What’s the Score?
The debate over who is the best “pound-for-pound” pickleball player in the world has received a data-driven answer. DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) has released a comprehensive breakdown of the top-rated singles players across six continents (plus Central America) as of January 2026. The rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of the sport’s globalisation, highlighting that while North America remains the epicentre of talent, elite players are emerging from Vietnam to Argentina.
Hit it deeper!
The most glaring statistic from the new data is the elusiveness of the “perfect” score. Despite the professionalisation of the sport, no player—male or female—has breached the 7.0 DUPR rating. The closest is North America’s top male, Hunter Johnson (USA), who sits at a formidable 6.927. On the women’s side, Anna Leigh Waters continues her reign as the Queen of Pickleball in North America with a 6.478 rating, a score that puts her significantly ahead of her regional peers.
Beyond the US, the data reveals specific regional strongholds. In Europe, Spain asserts its dominance, sweeping the top spots with Jaume Martinez Vich (6.733) and Judit Castillo (5.717). Asia sees a split, with Vietnam’s Quang Duong leading the men (6.758) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao Yi Wang topping the women (5.679). South America is led by Argentina’s Federico Staksrud (6.755) and Brazil’s Mari Humberg. The list also shines a light on developing regions, recognising Mota Alhouni of Libya as Africa’s top male player (6.377) and Vuk Velickovic leading the charge in Oceania.
The World Pickleball Verdict
These rankings serve as a “state of the union” for global pickleball. The data confirms two things: First, the US still holds the highest ceiling for talent, with Hunter Johnson and ALW setting the global standard. Second, the gap is not as wide as one might think. The fact that Quang Duong (Asia) and Federico Staksrud (South America) boast ratings within striking distance of the North American leader indicates that high-level pickleball is no longer an American monopoly. As the sport pushes for Olympic inclusion, this continental diversity is exactly the kind of data governing bodies need to prove pickleball is truly a world sport.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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