Bharat "BK" Karunakaran, originally from Chennai, India, is a Professional Pickleball Player and Content Creator currently residing in Orlando, FL. BK has been playing tennis and badminton since he was 5 years old and his passion for sport brought him to NC State University where he received a BS in Sport Management. Having his tennis career cut short due to tearing his labrum and needing surgery, BK found his passion for pickleball in 2021.

With over a decade of experience coaching racquet sports and working with the USTA as the National Coordinator of Junior Programs and Club Tennis for 3 years, BK brings his vast knowledge of coaching and event management to the pickleball scene. In 2024, he made the jump to being a full-time Pickleball Professional, Coach and Content Creator, where he has amassed a huge following for his Instructionals and Paddle Reviews while also partnering with major brands in creative marketing projects through his channel BK Pickleball (@bk_pickleball). Being the first and only two-time Champion of the All Florida Pro League, BK is ready to try and win a third straight title!!