World renowned DJ Steve Aoki says pickleball is cool for THIS reason
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Steve Aoki has a simple answer for anyone still debating whether pickleball is cool: Yes. And its geekiness is part of the appeal.
In a recent episode of Pickleballers, the DJ and record producer explained why a sport that doesn’t carry the traditional cachet of football or tennis fits perfectly into his world.
“I have a pickleball court in my backyard,” Aoki said. “And I just love pickleball. I actually love pickleball.”
That enthusiasm comes with zero hesitation about embracing the sport’s nerdier reputation. Aoki collects cards, loves anime and readily describes himself as a geek. Pickleball belongs right alongside those interests, he said.
For him, being cool has never required everyone else’s approval.
“I’ve always liked the uncool thing … because I think it’s cool,” he said.
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The conversation turns into a broader explanation of how Aoki has always found his people. Growing up, he gravitated toward skateboarders and kids going to hardcore shows, recalling a connection he didn’t feel with the football players when he was sitting on the bench.
His own attempts at traditional sports weren’t always memorable for the right reasons. Aoki joked that he scored on his own soccer goal twice in one year.
Those experiences help explain why he’s comfortable loving something outside the conventional definition of cool.
The takeaway for pickleball players? Enjoy your obsession. Aoki certainly does.
Whether he’s collecting cards, watching anime or playing on his backyard court, he sees no reason to defend what makes him happy.
Pickleball is cool. Next question.
