Bill Gates Calls Pickleball a ‘Funny American Game’ – Here’s Why He Loves It
Bill Gates, tech titan and pickleball enthusiast, has been hooked on this quirky sport since his teenage years on Bainbridge Island. The tennis-ping-pong hybrid requires minimal athletic prowess but delivers maximum fun – perfect for a computer nerd turned billionaire. Gates’ family even installed their own court, cementing their connection to this distinctive American game that’s exploding in popularity. His five-decade devotion to pickleball reveals a surprisingly playful side of the Microsoft founder that few know about.
While most billionaires chase exotic hobbies like space travel or superyachts, Bill Gates has remained loyal to a decidedly more humble pursuit: pickleball. The Microsoft co-founder has been swinging a paddle at this quirky sport for over five decades, long before it became America’s fastest-growing athletic phenomenon.
Gates’ connection to pickleball runs deep. His father installed a court at their family home, and the Gates family knew the game’s inventors – Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell – who created this tennis-ping-pong hybrid on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. Talk about having friends in high places.
Born into pickleball royalty, Gates didn’t just play the game – his family helped shape the sport from its humble Bainbridge Island beginnings.
The sport these friends cooked up with a Wiffle ball and some ping-pong paddles has exploded. By 2022, nearly 9 million Americans were playing pickleball, marking a staggering 158.6% growth over three years. Not bad for a game with funny terms like “dink” and “kitchen.” Despite its silly name, Gates has always emphasized the game’s sophisticated nature. The low-impact nature of pickleball makes it particularly appealing for players of all ages and abilities.
What’s fascinating is how this supposedly simple sport has captured both elite athletes and casual players alike. It’s practically impossible to mess up – well, unless you’re trying to. The game takes about 15 minutes to play, requires minimal equipment, and doesn’t demand Olympic-level athleticism. Perfect for tech billionaires and regular folks alike. Gates often plays during summer months with his friends and family.
Professional pickleball is now a thing, complete with unified leagues and serious money backing. Stars like Ben Johns are becoming household names, at least in households that care about pickleball.
Meanwhile, indoor courts are popping up in major cities faster than startup valuations during a bull market.
The sport that Gates has quietly championed for half a century is now Washington state’s official sport. It’s a rare instance where something genuinely accessible has caught fire in America. No expensive gear required, no exclusive country club membership needed.
Just grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing. Even if you’re not worth billions, you can still play like Gates – or at least try to.
