Men’s Singles 2026: Top 10 Badminton Players To Watch After A Defining 2025 Season

By Author: Jeremy Hughes
Total Articles: 76
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Badminton is a global, inclusive, and accessible ‘sport for all’.

Whether it is competitive tournaments or recreational games, 300 million people globally participate in badminton. And, more than 650 million households watch badminton games.

With the growing popularity of badminton, these numbers are going to reach even higher in the New Year. As 2026 begins, badminton fans have plenty to look forward to. Men’s singles is moving faster than ever, with top players sharpening their dominance and new challengers stepping up on the world stage.

If you’re thinking about starting or returning to badminton, let these players inspire you. Their hard work, focus, and drive are what make them exciting to watch in 2026.

1. Shi Yu Qi: The Undefeated Champion

Shi Yu Qi’s 2025 season reaffirmed his status as one of the most complete players in men’s singles. His ability to control rallies, vary pace, and stay composed under pressure stood out across major tournaments. After overcoming setbacks earlier in his career, 2025 showcased his renewed consistency and mental strength.

He started ...
... the year strong by winning the Petronas Malaysia Open 2025 and continued his incredible form at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships, the Daihatsu Japan Open, the Victor China Open, and the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2025. He even secured the second position at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, making him the most sought-after player for the New Year.

Heading into 2026, Shi Yu Qi looks primed to remain a dominant force capable of winning against any opponent on any given day.

2. Kunlavut Vitidsarn: The Asian Champion

Kunlavut Vitidsarn continued his rise in 2025 by demonstrating exceptional tactical intelligence and patience on court. His ability to outlast opponents in long rallies and read the game a step ahead made him one of the toughest players to face.

Although he had a rough start in 2025, he quickly regained his form by the third tournament of the Diahatsu Indonesia Masters. Another win at the Bank of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships 2025 and the KFF Singapore Badminton Open made him even more popular in Asian countries.

As Kunlavut enters 2026, his blend of experience, composure, and evolving attacking play positions him as a serious title contender at the highest level.

3. Anders Antonsen: The Viking Mastermind

2025 highlighted Anders Antonsen’s resilience and adaptability. After a decent start at the Petronas Malaysia Open 2025, he was unable to secure a position on the podium till May. He won the silver at the Toyota Thailand Open. And then, he achieved his first gold at the Kapal API Indonesia Open against Chou Tien Chen.

Known for his aggressive style and sharp shot selection, he refined his consistency and defensive transitions after the Indonesia Open. His performance at the Victor China Open, Totalenergies BWF World Championships, Li-Ning China Masters, Suwon Victor Korea Open, and the French Open makes him a potent threat to top-ranked players.

With momentum on his side, Antonsen enters 2026 hungry to convert strong runs into major titles.

4. Jonathan Christie: The Jojo Magic

Jonathan Christie’s 2025 campaign was defined by balance: Controlled aggression, improved shot discipline, and physical endurance. He secured the third position at the Yonex Sunrise India Open and the silver at the Daihatsu Indonesia Masters, thus ensuring a successful start to 2025.

After a few setbacks, he consistently delivered against high-caliber opponents, showcasing his experience and court awareness. His dedication won him the Suwon Victor Korea Open, the Victor Denmark Open, and the HYLO Open. As one of the most technically polished players on tour, Christie’s ability to rise in big-match situations makes him a strong contender to shine again in 2026.

5. Li Shi Feng: The Chinese Superstar

At the end of the year, Li Shi Feng climbed down one spot on the rankings table, but he is still one of the most important players of 2026. The reason: His attacking game, paired with his penchant for greater patience and control.

He started 2025 with the bronze medal at the Petronas Malaysia Open. In March, he again won the bronze at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships, the Yonex Swiss Open, and the Bank of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships. He finally won the gold at the Perodua Malaysia Masters and the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open.

His speed and sharp angles troubled even the most defensively solid players. As he heads into 2026, his fearless approach and growing tactical depth make him one of the most exciting prospects in men’s singles.

6. Chou Tien Chen: The One Man Army

Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen once again proved in 2025 why consistency matters at the top level. At the age of 35, his endurance, relentless retrieving, and mental toughness allowed him to remain competitive at several tournaments.

He secured his silver at the Yonex Taipei Open and the Kapal API Indonesia Open. He also won the third position at the Yonex US Open, the Victor China Open, the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open, the Suwon Victor Open, and the Sathio Group Australian Open. He won his first tournament in October at the Clash of Clans Arctic Open.

While younger players continue to emerge, Chou’s experience and ability to grind out wins ensure he remains a serious contender going into 2026.

7. Christo Popov: The French Maestro

2025 was a breakthrough year for Christo Popov. He became the first French player to win the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China. He showed that he can challenge established names with fearless attacking play and improved physical conditioning.

He started the year slowly and only won the second position at the Yonex Swiss Open in March. He was placed third at the 2025 European Championships, The KFF Singapore Badminton Open, the Daihatsu Japan Open, the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open, and the Li-Ning China Masters. He also won the silver at the Yonex French Open.

Christo’s rapid progress and confidence on the court signal a player on the rise. As he gains more exposure at the elite level, 2026 could be the year he firmly establishes himself among the sport’s best.

8. Alex Lanier: The French Prodigy

Alex Lanier’s performances in 2025 marked him as one of the most promising young talents in men’s singles. His explosive movement, sharp instincts, and willingness to take risks helped him stand out against higher-ranked opponents.

He won the Orleans Masters and the 2025 European Championships. Alex also secured the third position at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships, the Victor Denmark Open, and the HYLO Open. He had an eventful year by winning second place at the podium of the Daihatsu Japan Open.

With continued development, Lanier enters 2026 as a potential breakout star capable of surprising the badminton world.

9. Kodai Naraoka: Japan’s Superstar

Kodai Naraoka’s defining trait in 2025 was his extraordinary consistency and defensive discipline. His ability to absorb pressure and extend rallies frustrated many attacking players. Malaysia proved to be lucky for him as he won the third position at the Petronas Malaysia Open and the Perodua Malaysia Masters. He also won the bronze at the Yonex Canada Open.

Naraoka’s real breakthrough came in November at the home ground of Kumamoto Masters Japan. He continued his good form at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, winning the bronze at the season finale.

As he continues to refine his offensive options, Naraoka’s relentless style makes him a formidable opponent and a strong candidate to push deeper into major tournaments in 2026.

10. Lakshya Sen: The Indian Rising Star

Lakshya Sen’s 2025 season reflected growth, resilience, and adaptability. Although he didn't secure a win in the first half of 2025, his speed, attacking instincts, and improved shot selection allowed him to compete confidently against the world’s best.

He won a bronze at the Sands China Ltd. Macau Open and the Kumamoto Masters. He secured a silver at the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open and finally won the first position at the Australian Open.

With each season, Sen has shown greater composure in high-stakes matches. Entering 2026, he represents a blend of youth and experience that could translate into consistent podium finishes.

Looking Ahead to 2026!

The road to greatness in badminton is shaped by perseverance, evolution, and belief. Each of these players earned their place on this list through hard work and standout performances in 2025. As 2026 unfolds, fans can expect fierce rivalries, unforgettable matches, and new milestones.

And if you’re stepping onto the court yourself, let their journeys remind you that progress is built rally by rally, match by match. The future of badminton is exciting, and it starts now.

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