Top Male Pickleball Players Shine in 2026 Rankings

The latest DUPR rankings for men's singles pickleball have been released, highlighting Chris Haworth, Hunter Johnson, and Federico Staksrud as the top three players. Each has showcased remarkable skills on the PPA Tour, winning multiple titles and demonstrating impressive statistics. As the season progresses, the competition among these elite athletes is expected to intensify, making for an exciting year in pickleball. Read on to learn more about their performances and rankings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 15:52 IST

Leading Players in Men's Singles

The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) has revealed its top three male players in singles as of March 20, with Chris Haworth, Hunter Johnson, and Federico Staksrud standing out as the leading competitors. Their remarkable performances have distinguished them early in the 2026 season.

All three athletes have excelled on the PPA Tour this year, each securing two titles and demonstrating their capability to perform at the highest level. Haworth triumphed at the PPA Masters and the Mesa Cup, while Johnson celebrated victories at the Indoor National Championships and the Newport Beach Open. Staksrud showcased his skills by winning the Cape Coral Open and the Texas Open.

While the trio has achieved similar success in terms of titles, a deeper analysis reveals slight variations in their performance metrics. Staksrud has recorded a higher winning percentage, averaging 66% of points won, indicating his effectiveness during matches. In contrast, Haworth and Johnson have slightly lower yet commendable figures.

In terms of match victories, Haworth leads with an impressive win-loss record of 26-4, showcasing his consistency and determination across various tournaments. Staksrud follows closely with a strong 24-4 record, while Johnson maintains a competitive 23-4 tally, keeping him in the elite ranks.

When examining overall performance, Staksrud again leads with an average of 63% of points won. Both Haworth and Johnson are tied in this aspect, each winning 61% of their points, further emphasizing the close competition among the three throughout the season.

Despite the narrow margins, the current DUPR rankings place Johnson at the forefront with a rating of 6.855. Haworth follows in second with a score of 6.792, while Staksrud holds the third position with 6.786 points. The slim differences highlight the fierce rivalry at the top of men's singles pickleball.

As the 2026 season unfolds, the competition among Haworth, Johnson, and Staksrud is anticipated to become even more intense.