In 2025, racket sports continue to captivate millions of players worldwide. However, in recent years, the range of options has expanded, offering something for every taste and skill level.

So, which racket sport dominates in terms of global participation ?

🥎 Pickleball: the rising star

Pickleball, a blend of tennis and badminton, is one of the fastest-growing sports. It is currently most popular in North America, where it was invented in 1965! For a long time, it was seen as a niche activity, but with celebrities embracing the sport and increased media coverage, it has gained massive momentum in recent years.
It is now beginning to expand globally, with approximately 14 million players, placing it last in our ranking—but for how long?

💦 Squash: an underrated classic

Although less media-driven than tennis or padel, squash remains a popular sport for those looking for a physical challenge. It is arguably the most intense sport in our selection, but once the technique is mastered, it becomes incredibly fun.
Squash is especially popular in the United Kingdom, Egypt, and Australia. With around 30 million players worldwide, it ranks just behind padel, which is set to overtake it soon. This puts squash in 5th place.

🌟 Padel: the sensation of the decade

Padel, often described as a mix of tennis and squash, continues its spectacular rise in 2025. In just ten years, the sport has gained around 18 million players, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down.
Today, there are approximately 30 million padel players worldwide, placing it 4th in our ranking.
Its accessibility and the increasing media coverage of professional tournaments are key factors behind this rapid expansion. Most players are located in Europe and Latin America.

🎾 Tennis: the undisputed classic

Tennis remains one of the biggest racket sports. Thanks to major tournaments, it attracts a vast fan base. However, the number of actual participants is not as high as one might think.
With approximately 106 million players worldwide, tennis ranks 3rd in our list.
Most players are based in Europe, North America, and Australia.

🏸 Badminton: the king of Asia

With its fast-paced and intense matches, badminton remains one of the most popular racket sports. It is accessible to all skill levels and does not require advanced technique to enjoy.
Here, Asia dominates the rankings, pushing badminton into 2nd place, with more than 220 million players worldwide. The majority of players come from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India.

🏓 Table Tennis: ultimate agility

Known for its speed and spectacular rallies, table tennis (or ping pong) remains one of the world's most played sports. No age restrictions, no need for large spaces, and even playable at home—it offers an unmatched level of accessibility and fun.
Particularly popular in Europe and Asia, table tennis currently boasts more than 300 million players, making it the most popular racket sport in the world.