It's the final installment of the Dink awards. Today we're announcing the winners of our content creators series - best podcast, Youtube and Instagram creators, and on-air personalities. Let's go!
Dink Award Winners - Part One 👇
Luke Burton
Dink Award Winners - Part Two
Luke Burton
Top Instagram Content Creator
They predicted they'd win before they even won! And we're not mad about it. Memes of Pickleball claimed the top spot for the best Instagram content creator and has won a $1k grant from Selkirk (if they're willing to let us know who they are, that is).
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Here are the full results:
- @memesofpickleball (30.9%)
- @fridayypickleball (26.7%)
- @fit2serve1 (13.9%)
- @markpricepickleball (11.4%)
- @pickleball.chick (8.7%)
- @sydneysteinaker (5.8%)
- @tropickleball (2.6%)
Top YouTube Content Creator
With a pretty sizeable lead, Kyle Koszuta (aka That Pickleball Guy) has cemented himself as the top YouTube content creator. If you haven't already, you should make sure you are subscribed to get some of the best instructional content on the web. He's also won a $1k production grant from Selkirk!
Here are the full results:
- @thatpickleballguy (28.7%)
- @PickleballStudio (18%)
- @BrionesPickleball (17.3%)
- @Allthingspickleball (12.7%)
- @EnhancePickleball (7%)
- @sheaunderwood (5.3%)
- @davispickleball (5.3%)
- @PickleballJourney (4.7%)
Best Pickleball Podcast
It was a tough battle for the top spot but PicklePod hosted by Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields takes the W for best pickleball podcast. Yes, it is our podcast but after all - it's the people's choice awards. We love you Jimmy and Tyler.
Here are the full results:
- PicklePod (19.5%)
- King of the Court (17%)
- Briones Pickleball (11.6%)
- It Feels Right (11.2%)
- Pickleball Studio (11%)
- James Ignatowich Show (8.8%)
- Tennis Sucks (8.2%)
- Jilly B Podcast (7.7%)
- Sorry not Sorry (4.9%)
Best On-Air Personality
A huge congratulations to Adam Stone! With an almost 10-point lead, he claims the title for best on-air personality. Pickleball streams wouldn't be the same without your commentary!
Here are the full results:
- Adam Stone (32%)
- Dave Flemming (24.7%)
- Kamryn Blackwood (23.3%)
- Michelle McMahon (10.1%)
- Dominic Catalano (9.9%)
Best On-Court Antics
"Andiamo!" The unmistakable war cry of the Italian man of mystery, Julian Arnold. Watching this guy on the court never disappoints and we're stoked to see him get the well-deserved recognition for it.
Here are the full results:
- Julian Arnold (23.3%)
- Raffa Hewett (23.0%)
- Riley Newman (19.9%)
- Lucy Kovalova (17.4%)
- Federico Staksrud (8.7%)
- Jill Braverman (7.6%)
College Player of the Year
Holy Shick! NC State gets represented by Collin Shick claiming best college pickleball player of 2023. Collin quickly rose to notoriety after playing with the Florida Smash Major League Pickleball Team and is definitely one to watch for the year.
Here are the full results:
- Collin Shick (49.5%)
- Jack Munro (21.1%)
- Dylan Ciampini (13.2%)
- Averee Beck (8.5%) Django Chassang (7.8%)
Pickleball Rivalry of 2023
Pickleball wouldn't be the same without a good rivalry. After Riley Newman and Matt Wright ended their partnership in 2023, it's been a sprint for the pair to claim a title before the other. We don't expect this rivalry is going to go anywhere any time soon.
- Matt Wright vs Riley Newman (25.1%)
- Tyler Loong vs Tyson McGuffin (23.8%)
- Jullian Arnold vs Collin Johns (22.6%)
- Orlando Squeeze vs DC Pickleball (18.6%)
- Salome Devidze vs Meghan Fudge (9.8%)
That's all folks!
We couldn't be more thrilled to have had a record-setting number of votes for the Dink Awards this year. Keep your eyes peeled on the players this year as we predict there'll be a lot of upsets and shake-ups to come!
