When people talk about pickleball’s global growth, it’s easy to focus on the countries where the sport is already booming. But some of the most exciting stories are happening in places where players are helping shape what the sport looks like from the ground up.
Mexico is one of those places.
And if you’ve been paying attention to pickleball there, you’ve probably heard the name Mariana Fortes.
A former member of Mexico’s national karate team, Fortes has become one of Mexico’s top professional pickleball players while proudly representing her country on the international stage. This year, she’ll represent Mexico at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam—a milestone that reflects years of dedication, discipline, and steady growth.
For Fortes, though, competing internationally has never been just about results.
“Whenever I compete internationally, I know I’m representing more than myself,” she says. “I’m representing my country and also the growth of pickleball in Mexico.”
That sense of pride has been part of her athletic journey for most of her life.
From Karate Champion to Professional Pickleball Player
She began practicing karate at just seven years old and spent nearly two decades competing, becoming a multiple-time national, Central American, and Pan American champion. She also represented Mexico at three World Championships as a member of the national team. Alongside karate, she enjoyed playing tennis—a sport she still follows closely today.
Looking back, Fortes never expected pickleball to become such an important part of her life. Her mom had invited her to play with a group of friends, and while she initially joined just for fun, she quickly became drawn to the competition and strategy of the sport. Coming from a background in karate, she appreciated the challenge and the opportunity to continue pushing herself as an athlete.
Before long, pickleball became more than a hobby. There wasn’t one defining moment when she decided to pursue the sport professionally. Instead, it happened gradually. Local tournaments led to national events, and national competitions opened the door to international opportunities. Before she realized it, her life had become centered around training, traveling, and competing.
Looking back on that journey, Fortes says every tournament has played a role in shaping the player she is today.
“I’ve been fortunate to compete throughout Mexico, the United States, and Canada,” she says. “Every tournament has taught me something new. Some experiences have brought incredible victories, while others have taught me resilience.”
That willingness to learn from every experience has become one of the biggest reasons for her success.
When Fortes was recognized by the Mexican Pickleball Brand, Cero Cero Dos as the Best Pickleball Player of 2025, she says the honor came as a complete surprise. More than anything, it reminded her to appreciate how far she’d come.
“Sometimes athletes are so focused on the next goal that we forget to appreciate how far we’ve come,” she says. “That recognition allowed me to stop for a moment and feel grateful.”
Why Pickleball Is Growing in Mexico
Fortes credits much of her success to consistency.
She believes talent is important, but it’s the willingness to show up year after year, continue learning, accept losses, and stay committed—even when no one is watching—that makes the biggest difference.
As her own career has progressed, she’s also had the chance to watch pickleball evolve across Mexico.
Today, the sport is expanding rapidly throughout the country. Northern Mexico embraced pickleball earlier because of its proximity to the United States, but the growth has spread well beyond that. She hopes the next chapter includes stronger national competition and more international events, giving Mexican players even more opportunities to develop.
What excites her most, though, isn’t just the growth itself. It’s the people behind it.
Fortes describes Mexico’s pickleball community as passionate, welcoming, and eager to help one another improve. Whether someone is picking up a paddle for the first time or competing at a high level, there’s a genuine desire to see others succeed. It’s one of the things she loves most about the sport.
Representing Mexico on the World Stage
Helping grow pickleball internationally hasn’t come without challenges. Like many athletes outside the United States, Fortes says international competition often requires significant personal investment. Many athletes still have to invest their own time and money to compete internationally.
Even so, every sacrifice has been worth it.
“Being able to represent Mexico and introduce more people to our growing pickleball community makes every sacrifice worthwhile.”
The sport has also connected her with people she never would have met otherwise. Opponents have become friends. Training partners have become mentors. A shared love for pickleball has created relationships that cross borders, languages, and cultures.
Looking ahead, Fortes wants to continue representing Mexico at the highest level while helping create more opportunities for the next generation of players. She hopes to play a small part in ensuring the sport continues to grow long after her own competitive career.
But when she thinks about the legacy she’d like to leave, she doesn’t talk about medals or titles.
“I hope people don’t remember me simply because of the tournaments I won,” she says. “I hope they remember me as someone who truly loved this sport, who represented Mexico with pride, and who showed that discipline, humility, and passion can take you further than you ever imagined.”
It’s a perspective that feels fitting for someone who has spent her career representing something bigger than herself.
And if there’s one message she’d leave with the pickleball community, it’s one that reflects the journey she’s been on from the very beginning:
“Play with passion, enjoy the process, and remember that success isn’t measured only by trophies. It’s measured by the lives you touch, the example you set, and the love you leave behind for the sport.”
