Brazilian pickleball pro Eric Oncins joins Pickleballers to share his journey from growing up in São Paulo to becoming one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.

Eric opens up about his father’s tennis legacy, discovering pickleball in 2017, training under Simone Jardim, and the heated match with Johnny Goldberg that changed everything. After back-to-back pro titles in Asia, he’s now a global fan favorite bringing fire, flair, and emotion to the court.

From being drafted by MLP Miami to signing with the PPA Tour, Eric’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere — and that the next great pickleball star might come from anywhere in the world. 🌎🔥

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(1:20) – Early tournaments and first impressions

(2:19) – How Eric started playing pro pickleball

(3:00) – Growing up in Brazil

(5:58) – Moving to the U.S. for tennis

(8:08) – Discovering pickleball in 2017

(9:19) – Playing early tournaments with his dad

(12:16) – Mentorship from Simone Jardim

(14:10) – Leaving pickleball to pursue college tennis

(17:10) – The infamous match against Johnny Goldberg

(21:32) – Getting drafted to MLP Miami

(27:23) – Bringing energy and personality to pickleball

(28:40) – Why emotion matters in sports

(30:43) – Eric’s legendary father Jaime Oncins

(35:38) – Moving to Nashville and mentorship from Simone Jardim

(39:20) – Signing with the PPA and turning full-time

(40:04) – The Asia trip that changed everything

(47:23) – How pickleball is growing in Asia

(49:09) – Comparing Asian and U.S. talent

(50:57) – Florida training culture

(53:56) – Discipline — what separates pros from amateurs

(54:54) – Tyson’s viral “backhand flick” comment

(56:22) – Life outside pickleball and future goals

(1:01:10) – Handling trash talk and mental warfare

(1:02:40) – The mindset behind confidence and preparation