Here are some of the top rising stars in professional squash, players who have stood out with their recent performances.
From up-and-coming talents to breakthrough players, these are the names to watch over the next few seasons.
What Is Professional Squash?
Professional squash is a highly competitive and elite level of the sport, where players compete for prize money in major tournaments and leagues around the world. This level of the game requires intense training, physical conditioning, and tactical strategies to excel.
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) is the governing body for professional squash and oversees all major tournaments, rankings, and player development programs. The top-ranked players in the PSA World Tour are considered to be among the best in the world.
The stakes are about to rise: after decades of campaigning, squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games, giving today's top players their first chance at an Olympic medal and turning the next two seasons into qualification battles worth watching.
Professional squash takes more than skill and athleticism; it also takes mental toughness and determination. With matches lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, players must have a strong mindset to stay focused and perform at their best.
Tournaments in professional squash are held in a knockout format, with players competing against each other in a best-of-five-games match. The scoring system is based on the traditional 'point-a-rally' format, where players must win by two points to secure a game.
Why To Keep An Eye On Rising Stars?
With the constantly evolving nature of professional squash, it's always exciting to watch new players emerge and make their mark on the sport. These rising stars bring a fresh perspective and unique playing styles that add diversity to the game.
Many of these young players have been training for years, honing their skills and building their physical and mental strength. As they enter the professional circuit, they are able to show their talents against some of the best players in the world.
In addition to their technical abilities, these rising stars also possess a hunger and drive to succeed at the highest level. They are determined to climb up the rankings and make a name for themselves in the professional squash world.
Watching these players develop and evolve on the court is not only exciting, but it also gives us a glimpse into the future of the sport. As they continue to train and compete, we can expect to see great things from them in the years to come.
Top Stars and Emerging Talents to Watch
There are numerous talented and promising players in professional squash, but a few have stood out as genuine rising stars. Here are some of the top names to keep an eye on:
1. Hania El Hammamy (Egypt)
Hania El Hammamy, born on September 1, 2000, in Cairo, is a top Egyptian squash player. Inspired by her brother, Karim El Hammamy, she switched from gymnastics to squash, quickly rising through the ranks.
By age 16, she was the top seed in women's junior squash. In 2019, she claimed her first world junior championship title and broke into the top 10 rankings, solidifying her status as a leading player.
Notable victories include winning the 2020 Black Ball Squash Open and the 2020 PSA World Tour Finals. Hania's resilience and talent have earned her a prominent spot in global squash, consistently challenging the world's best players. She has since climbed to world No. 1 and is widely regarded as one of the most complete attacking players on the women's tour, with multiple PSA World Tour titles to her name.
This rising star continues to impress with her speed, agility, and fierce determination on the court. With a bright future ahead, Hania El Hammamy is definitely one to watch in professional squash.
2. Mostafa Asal (Egypt)
Mostafa Asal, born May 9, 2001, is a rising star from Egypt. Known as "The Raging Bull" for his fierce playing style, Asal quickly ascended the ranks to become the world's number one player in January 2023.
His career highlights include winning the 2021 PSA World Tour Finals and the U.S. Open Squash Men's Championship. Despite his remarkable talent, Asal's journey has been turbulent, with multiple suspensions due to on-court controversies.
His relentless drive and unique approach to the game make him a formidable presence on the court, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting and controversial players in modern squash.
3. Nele Gilis (Belgium)
Nele Gilis, born on February 20, 1996, in Belgium, is an emerging talent in professional squash. She has swiftly risen through the ranks, achieving a career-high world ranking of No. 4 and has been a fixture inside the world's top 10, one of the best Belgian squash players of her generation. Gilis initially distinguished herself as a junior by winning the 2014 European Junior Squash Championships.
She secured her first PSA World Tour title in 2016 and followed it up with a second title at the Irish Open in 2017. Renowned for her determination and skill, Gilis reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 PSA Women's World Squash Championship.
With her impressive accomplishments and increasing influence in the sport, Gilis is well-positioned to further her success in the global squash arena.
4. Iker Pajares (Spain)
Iker Pajares Bernabeu, the Spanish No.1 squash player, has emerged as a leading figure in the sport, having won 11 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles. He began his PSA World Tour journey in 2013, claiming his first title in 2016 at the PSA City of Prague Open.
Iker's success continued with victories at the PSA Malaysian Squash Tour, PSA Seapiax Lorient Open, and others, propelling him into the world's top 30. A multiple-time Spanish National Champion, Iker has built a steady professional career and continues to feature regularly in PSA World Tour main draws.
As a key member of the Spanish national team, he played a key part in Spain's historic 8th-place finish at the 2019 WSF Men's World Team Squash Championship.
5. Rowan Elaraby (Egypt)
Rowan Elaraby, born on July 29, 2000, in Alexandria, Egypt, is a top-tier professional squash player. She has reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 in the world and has been a regular top-10 player on the women's tour, part of Egypt's continued dominance of the sport.
Elaraby has a distinguished record, having won the 2022 Carol Weymuller Women's Squash Championship, marking her first victory at this prestigious event by defeating Malaysian player Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-1.
She is also a two-time World Junior Champion, securing titles in 2017 and 2018 by overcoming her compatriot Hania El Hammamy in both finals. Earlier, in 2016, she reached the World Junior Championship final but fell short against Nouran Gohar. Elaraby continues to be a prominent figure in international squash.
So these are just a few of the top rising stars in professional squash. As they continue to make their mark on the sport, we can expect to see even more exciting and competitive matches from them, cementing their place in the history of this dynamic and challenging game.
So keep an eye out for these players and others as they continue to inspire and push the boundaries of what is possible in professional squash.
The Bottom Line
The names above are no longer just "ones to watch", several are already at, or near, the top of the world rankings, and with the LA 2028 Olympic debut on the horizon they have a genuine career-defining target to aim for. Follow the PSA World Tour, the Egyptian and European junior circuits, and the British Open / U.S. Open / World Championships to see how the next two seasons reshape the order at the top.
