Pro Picklers
Mar 3, 2025
Pickleball is taking Vietnam by storm, with a rapidly growing community and a new generation of elite players making their mark on the international stage. Over the past few years, Vietnam has produced some of the finest pickleball talents, competing and excelling at top global tournaments. Let’s take a closer look at the top five male players who are putting Vietnam on the pickleball map.
Duong Thien Quang (Quang Duong) – The Young Prodigy
At just 18 years old, Vietnamese-American sensation Quang Duong has skyrocketed in the pickleball world. Originally a tennis player, he transitioned to pickleball and, in just over a year, has achieved remarkable success. His biggest triumph came at the 2024 IHG Briston Open, where he was crowned world champion. Currently ranked 6th in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) standings, he is Vietnam’s highest-ranked player on the global stage.
Looking ahead to 2025, Quang Duong is set for an action-packed season, competing in numerous tournaments to improve his ranking. He also plans to visit Vietnam, where he will compete and engage with the local pickleball community, inspiring the next generation of players.
(Photo Source: https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/community-highlights/father-son-duo-quang-and-duc-duong-share-tips-for-success-playing-with-family)
Huynh Thien Phuc (Phuc Huynh) – The Asian Champion
Vietnamese-American athlete Phuc Huynh made a statement at the 2024 Asian Pickleball Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, clinching double gold in the 19+ men’s singles and open men’s doubles with Marcel Chan. His success continued in January 2025 at the Australian Open Pickleball Championship, where he reached the semi-finals after an impressive three-match winning streak.
Following his dominance in Asia, Huynh returned to the PPA Tour, cementing his position as one of the region’s top-ranked players according to the DUPR system. His combination of skill, strategy, and resilience makes him a formidable force on the court.
(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=568129512682205&set=pcb.568132899348533)
Nguyen Anh Thang – The Pioneer and Champion
More than just a player, Nguyen Anh Thang has been instrumental in growing pickleball in Vietnam. Dubbed “Pickleball Uncle,” he has used his popular TikTok channel to introduce and promote the sport to a wider audience.
On the competitive front, Anh Thang won a historic silver medal in 2023 when Vietnam made its debut at the Asian Pickleball Championship. In 2024, he went a step further, claiming gold at the tournament in Ho Chi Minh City. He followed up this success in 2025 by securing two gold medals at the prestigious WPC Finals, continuing his winning streak after his triple-gold performance at the WPC SERIES – Asia Pacific 2024.
His consistent success and contributions to the sport have established Vietnamese pickleball as a dominant force in Asia.
(Photo Source: https://cafef.vn/nha-vo-dich-chau-a-nguyen-anh-thang-thi-dau-xuat-sac-len-ngoi-giai-pickleball-hang-dau-viet-nam-188240817185213054.chn)
Ho Vu Hoan – The Tennis Convert
A former standout in Hanoi’s tennis circuit, Ho Vu Hoan transitioned seamlessly into pickleball, leveraging his 18 years of competitive experience to achieve rapid success. His adaptability and skill were evident when he secured a silver medal at the 2024 Asian Open Championship and a bronze medal at the World Pickleball Championship the same year.
Beyond his achievements as a player, Ho Vu Hoan is also dedicated to coaching and developing the next wave of Vietnamese pickleball talent. His passion and expertise make him a key figure in the sport’s expansion across the country.
(Photo Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuu-tuyen-thu-quan-vot-ho-vu-hoan-ve-voi-doi-sypik-pickleball-cua-linh-giang-vinh-hien-185240821180526578.htm)
Trinh Linh Giang – The Backhand Specialist
Best known for having one of Vietnam’s most powerful two-handed backhands, Trinh Linh Giang has made waves in both tennis and pickleball. A top tennis player alongside Ly Hoang Nam, he has recently begun to balance both sports, proving his versatility.
In 2024, Trinh Linh Giang dominated the National Club Pickleball Championship, winning the men’s singles title. He also secured silver at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship, solidifying his position among Vietnam’s elite. His partnership with Truong Vinh Hien in men’s doubles has been particularly noteworthy, as they continue to dominate domestic competitions and pose a serious challenge in international events.
Vietnam's Pickleball Future Looks Bright
With these five exceptional athletes leading the way, Vietnam’s pickleball scene is set for a dynamic future. Their success on the court and dedication to growing the sport at home ensure that Vietnam will remain a rising powerhouse in the global pickleball community. As more players join the movement, expect to see even greater achievements and a thriving pickleball culture in Vietnam.
