THE END OF AN ERA: The top-ranked pickleball player to announce his retirement is Ben Johns, who is widely considered the greatest of all time. He announced his departure from professional pickleball in March 2025

In a heartfelt and emotional statement that shook the pickleball world, Ben Johns, the top-ranked and most decorated player in the sport’s history, officially announced his retirement from professional play in March 2025. Widely regarded as the greatest of all time, Johns leaves behind a legacy that has defined and elevated pickleball on a global scale.

Johns, who began dominating the scene in his early 20s, quickly became a household name among pickleball enthusiasts. Known for his razor-sharp reflexes, strategic finesse, and unmatched versatility across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, he collected more titles than any other player in the history of the sport. His dominance on the PPA Tour and his string of gold medals in international competitions made him not just a champion, but a symbol of excellence.

In his retirement announcement, delivered via a video message to fans and fellow athletes, Johns expressed deep gratitude for the journey. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to compete at the highest level in a sport I love so much,” he said. “I’ve grown as an athlete and as a person, and I’m proud of what we’ve all accomplished together to grow pickleball into what it is today.”

He also hinted at continuing involvement in the sport—just off the court. Johns plans to shift focus to coaching, mentoring young athletes, and expanding his involvement in pickleball equipment and business ventures, including his popular paddle line and instructional content.

Tributes from fans and fellow players poured in instantly across social media. Anna Leigh Waters, his longtime mixed doubles partner, called him “the gold standard” and a “true ambassador of the game.” The PPA Tour released a statement lauding him as “a transformative figure who changed the game forever.”

Johns’ retirement marks not just the close of a career, but the end of a golden era in pickleball. His name will forever be etched into the foundation of the sport. As pickleball continues to grow globally, its roots will always trace back to the brilliance, dedication, and sportsmanship of Ben Johns—the GOAT