Kim Eung-gwon

Profile

Kim Eung-gwon (25) is a pickleball player from South Korea. After 15 years as a professional table tennis player, he switched to pickleball and, using the quick hand speed and precise technique built in table tennis, grew into one of Asia's top players. He discovered pickleball in a university physical education class, and winning his very first tournament led him to throw himself into the sport in earnest.

Career and record

He was chosen as an inaugural member of the 2025 UPA Asia Trailblazers and thrived across PPA Tour Asia events. In men's doubles he paired with Hong Kong's Wong Hong Kit and posted strong results, sharing the Asia No. 1 ranking throughout the 2025 season. In the Hong Kong Open men's doubles final he narrowly lost a 12-10 thriller for silver, but his steady ability throughout the season earned recognition.

Play style

His greatest strengths are table-tennis-honed quick hands and wrist work. Supremely confident in speed battles at the net, his reflexes stand out, letting him react instantly even to opponents' speed balls. He also excels at coordinated doubles play.

Paddle and sponsor

DUPR 5.688. Detailed sponsor information is being confirmed.

Latest developments

He aims to be a pioneer of pickleball's growth in Korea, openly stating he wants to "become the most influential player in Asia." He speaks English as well as Korean and is actively expanding his activity in international tournaments.

📎 Reference: UPA Asia | Pickleball.com | The Dink