Few players have climbed the PPA Tour rankings faster than CJ Klinger. In a little over two seasons as a pro, the left-handed Ohio native has gone from MLP Challenger-level rosters to a top-10 spot in men’s singles, a reputation as one of the best dinkers in the sport, and a signature paddle deal with Adidas.

Here’s what’s actually verified about CJ Klinger: his age and background, his rapid rise through the pro ranks, his current PPA Tour and DUPR standing, and an honest take on his net worth.

Early Life and Background

CJ Klinger — full name Carson Klinger — is widely reported to be 20 years old as of 2026. He grew up in Granville, Ohio, before his family relocated to southwest Florida when he was 12, which is where he first picked up a paddle. He plays left-handed and stands 6’3”, a combination that gives him an unusually long reach at the non-volley line paired with real pop on his drives.

He turned professional in 2023, a relatively fast path from picking up the sport as a preteen to competing on tour.

Rise in Pickleball

Klinger’s first real breakthrough came at the team level. In 2023, he was a key piece of the SoCal Hard Eights, a Major League Pickleball Challenger-tier roster, helping the team to a three-peat championship run — a stretch in which he was twice named MVP.

From there his singles and doubles results climbed steadily on the PPA Tour. He has already picked up two PPA men’s doubles gold medals, and over the past 12 months he carries a 56-20 doubles win-loss record with an 8-match winning streak tucked in along the way. In 2025, he added an MLP Premier League Championship with the Columbus Sliders to his résumé.

By 2026, that steady climb had put him in rare company: he’s one of only three left-handed players ever to win a professional pickleball championship, alongside Jade Kawamoto and Augie Ge.

As of mid-2026, CJ Klinger’s PPA Tour men’s singles ranking sits at #8 — a top-10 spot behind Ben Johns, Gabe Tardio, Christian Alshon, Hayden Patriquin, Federico Staksrud, Andrei Daescu, and JW Johnson. He also ranks inside the top 10 in men’s doubles, where he frequently partners with JW Johnson, and inside the top 15 in mixed doubles. His DUPR World Rating stands at 6.785.

What stands out most to people who follow the tour closely isn’t just the ranking climb — it’s the shot-making. As pickleball commentator Frank (“CEO of Pickleball”) put it on X: “CJ Klinger is absurd. He hits more cross court dink winners than anyone in pickleball. He’s that guy.”

Net Worth and Earnings

CJ Klinger’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, and any number you find online is an estimate rather than a confirmed figure — pro pickleball players don’t typically publish their finances.

What can be said with more confidence is where his income comes from: PPA Tour prize money across singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles; an MLP team contract; and his Adidas sponsorship. Given his top-10 singles ranking, two PPA doubles golds, and a 2025 MLP championship, he’s on a clear upward earnings trajectory, but treat any specific dollar figure you see elsewhere as unverified.

Sponsorships and Brand Endorsements

Klinger’s most visible sponsorship is with Adidas, which has him playing the Adipower Pro Edition paddle. The partnership goes beyond a standard endorsement — Adidas sells a co-branded “Klinger” version of the paddle at retail, a signature-product arrangement that’s still relatively rare for a player this early in his career.

Beyond the paddle deal, specific terms of any additional endorsements haven’t been publicly confirmed.

Personal Life

CJ Klinger keeps a fairly low profile away from the court. What’s verifiable is straightforward: he’s from Granville, Ohio, moved to southwest Florida at age 12 where he took up the sport, and now competes full-time on the PPA Tour. Beyond his playing career and background, there isn’t much independently confirmed personal detail to report responsibly here.

What’s Next for CJ Klinger

At 20 and already top-10 in singles and doubles with a signature paddle deal in hand, Klinger has the rare combination of a proven track record and most of his career still ahead of him. If his climb over the past two seasons is any indication, he’s a strong bet to keep closing the gap on the players ranked above him — and a name worth knowing before he’s a household one.

Also read:

FAQs

How old is CJ Klinger?

CJ Klinger is widely reported to be 20 years old as of 2026. His full name is Carson Klinger, and he’s from Granville, Ohio.

What is CJ Klinger’s net worth?

His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. Any figure circulating online is an estimate based on prize money, MLP contracts, and sponsorships — not a confirmed number.

What is CJ Klinger’s PPA Tour ranking?

As of mid-2026, Klinger is ranked #8 in PPA Tour men’s singles, top 10 in men’s doubles, and top 15 in mixed doubles. His DUPR World Rating is 6.785.

Who does CJ Klinger play doubles with?

He frequently partners with JW Johnson in men’s doubles on the PPA Tour.