Federico Staksrud struck gold for the first time in 2026 with an 11-9, 11-7 victory over top-seeded Hunter Johnson in the men’s singles final.

The contest—which marked the 15^th meeting between the two titans—featured contrasting game styles: Staksrud’s hybrid cat-and-mouse and Johnson’s more modern style reliant on passing shots from the baseline.

In the end, though, it was Staksrud who played better in the big moments to secure his 18^th career PPA Tour men’s singles title and make his 30th birthday that much sweeter.

The Argentine used his post-match interview with Michelle McMahon to honor fellow pro Grayson Goldin, who shared on social media that he is in the hospital after suffering two strokes earlier this week.

“We love Grayson, we love having him here on the tour, so we’re hoping for a quick recovery from him,” he said.

It was a touching moment that shows that the spirit of pickleball is greater than what goes on in between the lines of the court.

In the bronze medal match, No. 3 seed Christian Alshon defeated No. 14 seed Jay Devilliers by an 11-7, 11-6 score line