Federico Staksrud’s rise to the top of the pickleball world has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in his dethroning of Ben Johns as the #1 ranked player in the world. For years, Ben Johns has been the undisputed king of pickleball, dominating the sport with his unparalleled skill, consistency, and mental toughness. However, Staksrud’s relentless drive, adaptability, and explosive playing style have propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport, marking a new era in professional pickleball.
Staksrud, originally from Argentina, brought a unique background to pickleball, having competed at a high level in tennis before transitioning to the sport. His tennis pedigree gave him a strong foundation in footwork, court awareness, and shot selection, which he seamlessly adapted to pickleball. Over the past few years, Staksrud has honed his craft, blending power, precision, and creativity to become one of the most dynamic players on the tour. His ability to mix aggressive drives with delicate dinks and his lightning-fast reflexes at the net have made him a formidable opponent.
The turning point in Staksrud’s career came in 2023, when he began to consistently challenge and defeat Johns in major tournaments. Their head-to-head matchups became must-watch events, with Staksrud’s athleticism and strategic play often giving him the edge. One of the most notable victories came at the US Open Pickleball Championships, where Staksrud defeated Johns in a thrilling three-game final, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. This victory not only solidified his status as a top contender but also signaled a shift in the balance of power in the sport.
Staksrud’s ascent to #1 is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and willingness to evolve his game. While Johns’ dominance was built on consistency and technical mastery, Staksrud has brought a new level of intensity and innovation to the sport. His rise has also energized the pickleball community, as fans and players alike celebrate the emergence of a new champion.
While Ben Johns remains one of the greatest pickleball players of all time, Federico Staksrud’s dethroning of him as the #1 player marks a new chapter in the sport’s history. Staksrud’s success is a reminder that in pickleball, as in any sport, greatness is never guaranteed—it must be earned, match by match, point by point.