Pablo Tellez, a former tennis player who won a Division II national title while at the University of West Florida, found his way to becoming a professional athlete in pickleball after visiting a tennis shop. With the rapid growth of pickleball in the United States, Tellez now plays for Major League Pickleball’s Brooklyn Aces, a league housing some of the best players in the world. Tellez explains that pickleball’s appeal lies in its fun, social nature, and ease of picking up as a sport compared to others like tennis or soccer. After initially underestimating the sport, Tellez became hooked and turned pro two years ago, driven by his desire to improve and succeed in the game.
Playing for the Aces, a team also owned by NBA star Kevin Durant, rapper Drake, and actor Michael B. Jordan, Tellez has seen the massive investment from celebrities like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Gary Vaynerchuk in Major League Pickleball. The growth and popularity of the sport have attracted these high-profile individuals who believe in its potential for further expansion and success. Tellez highlights the effort put into branding, marketing, and developing the sport at the professional level, noting how pickleball is gaining visibility on television and continuing to attract more enthusiasts.
Tellez’s partnership with LOTTO, which co-owns the Aces, has been a dream come true for him as he collaborates with a brand he admired since childhood for its soccer and tennis products. His experience in joining the brand as they enter the pickleball arena has been fulfilling, and he believes in the potential for continued growth and success in the sport. Tellez encourages everyone to give pickleball a try, promising that its engaging, social, and competitive aspects make it a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for all who participate.
Pickleball’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its fun and social nature, making it a favorite among millions of Americans looking for a new recreational activity. The sport’s growth has been phenomenal, with a 51.8% increase in players from 2022 to 2023 and a growth rate of 223.5% since 2020. This surge in interest has led to the establishment of leagues like Major League Pickleball, where top players like Tellez showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The sport’s accessibility and engaging gameplay make it a favorite among newcomers and experienced athletes alike, driving its continued expansion and appeal.
Tellez’s journey from a tennis player to a professional pickleball athlete reflects the sport’s ability to attract players from various backgrounds and skill levels. His initial experience of underestimating pickleball’s difficulty turned into a motivating factor for him to improve and excel in the game. Partnering with a renowned brand like LOTTO and playing for a team owned by prominent celebrities has been a rewarding experience for Tellez, who sees great potential for pickleball’s continued growth and success in the world of sports. With its engaging and inclusive nature, pickleball has established itself as a sport that offers both physical activity and social interaction, making it a popular choice for individuals looking for a fun and fulfilling recreational experience.
