From Fortnite to Global Pickleball Influence: Tanner Tomasi’s Strategic Playbook

Gaming to Global Influence

Before Tanner Tomasi became a household name in pickleball, he was a professional Fortnite player. Surprisingly, his gaming background didn’t sharpen his court reaction time as much as it sharpened his social media instincts. “Gaming helped me more with learning social media for my pickleball career,” Tanner explained. That digital savvy became a cornerstone of his brand, helping him secure sponsorships and expand his reach internationally.

Hedge and Hustle: Career Strategy

Tanner’s career shift wasn’t spontaneous. He was a realtor before moving to Florida, widely considered the Mecca of pickleball, to pursue pro play. To hedge against not becoming the next Ben Johns, he focused on building a following. “I wanted a following in case I didn’t become the best player,” he says. With US pickleball participation growing by 45.8% in 2024 and an overall increase of 311% over three years, his timing was perfect.

Personality Matters: Brand Beyond Play

Being approachable is central to Tanner’s strategy. Unlike players who rely solely on skills, Tanner emphasizes connection. “If people don’t like me, it’s not like I’m the best guy in the world,” he says. He makes sure every fan feels welcome, even after grueling tournaments with hundreds of photo requests. In 2023, nearly 48.3 million adults in the US played pickleball at least once, showing the sport’s vast, diverse audience.

Lessons for Aspiring Athletes

Tanner’s story underscores a modern reality: skill alone isn’t enough. Digital presence, community engagement, and authenticity are equally important. By blending on-court excellence with social media strategy, Tanner created a career that resonates globally. His journey is a blueprint for athletes aiming to expand beyond performance alone.

This article is an excerpt from our interview with Tanner, watch the full video here.