Jimmy Miller
Men's Player of The Year
President of the California Black Bears and host of King of the Court, never shy about sharing a take or two.
JAN 5 - 21
Nominations Dec 15 - 28
Pickleball's official fans' choice awards for the top players, people and moments from the year.
In Partnership With
Nomination Categories
Player Awards
Men’s Player of the Year
Honoring the top pro men’s player of the year.
Women’s Player of the Year
Honoring the top pro women’s player of the year.
Men’s Breakout Player of the YearHonoring the player who burst onto the scene this year and became an undeniable presence.
Women’s Breakout Player of the YearHonoring the player who burst onto the scene this year and became an undeniable presence.
Upset of the YearTop 5 upsets of the year
Fan Favorite Pro
Your absolute favorite player of the year.
Fan Favorite MLP Team
The fan favorite from all active Major League Pickleball teams.
Best On-Court Personality
The pro who’s a must-watch for pure entertainment value.
Best Dressed Player
The player who always brings style to the courts.
College Team of the YearThe top college teams per DUPR’s rankings.
Senior Men’s Player of the Year
The top performing male on a senior tour.
Senior Women’s Player of the Year
The top performing woman on a senior tour.
Creator & Media Awards
Best On-Air Personality
Your favorite host, commentator, or interviewer.
Best Pickleball Podcast
Your favorite pickleball podcast.
Most Influential Voice
A person or player who drives conversation to improve the sport.
Best Pickleball Journalist
The best and most-trusted journalist covering the sport.
Pickleball YouTuber of the Year
The creator who makes the best pickleball content on YouTube.
Best Pickleball Content Creator
Your overall favorite pickleball content creator on any social platform.
Best Paddle Reviewer
Creates content analyzing and reviewing the latest paddles.
Best Pickleball InstructorProvides tips, strategy, and instructional content on any platform.
Viral Moment of the Year
Your favorite viral pickleball video or moment from the year.
Gear, Events, & Experience Awards
Paddle of the Year
Must have been released in 2025 (per USA Pickleball’s approval list).
Best Pickleball Facility (by Region)Your favorite private facility to play.
Best International Tournament
Favorite tournament or tour outside of the United States.
Our Award Hosts
The Top Industry Experts & Creators Hyping the categories and announcing who is taking home the hardware.
Category Hosts
Kaitlyn Kerr
Women's Player of the Year
Former GM of the Las Vegas Night Owls, MLP emcee, creator, and all-around ambassador for the sport.
Erik Tice
Breakout Players of The Year
The Dink’s pro tour journalist and resident stats brain, also a recurring voice on the PicklePod.
Chris Cali
Upset of The Year
Creator of Sorry Not Sorry, the pro-tour recap series behind the famous “Hook of the Week,” known for sharp comedic commentary.
Ava & Camila
College Team of the Year
Pro players, best friends, and co-hosts of the new Balls Deep podcast.
Emily Visnic
Best Dressed
The Dink’s fashion correspondent, MLP emcee, and content creator covering the sport’s style and personality.
Sydney Steinaker
Fan Favorite MLP Team
Pickleball Baddie, caffeine enthusiast, creator of Project P events, and one of the sport’s top creators.
Nico the Lefty
YouTuber of The Year
Content creator and PicklePod co-host known for sharp strategy takes, sarcasm, and unfiltered honesty about the game.
Altaf Merchant
Senior Men's Player of The Year
Decorated senior pro player and 2023 winner of best senior pro.
John Kew
Paddle of the Year
The GOAT of paddle reviews and all things pickleball tech
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The Dink Awards 2025 Media Kit
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About the Awards
The Dink Awards celebrate the players, creators, teams, and moments that define pickleball’s culture and competitive edge. Each year, fans and insiders help spotlight the breakout talents, iconic personalities, and unforgettable performances that shaped the sport.From broadcasters to fan-favorite pros to the creators driving the conversation, the Dink Awards honor the people who make pickleball what it is, and what it’s becoming.This is the sport’s biggest community-powered celebration, recognizing excellence, impact, and pure pickleball energy.
Key Dates
Dec 15: Nominations Open
Dec 26: Nominations Close
Jan 5: Voting Opens
Jan 19: Voting Closes
Jan 20-30: Winners Announced