MLP Powerhouse Rankings Revealed: Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters Lead Elite Lists
What's the Score?
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has released its latest player rankings, using DUPR ratings to identify the top talent in men's and women's doubles. As expected, Ben Johns leads the men's rankings, while Anna Leigh Waters tops the women's list, highlighting MLP's commitment to showcasing elite players and enhancing competition.
Hit it deeper!
Major League Pickleball is actively working to establish itself as a premier platform for professional pickleball players, and a key part of this strategy involves clearly identifying and promoting the sport's top athletes. The league recently unveiled its latest rankings for men's and women's doubles, which are determined by players' DUPR ratings. This system is designed to provide a data-driven assessment of skill level and match results.
In the men's doubles rankings, Ben Johns holds the number one spot with a DUPR rating of 7.41. He is followed by JW Johnson at 7.17 and Christian Alshon at 7.12. The top ten for men's doubles also includes Andrei Daescu (7.10), Federico Staksrud (6.98), Hayden Patriquin (6.95), Dylan Frazier (6.92), Thomas Wilson (6.90), Gabriel Tardio (6.89), and Riley Newman (6.81). The rankings extend further, listing players like Dekel Bar, James Ignatowich, and Tyson McGuffin among those ranked 11-20, demonstrating the depth of talent MLP is looking to highlight.
On the women's side, Anna Leigh Waters leads the rankings with a doubles DUPR rating of 6.67. Anna Bright is second at 6.38, and Jorja Johnson is third at 6.29. The top five is rounded out by Hurricane Tyra Black (6.17) and Catherine Parenteau (6.16). The top ten women's doubles players also include Jackie Kawamoto (6.11), Tina Pisnik and Rachel Rohrabacher (tied at 6.08), Etta Tuionetoa (6.07), and Parris Todd (6.06). These rankings showcase the high level of skill present in the women's division.
MLP emphasises that these rankings are crucial for building the strongest possible talent pool for future seasons. By spotlighting top-ranked players, the league aims to ensure that fans get to witness the most competitive matches. Using DUPR ratings also helps in creating fairer and more balanced teams, which can boost excitement and quality across events.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The official release of player rankings by MLP, led by prominent figures like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, signifies a crucial step in the professionalisation of pickleball. By adopting a standardised rating system like DUPR, MLP adds legitimacy and transparency to player skill levels, providing a clear benchmark for both competitors and fans. These rankings will likely play a significant role in future league operations, influencing team drafts and trades as teams strategise to build winning rosters. Beyond team composition, a strong ranking system can also attract larger sponsorships and increase prize pools, further incentivising top players to participate in MLP. This structured approach is vital for a rapidly growing league aiming to enhance its competitive quality and engage a wider audience. It underscores the league's commitment to not just organising events, but also to systematically elevating the sport's competitive landscape.