The 2024 Nike Dink Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Pickleball
The pickleball community has spoken, and the results are in for the 2024 Nike Dink Awards! This year’s event saw an unprecedented level of engagement, with over 13,000 fans casting their votes – more than double the participation from the previous year. The Nike Dink Awards have firmly established themselves as the premier people’s choice awards in the world of pickleball, reflecting the passion and dedication of players and enthusiasts alike.
For those unfamiliar with pickleball or the Dink Awards, let’s take a moment to explain. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The sport has gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The Nike Dink Awards serve as a celebration of the sport’s best players, content creators, and overall contributors to the pickleball community.
The awards are divided into several categories, honoring both professional players and those who contribute to the sport’s growth and popularity off the court. Today, we’ll be focusing on the pro player categories, which recognize outstanding performances and improvements throughout the year.
Go Next Level – Men’s Player of the Year
In a hotly contested category, Ben Johns emerged victorious as the Men’s Player of the Year, securing 34.3% of the 6,796 votes cast. Johns has been a dominant force in pickleball for several years, known for his exceptional all-around game and mental toughness. His victory in this category reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s elite players.
The competition was fierce, with Federico Staksrud coming in a close second with 28% of the votes, followed by Hayden Patriquin (22.2%), JW Johnson (10.4%), and Christian Alshon (5%). This distribution of votes highlights the depth of talent in men’s professional pickleball and the exciting rivalries that have developed at the top of the game.
Go Next Level – Women’s Player of the Year
In the women’s category, Anna Leigh Waters claimed a resounding victory, garnering an impressive 55.9% of the 7,021 votes cast. Waters’ dominance in this category reflects her exceptional performances throughout the year and her status as one of pickleball’s most recognizable stars.
Anna Bright secured second place with 20% of the votes, followed by Jorja Johnson (10.5%), Rachel Rohrabacher (7.1%), and Catherine Parenteau (6.4%). The strong showing by younger players like Waters and Bright indicates a bright future for women’s pickleball, with new talents continually emerging to challenge established stars.
Senior Players of the Year
The Nike Dink Awards also recognize the outstanding achievements of senior players, who continue to demonstrate high levels of skill and competitiveness. In the Men’s Senior Player of the Year category, Steve Deakin claimed the top spot with 26.5% of the 5,370 votes cast. Deakin’s victory was hard-fought, with Altaf Merchant (21.2%), David Weinbach (19.7%), Jaime Oncins (19.6%), and Scott Moore (13.1%) all receiving significant support.
On the women’s side, Lee Whitwell secured a commanding win in the Senior Player of the Year category, receiving 43.8% of the 5,544 votes. Angela Simon finished second with 18.9%, followed by Beth Bellamy (16.5%), Natalie Bagby (10.8%), and Sheri Courter (10%). Whitwell’s substantial margin of victory underscores her impact on the senior women’s game and her popularity among fans.
Most Improved Players
The Most Improved Player categories celebrate those athletes who have made significant strides in their game over the past year. In the men’s division, Gabe Tardio claimed the award with 33.2% of the 7,015 votes cast. Tardio’s victory highlights his rapid ascent in the professional ranks and the recognition of his hard work by fans and peers alike.
Quang Duong finished a close second with 29.2% of the votes, followed by CJ Klinger (17.6%), Augie Ge (12.2%), and Will Howells (7.8%). The tight race in this category demonstrates the competitive nature of professional pickleball and the constant push for improvement among players.
In the women’s Most Improved Player category, Hurricane Tyra Black narrowly edged out the competition, securing 31.9% of the 6,694 votes. Kate Fahey was right on her heels with 31.7%, showcasing how close the race was. Mari Humberg (15.2%), Tina Pisnik (11.1%), and Kaitlyn Christian (10.1%) rounded out the nominees. The slim margin between Black and Fahey highlights the impressive progress made by both players over the year.
Rising Star – Next Gem
The Rising Star category focuses on the sport’s emerging talents, those young players who have shown exceptional promise and are poised to make a significant impact on professional pickleball in the coming years. This year’s winner, Jack Munro, secured a convincing victory with 36.3% of the 6,383 votes cast.
Alix Truong finished second with 28.2% of the votes, followed by Layne Sleeth (12.3%), Eric Oncins (12.1%), and Noe Khlif (11%). The strong showing by these young players demonstrates the bright future of pickleball and the ongoing influx of talented athletes into the sport.
Upset of the Year
Perhaps one of the most exciting categories in the Nike Dink Awards is the Upset of the Year, which recognizes those moments when underdogs triumphed against the odds. This year’s winner was the stunning victory of Daescu & Bright over Waters & Johns, which captured 26.5% of the 6,705 votes cast.
The competition in this category was particularly close, with Johnson & Schneeman’s upset over Waters & Catherine Parenteau coming in a very close second with 25.9% of the votes. Duong & Alshon’s victory over Johns & Johns secured third place with 23.6%, followed by Michael Loyd’s upset over Ben Johns (15.2%) and Salome Devidze’s win against Anna Leigh Waters (8.7%).
These results not only highlight the exciting and unpredictable nature of professional pickleball but also demonstrate the depth of talent in the sport. Even the most dominant players can be challenged on any given day, adding to the excitement and appeal of pickleball competitions.
Reflecting on the 2024 Nike Dink Awards
The 2024 Nike Dink Awards have once again showcased the vibrant and passionate pickleball community. The increased participation in voting reflects the sport’s growing popularity and the deep engagement of its fans. From established stars reaffirming their dominance to emerging talents making their mark, the awards paint a picture of a sport in an exciting phase of growth and development.
For those new to pickleball, these awards offer a glimpse into the dynamic world of professional play. They highlight not just the top performers but also those who have made significant improvements and the exciting upsets that keep the sport unpredictable and thrilling.
As pickleball continues to evolve, events like the Nike Dink Awards play a crucial role in recognizing excellence, inspiring players at all levels, and fostering a sense of community within the sport. They celebrate not just athletic achievement but also the spirit of competition, improvement, and passion that defines pickleball.
The close contests in many categories, particularly in the Most Improved and Upset of the Year divisions, underscore the competitive nature of professional pickleball. They also hint at the exciting rivalries and storylines that will likely unfold in the coming year, giving fans plenty to look forward to in future tournaments and competitions.
As we congratulate this year’s winners, we also recognize all the nominees and the countless players who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pickleball. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship contribute to the rich tapestry of this rapidly growing sport, ensuring its bright future and continued expansion.
For more information on the Nike Dink Awards, upcoming pickleball events, and tips to improve your own game, be sure to follow The Dink Pickleball for the latest news and insights from the world of pickleball.
