CJ Klinger

At just 19 years old, CJ Klinger is already one of pickleball's most electric young talents. The Granville, Ohio native picked up a paddle at age 12 after his family moved to southwest Florida, where he and his dad started playing together on Sanibel Island. What began as a father-son hobby quickly turned into something much bigger. Standing 6'3" and swinging lefty, CJ brings a rare combination of size, reach, and court IQ that makes him a nightmare to play against. He's a two-time MLP MVP from the SoCal Hard Eights' three-peat championship run, and in 2025 he captured an MLP Premier League title with the Columbus Sliders.

On the PPA Tour, CJ has climbed into the top 10 in men's doubles and snagged multiple gold medals, including a big win at the 2025 Atlanta Open. He frequently partners with JW Johnson in doubles, forming one of the most dangerous young duos in the game. CJ is homeschooled and travels to tournaments in an RV with his family, squeezing in visits to historic sites between matches. He's sponsored by Pilla Pickleball and plays for the Columbus Sliders in MLP. With his blend of talent, humility, and competitive fire, CJ is the kind of player who makes you realize the future of pickleball is already here.