![Ben Johns playing pickleball on Championship Sunday](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1708891671758/GvV3l35W.jpeg?width=1320&height=528&optimizer=image)
Ben Johns is back, wins gold in men’s singles
MESA, AZ – No. 1 Ben Johns and No. 2 Federico Staksrud went head-to-head on Championship Sunday to compete for gold.
This was Johns’ return back to the men's singles final in 2024, and needless to say Johns came back with a point to prove — why he is the number one in the world.
The final score was 11-8, 11-4.
There was a particular moment of emotion during game two when Johns was up 7-0 and hit an overhead shot, then turned to the bench and roared to the crowd. This outburst of emotion is a little unusual for this pro.
“You almost never see that from me,” admitted Johns.
“But it has to feel right and it came out naturally. I think it was just a really exciting point for singles. I got a lot of adrenaline and I had to let some of it out,” continued Johns.
Johns and Staksrud had a beautiful battle on the pickleball court with hands battles and cross court shots that looked nearly impossible to return, and Johns returned them with ease.
“It’s definitely one of the best singles matches I’ve ever played. So I think I’ll remember this one,” said Johns.
Related articles
![Alix Truong and Callie Smith celebrate a point.](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1722031544931/MLPGR_NYHUSTLERSVSUTAHBLACKDIAMONDS_DAY3-12.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
Utah beats Arizona for first win of season
Win No. 1 for Utah came in front of a hometown crowd.
11 hours ago
-Will Daughton
![Artist and winemaker with glasses of their wine.](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1721053321096/JW.Ben.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
A celebration of passion: Va Piano’s pickleball wine
Winemaker Justin Wylie and artist Ben Joyce partnered to create something extra special.
17 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy
![Federico Staksrud at MLP Salt Lake City.](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1722001566565/MLPSLC_Day1_AZOrlando-66.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
Order of play for Friday's matches at Vulcan MLP Salt Lake City by Margaritaville
Get ready for more exciting action from Utah.
19 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
![Pickleball coach and student hitting a pickleball across the court.](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1721832375047/IMG_4698.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
Come take a pickleball lesson with me
On a recent trip home to Florida, I spent some time with coach Owen Mitchell.
20 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy