American Pickleball Pros Who Don’t Play Nice, And Malaysia Loves It

A Bold Arrival

When Roman Estareja and Jasmine Almaguer landed in Malaysia, they brought more than just U.S.-born pickleball skills; they brought attitude. Aggressive, fast-paced, and fearless, their style immediately set them apart.

"I love pushing the limits, both mine and my opponents’," says Roman. "Every match should make people stop and watch."

Jas adds, "I don’t play to blend in. I play to dominate and make it exciting."

Shaking Up Southeast Asia

Pickleball in the region has grown steadily, but Roman and Jasmine have given it a new edge. Their matches combine high-intensity rallies with sharp strategy, turning even casual games into must-watch events.

"Players here are hungry to learn, and that energy pushes me to be better every day," Roman notes.

"The fans’ reactions fuel our game. When they cheer, we feed off that adrenaline," Jasmine says.

Building a Fan Frenzy

Crowds are growing, both in-person and online, as clips of jaw-dropping shots and intense doubles matches go viral. Roman and Jasmine have tapped into a new level of pickleball celebrity, showing that personality is as key as skill. 

Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, is at a rare inflection point: pickleball is big, visible, and fast-growing but not yet fully mature.

Roman and Jasmine arrived at the perfect moment.

They weren’t just pros dropping in for tournaments. They stayed. They trained with locals. They showed up week after week. That consistency built trust and credibility.

Here, fans don’t just watch. They engage. They learn. They recognise patterns, footwork, and mindset. In SEA, players become personalities fast and Roman and Jasmine understood that cultural dynamic instinctively.

Transforming the Community

Beyond winning, their approach inspires players to think differently about the game. Clinics and workshops led by the duo are packed, with participants eager to pick up techniques, strategy insights, and the confidence to play boldly.

Gearbox Ambassadors, Not Just Logo Wearers

Their partnership with Gearbox Pickleball isn’t cosmetic, it’s strategic.

As official Gearbox ambassadors in Asia, Roman and Jasmine represent a brand built on precision, innovation, and performance, values that align tightly with how they play and teach.

They don’t just endorse paddles. They explain why gear matters, how technology affects touch and power, and what serious players should actually care about as they level up.

That credibility matters in a developing market where players are still learning how to choose equipment and not just buy hype.

Leaving a Legacy

Roman Estareja and Jasmine Almaguer prove that skill, charisma, and fearlessness can redefine a sport. By pushing boundaries on and off the court, they’re inspiring a new generation and leaving a permanent mark on Southeast Asia’s pickleball culture.

This article is an excerpt from our interview with Roman and Jas. Watch the full video here. Photos sourced via Instagram.