Gabe Tardio is one of the fastest-rising young stars in professional pickleball, and in 2026 he sits among the very best men’s doubles players on the planet. After an eye-catching breakout, the Bolivian phenom became Ben Johns’s chosen men’s doubles partner, and the two have since formed one of the most dominant pairings the sport has ever seen.
Here is a closer look at Tardio’s background, his rapid climb up the PPA Tour rankings, his estimated net worth, and the partnership that put his name in front of every pickleball fan.
Early Life and Background
Gabriel “Gabe” Tardio is from Bolivia and now resides in Jupiter, Florida. According to his PPA Tour athlete profile, he stands 6’2” (188 cm) and plays right-handed.
He was introduced to the sport at age 14 by his grandfather. The two bonded by building two pickleball courts in Bolivia before Tardio relocated to the United States, where, in his own words on the PPA Tour, he “played pickleball every day after school.” That early, daily commitment laid the foundation for the explosive game he plays today.
On what keeps him hooked, Tardio has said, “What I love about pickleball is it’s such a fast sport, but at the same time you have to be patient.” That blend of power and discipline has become a hallmark of his game.
Rise in Pickleball
Tardio turned professional in 2022, and his ascent has been remarkable. His 2024 campaign was the breakout: he earned seven medals in men’s doubles (four gold and three silver) and two medals in mixed doubles (one gold and one silver). That run is exactly what caught Ben Johns’s attention.
When Johns parted ways with his longtime partner and brother, Collin, he needed a new men’s doubles partner heading into the 2025 season. Tardio, he later confirmed, was his “first call.” Johns did not hold back in his praise, saying, “Gabe has definitely been the most difficult player for me to play. I think he just applies a lot of pressure.”
The results spoke for themselves. The Johns-Tardio pairing quickly became the team to beat. Across the 2025 PPA Tour season the duo won 16 of the 17 tournaments they entered, getting knocked off the medal podium only once, and they closed the year on an eight-tournament winning streak, a record in men’s doubles. Along the way, Tardio reached his 20th career PPA Tour title, putting him among the most accomplished active players in the sport.
By 2026, Tardio is ranked at the top of the men’s doubles standings on the PPA Tour, while also competing in mixed doubles (ranked inside the top 10) and dabbling in singles. His partnership with Johns is expected to continue throughout the 2026 season.
Net Worth and Earnings
Gabe Tardio’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, and any figure you see online is an estimate rather than a confirmed number. Several outlets place his estimated net worth in the range of a few hundred thousand dollars and growing, reflecting a young career that is still on a steep upward trajectory.
What can be said with confidence is that his earning potential is rising quickly. As a top-ranked men’s doubles player who reaches championship Sunday at nearly every event, Tardio is positioned to collect significant prize money, and his sponsorship value has climbed alongside his results. Treat any specific dollar amount as an unverified estimate.
Sponsorships and Brand Endorsements
In January 2026, Tardio signed a paddle sponsorship with Facolos, a Vietnamese paddle brand entering the U.S. market. The deal, announced on January 13, 2026, runs through 2027 and has him playing with the company’s flagship EliteX paddle. As part of the agreement, Tardio and Facolos plan to develop a co-branded collection of paddles, accessories, and apparel.
Tardio said that paddle performance was his top priority in choosing a brand, and that he selected Facolos based on product quality and the company’s commitment to innovation. Beyond the paddle deal, specific terms of any other endorsements are not publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Tardio keeps much of his personal life private. The verified facts are straightforward: he is Bolivian, was introduced to pickleball by his grandfather, and now lives and trains in Jupiter, Florida, a hub for many of the sport’s top pros. Details such as relationships have not been confirmed by reliable sources, so we will leave those out rather than speculate.
What’s Next for Gabe Tardio
Still in his early twenties, Tardio has plenty of runway ahead. With Ben Johns as his partner heading into 2026 and a fresh paddle deal locked in through 2027, he has both the on-court platform and the off-court backing to keep climbing. If the past two seasons are any indication, the question is not whether Tardio will stay at the top of men’s doubles, but how many more titles he can stack up before the sport’s next wave of young talent arrives.
Also read:
FAQs
How old is Gabe Tardio?
According to his PPA Tour profile, Gabe Tardio is 20 years old. He is from Bolivia and now lives in Jupiter, Florida.
What is Gabe Tardio’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates online place it in the range of a few hundred thousand dollars and rising, but any specific figure should be treated as an unverified estimate based on tournament earnings and sponsorships.
What are Gabe Tardio’s biggest achievements?
Tardio broke out in 2024 with nine total PPA Tour medals across men’s and mixed doubles. In 2025 he partnered with world No. 1 Ben Johns to win 16 of 17 tournaments entered, set a men’s doubles record with an eight-event winning streak, and reached his 20th career PPA Tour title.