Key Takeaways
- GOAT Status: Anna Leigh Waters secures Player of the Year after a historic season of Triple Crowns and an MLP record of 59-11.
- Power Pair: Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio named Best New Partnership, reshaping the Men’s Doubles landscape.
- Breakout Star: Singles specialist Chris Haworth takes home Best Newcomer honors following his gold medal run at Daytona Beach.
- Clutch Performance: Andrei Daescu’s heroic MLP Playoff run with the Columbus Sliders earns Best Single Performance.
2025 Pickleball End of Year Awards
2025 is officially in the rearview mirror, and what a ride it has been. From the explosion of talent on the PPA Tour to the nail-biting drama of Major League Pickleball, the sport has grown faster and fiercer than ever before. Now, it’s time to honor the best of the best.
The 2025 Pickleball End of Year Awards are here to recognize the athletes who defined the season, shattered records, and kept fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it was established legends cementing their legacy or hungry newcomers crashing the party, this year had it all. Let’s dive into the winners who owned the court in 2025.
Player of the Year: Anna Leigh Waters
When discussing the Anna Leigh Waters player of the year narrative, there isn’t much room for debate. Waters didn’t just win in 2025; she suffocated the competition.
Her dominance was absolute. Waters racked up Triple Crowns and gold medals with a consistency that borders on frightening. Perhaps most impressive was her performance in Major League Pickleball (MLP), where she posted a staggering 59-11 record. Beyond the stats, it is her intensity that sets her apart. Waters treats every single point as if it were championship point, displaying an unmatched effort that leaves opponents mentally and physically exhausted. She remains the undisputed queen of the court.
Best New Partnership: Ben Johns & Gabe Tardio
The Ben Johns Gabe Tardio partnership was the shake-up the Men’s Doubles division didn’t know it needed. After a season where the field began to catch up to the greats, Johns found a new spark alongside the electric Gabe Tardio.
This duo proved to be lethal. The partnership clearly re-energized Ben Johns, allowing him to play with renewed aggression and creativity. Meanwhile, Tardio silenced any remaining critics, definitively proving he is the best right-side player in the world today. Together, they formed a wall that few could penetrate, blending veteran IQ with explosive hands speed.
Best Newcomer: Chris Haworth
The transition from “unknown” to “contender” is rarely easy, but Chris Haworth (newcomer) made it look natural. Haworth burst onto the scene in the Men’s Singles division, using his length and athleticism to frustrate established pros.
His crowning achievement came at Daytona Beach, where he captured a stunning Gold medal. That victory wasn’t a fluke; Haworth climbed his way to a #6 ranking, signaling that he is here to stay. In a year defined by new faces, Haworth’s rise was the most undeniable.
Best Single Performance: Andrei Daescu
Sometimes, a player catches fire at the perfect moment. That is exactly what Andrei Daescu did during the 2025 MLP Playoffs.
Leading the Columbus Sliders, Daescu put the team on his back against insurmountable odds. His court coverage, leadership, and clutch shot-making during that playoff run were the stuff of legend. While the Sliders faced heavy opposition, Daescu’s individual brilliance kept them in the fight longer than anyone expected, earning him the nod for the year’s best single performance.
Most Improved Player: Eric Oncins
If you want to see what hard work looks like, look no further than Eric Oncins. At the start of the year, Oncins was largely considered a Challenger-level afterthought. By December, he had transformed into a legitimate threat.
Oncins made a massive leap in the rankings, breaking into the Top 11 in Men’s Doubles. His game matured rapidly, replacing raw potential with disciplined, high-level execution. He is no longer just a participant; he is a problem for anyone on the other side of the net.
Best Grinders: Jade and Jackie Kawamoto
In a game increasingly defined by power, the Kawamoto sisters proved that defense still wins championships. Jade and Jackie are the ultimate grinders.
Their style is suffocating; they refuse to give away free points. Opponents know that against the Kawamotos, they have to earn every single inch of the court. Their ability to reset the ball and extend rallies frustrates even the most aggressive power hitters, making them one of the most consistent and respected duos in the sport.
Analysis: The Depth of 2025
Reflecting on the Best Pickleball players 2025 has to offer, one trend stands out: the incredible depth of talent in Men’s Doubles.
While Anna Leigh Waters dominates the women’s game with singular force, the Men’s Doubles field has become a shark tank. The gap between the top seeds and the qualifiers has narrowed significantly, creating a tour where upsets are becoming the norm rather than the exception. This parity provided some of the best PPA Tour 2025 highlights and promises an even more chaotic season next year.
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Conclusion: What’s Next for 2026?
The 2025 Pickleball End of Year Awards highlight a sport in transition. We have the unstoppable force of ALW, the evolution of Ben Johns, and a wave of new talent like Haworth and Oncins eager to take over.
As we look toward the 2026 season, the storylines are already writing themselves. The talent pool is deeper, the stakes are higher, and the rivalries are hotter.
The big question remains: Can anyone stop Anna Leigh Waters in 2026, or is the gap only getting wider?
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