Global music icon Steve Aoki is bringing his expansive HiROQUEST universe to the court through a new collaboration with JOOLA, blending music, art, storytelling and racquet sports in a limited-edition collection of pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets.
Key Points:
- Steve Aoki brings his expansive HiROQUEST universe to JOOLA's pickleball and table tennis equipment.
- The limited-edition collection features Hiro and Hyro designs across pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets.
- The collaboration builds on Aoki's long-standing passion for racquet sports and relationship with JOOLA.
- Each product comes with a JOOLA x HiROQUEST collectible character card, adding a unique element for fans and collectors.
The Visionary Crossover: Aoki's Universe Meets the Court
HiROQUEST, Steve Aoki's ambitious narrative universe, goes beyond music and entertainment. The two-time Grammy-nominated DJ and producer created the saga around genetically enhanced meta-human Hiro and his nemesis Hyro, who travel across multiple worlds.
What began with Aoki's album HiROQUEST: Genesis has since expanded into graphic novels, manga, trading cards and two more albums. Now, the characters and artwork from the universe are being brought to life on JOOLA's pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets.
"HiROQUEST has always been about building worlds people can step into," Aoki said. "JOOLA has been part of my table tennis and pickleball life for years, so bringing Hiro and Hyro onto paddles and rackets feels like the perfect way to merge my love of storytelling, collectibles, and racquet sports."
Unleashing the Heroes: Limited Edition Gear
The collaboration features four limited-edition pieces: two JOOLA x Steve Aoki Perseus Pro V 16mm pickleball paddles and two JOOLA x Steve Aoki Infinity Z Carbon table tennis rackets. The designs feature Hiro and Hyro in signature red colourways, bringing Aoki's fictional universe directly onto the equipment.
Each product also comes with a JOOLA x HiROQUEST collectible character card. JOOLA says the cards come in mystery packs, with different card versions including limited serialized editions, adding another collectible element to the collaboration.
A Partnership Forged on Passion
This collaboration builds on Steve Aoki's long-standing love for both pickleball and table tennis, as well as his relationship with JOOLA, which stretches back several years. The partnership also grew from JOOLA's earlier work with the Aoki Foundation, which supports research in brain science and regenerative medicine.
Aoki's connection with the brand goes beyond simply using its equipment. "JOOLA has been in my corner for years now, on and off the court," he explained. "They've always supported me as a player and as an artist, and that kind of relationship is rare. This collaboration means a lot to me because it's not just a partnership—it's with people I genuinely consider friends."
JOOLA President and CEO Richard Lee shared a similar sentiment, saying the collection came from years of friendship with Aoki and his passion for the games. "Bringing HiROQUEST onto our table tennis and pickleball equipment felt like a natural next chapter for our partnership," Lee said.
With its mix of limited-edition equipment, collectible cards and Aoki's distinctive HiROQUEST artwork, the collaboration brings together sport, art and storytelling in a way that gives both pickleball players and Aoki fans something to take onto the court.
