Who Is Ben Johns Playing With in 2025? It's Gabe Tardio - SirShanksAlot.com

Pickleball fans, get ready! Ben Johns just announced his 2025 doubles partner, and it’s a big one. He’ll be teaming up with the aggressive Gabe Tardio. This has everyone wondering—what will this new partnership mean for the pro pickleball scene? We’re talking potential shifts in gameplay, impacts on other top teams, and of course, the financial implications for both Johns and Tardio. Let’s break it down.

Ben Johns confirmed that he is playing most of 2025 with Gabe Tardio
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Who is Ben Johns’ New Partner?

Ben Johns confirmed his partnership with Gabe Tardio for 2025, stirring excitement among fans.
The news raises questions about the future of former partners JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier.
Comments reflect a blend of enthusiasm over Tardio’s skills and caution over partnership dynamics.
Players and fans are keen to see how this duo will perform together in the upcoming season.

Key Takeaways

A new era in pickleball: Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio’s partnership signifies a shift in professional pickleball, blending Johns’ strategic play with Tardio’s aggressive style. Fans are eager to witness this dynamic duo on the court.
Partnerships in flux: The ripple effect of this alliance raises questions about the future of other top players, particularly JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
The business of pickleball: This collaboration isn’t just about athletic prowess; it’s a strategic move with significant financial implications. Increased marketability and potential endorsements underscore the business aspect of professional pickleball.

Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio Team Up

Ben Johns will be playing with Gabe Tardio on the PPA Tour in 2025, a noteworthy shift in the professional pickleball scene. This exciting news, confirmed by Johns during a recent podcast interview, has fans buzzing about the potential of this dynamic duo. This partnership isn’t exclusive, leaving the door open for Johns to occasionally team up with other players like Max Freeman and Hayden Patriquin throughout the year, as reported by Pickleball.com.

Why the Switch? The End of an Era with Collin Johns

This new partnership signals the end of a dominant era for Ben and his brother, Collin Johns. The brothers, who have achieved remarkable success as a doubles team, will have one last hurrah at the Masters tournament in Palm Springs at the start of the 2025 season before officially parting ways. Their impressive track record boasts 33 titles, 43 medals, a 74% podium finish rate, and a striking 56% title win rate, as highlighted by The Kitchen. This split represents a significant shift in the professional pickleball landscape.

While they still managed seven tournament wins in 2024, this was a decrease from their 10+ wins in both 2022 and 2023. This dip in wins might have influenced the decision to explore new partnerships. Ben Johns himself initiated the partnership with Tardio. He specifically mentioned Tardio was his “first call,” drawn to Tardio’s competitive spirit, impressive shot-making, and unpredictable playing style. This strategic move promises an exciting new chapter in Johns’ pickleball career. Fans are eager to see how this partnership will play out on the court, and how it will impact other top players like JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier. For more sports news and engaging commentary, check out Sir Shanksalot.

Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio: A Dynamic Duo?

The announcement of Ben Johns teaming up with Gabe Tardio has generated considerable buzz among pickleball enthusiasts. For starters, fans are genuinely ecstatic about the potential chemistry between these two players. One user simply exclaimed, “Waiting for their first match together!” Their anticipation is palpable, as spectators are eager to see how Tardio’s playing style complements Johns’ established prowess on the court. Tardio, known for his impressive forehand speed and aggressive net play, adds a fresh element to the pairing. His capability to cover the court effectively could enhance their teamwork, providing an exciting prospect for the 2025 season.

Blending Styles: Power and Precision

The Johns/Tardio pairing promises an exciting blend of playing styles. Tardio’s aggressive, right-sided dominance combined with Johns’ technical prowess and strategic patience could create a formidable force on the court. This shift in Johns’ doubles strategy, emphasizing a powerful right-sided player, also acknowledges the increasing influence of left-handed players in professional pickleball, as noted in this article about the new partnership. Tardio’s impressive forehand speed and aggressive net play add a fresh element. While they aim to win, both Johns and Tardio acknowledge the adjustments needed to synchronize their styles, anticipating some growing pains as they adapt to each other’s gameplay. This period of adaptation will be a key storyline to follow throughout the 2025 season.

How Will This Impact Other Pro Pickleball Teams?

However, this new alliance doesn’t just affect Johns and Tardio; it sends ripples through the pickleball partnership landscape. Speculation abounds regarding the future of other top players, particularly JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier. A user remarked, “It doesn’t seem super likely JW and DF will pair up again at least for a bit.” With many teams reassessing their rosters this season, fans are left wondering if established pairings will alter dramatically. Some comments suggest that both JW and Frazier seem to be looking for fresh dynamics themselves, indicating a changing of the guard in a sport that thrives on competitive evolution. This reshuffling reinforces the adrenaline rush that comes with pickleball’s inter-player dynamics.

A Shift in Men’s Doubles Strategy?

Johns’ choice of Tardio reflects a potential trend in men’s doubles strategy, emphasizing aggressive, right-sided players. Analysts point to the increasing importance of left-handed players like Tardio in this evolving landscape. This strategic shift could influence how other teams approach the game, pushing them to adopt similar aggressive tactics. Tardio’s aggressive net play and formidable forehand, combined with Johns’ strategic prowess, create a dynamic duo poised to redefine the game. This partnership signals a move towards prioritizing aggressive playing styles in men’s doubles pickleball.

This new alliance also marks the end of a highly successful era for Ben and his brother, Collin. Their split, while surprising to some, is presented as a strategic decision to refresh and potentially improve their individual games. The Johns brothers achieved remarkable success, boasting 33 titles and a 56% title win rate. However, the decision to part ways suggests a desire for new challenges and a fresh approach to the game. This move underscores the ever-evolving dynamics of professional pickleball, where players constantly seek new strategies to gain a competitive edge. The emphasis on aggressive play, as exemplified by Tardio’s style, might become a defining characteristic of men’s doubles in the near future. Perhaps we’ll see more teams prioritizing players with similar strengths and aggressive court presence.

What Does Gabe Tardio Bring to Ben Johns’ Game?

Gabe Tardio is hailed by many fans as possessing one of the best forehand speedups in the sport. His ability to change the pace and dynamics of the game could play a significant role in shaping how the pair will compete. According to a comment from a user, “Gabe’s got the best forehand speedup/kitchen drive in the game in my opinion,” which speaks volumes about the high expectations surrounding Tardio’s skill set. Players like him thrive on agility and precision, crucial components needed to work alongside someone of Johns’ caliber. The learning curve, however, might be about adjusting roles on the court, particularly in the middle where communication will be key. Fans are curious to find out how long it will take for them to solidify their synergy on the court.

Tardio’s 2024 Accomplishments

Tardio’s 2024 season speaks volumes about his capabilities. He secured an impressive seven medals in men’s doubles (four gold, three silver) and two in mixed doubles (one gold, one silver), demonstrating the skills and competitive edge that attracted Johns’ attention. This impressive medal haul, discussed in an article about Ben Johns’ new partnership, showcases Tardio’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive playing style, particularly his renowned forehand speedup, is likely a key factor in his success and a valuable asset he brings to his partnership with Johns. Fans are eager to see how these accomplishments translate to the court in 2025. For more pickleball insights, check out other articles on SirShanksAlot.

Sponsorships and the Financial Landscape

Whenever there’s a big-name pairing in sports, it often translates to bigger financial opportunities. Tardio might have inked what’s described in the comments as a “three-year $800k PPA contract,” but users speculate that teaming up with Johns could drastically increase his marketability. There’s chatter around endorsements and sponsorships that typically come with partnering with a player of Johns’ reputation. A savvy commenter pointed out, “Tardio may have signed a three-year $800k PPA contract but he’ll make much more in product endorsements playing alongside Ben.” With the duo’s potential to dominate the sport, financial windfalls through advertisements and sponsorships are likely to follow, making this not only a significant sporting decision but a potentially lucrative one for both players.

The excitement swirling around Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio’s new partnership represents a thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of pickleball. As fans dissect every detail of their potential on-court dynamic, the sport itself stands on the precipice of change. With competitive spirits high and other players reconsidering their partnerships, the 2025 season promises to be filled with exceptional matches, unexpected team combinations, and a laboratory for emerging talent. Whether fans anticipate teamwork forming on the court or the transformations happening behind the scenes, they can rest assured that what’s forthcoming will be nothing short of electrifying.

The Source of the News: Hanna Johns Podcast

The news of this powerhouse partnership initially broke on a podcast featuring Hanna Johns, Ben’s sister, before igniting conversations across social media and pickleball news outlets like The Kitchen Pickle and Pickleball.com. This direct announcement quickly became a hot topic, with fans on Reddit dissecting the implications for the upcoming season. It’s fascinating to witness the rapid spread of information, especially within close-knit communities like the pickleball world. If you’re interested in the original announcement, give the podcast a listen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ben Johns leaving pickleball? No, Ben Johns isn’t leaving pickleball. He’s simply changing his primary doubles partner for the 2025 PPA Tour. He’ll be teaming up with Gabe Tardio for most of the season, but he’s also stated he’ll still play with other partners occasionally.

Why is Ben Johns splitting with his brother, Collin? While they haven’t explicitly stated a single reason, it seems like a strategic move to revitalize their individual games. They had a very successful run together, but their wins decreased in 2024. Partnering with new players allows both brothers to explore different playing styles and strategies.

What makes Gabe Tardio a good partner for Ben Johns? Tardio is known for his aggressive playing style, particularly his powerful forehand and strong net game. This complements Johns’ more strategic and patient approach, potentially creating a very balanced and difficult-to-beat team. Many consider Tardio’s forehand among the best in the game.

What does this partnership mean for other pickleball players? This shift has sparked a lot of discussion about other potential partnerships, especially concerning JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier, who are rumored to be seeking new partners. The Johns/Tardio partnership could influence other teams to adopt more aggressive strategies, potentially leading to a shift in the overall dynamics of professional pickleball.

Where did the news about this partnership first come out? The news originally broke on a podcast hosted by Hanna Johns, Ben’s sister. It quickly spread across social media and pickleball news sites, generating excitement and speculation among fans and players alike.

Who Is Ben Johns Playing With in 2025? It’s Gabe Tardio