Top BWF pros across singles + doubles disciplines. Click out to Wikipedia, YouTube highlights, or BWF's site search — we don't host any branded photos or scraped tournament data here.
Started at Højbjerg BK in Aarhus and won the junior World Championship in 2010 at 16. Broke through senior ranks with a 2014 World Championships bronze, beating Lin Dan en route. Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 followed by bronze defense in Paris 2024 — at 6'4" he set the standard for the modern attacking game.
Two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2012). Widely considered the greatest singles player of all time.
Complete · attack + controlb. 1983178 cm
2008 + 2012 Olympic gold
Five-time World Champion (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013)
Six-time All England Champion
Career grand slam — every major title
Racquet
Yonex Voltric Z-Force IIlegacy model
String
Yonex BG65 Ti
Career racquet (discontinued); previously used Yonex AT700 + custom variants
Considered the greatest singles player to ever pick up the sport. A decade of dominance built on physical power and tactical flexibility — could grind from the back court or finish at the net. Olympic golds at Beijing (home soil) and London made him the first man to defend the singles title. Retired 2020 after a 20-year international career.
Career racquets: Voltric 80 (~2011), Voltric Z-Force II (2014-15), Duora 10 (2015-18). Astrox 99 Pro LCW is the honorary post-retirement colorway.
Malaysia's most decorated athlete in any sport. Held BWF #1 for 199 consecutive weeks — a record likely never to be broken. Lost three Olympic finals across three consecutive Games (Beijing, London, Rio) — the silver-medal narrative defined his career as much as his footwork did. Beat nasal cancer in 2018 before retiring in 2019.
Thailand's standard-bearer, won three straight Junior Worlds before turning pro. Maturity beyond his age — patient rallies that wear opponents down rather than out-power them. Beat Kodai Naraoka in five games for the 2023 World title and took silver in Paris 2024.