’ll see you on the pro tour someday. Just don’t expect to break that 108-match win streak! 😉
Game, Set, Match, Ben Johns! 🏆
