diff --git a/__init__.py b/__init__.py
index fab664d..4d974da 100644
--- a/__init__.py
+++ b/__init__.py
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ bp = Blueprint(directory_name, __name__, template_folder="templates")
 
 def create_flag_if_missing(challenge_id: int, user_id: int, flag_content: str):
     user_id_str = str(user_id)
-    flags = Flags.query.filter_by(id=challenge_id, data=user_id_str).all()
+    flag = Flags.query.filter_by(id=challenge_id, data=user_id_str).first()
 
-    if len(flags) == 0:
+    if flag is None:
         new_flag = Flags(
             challenge_id=challenge_id,
             type="personal",
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def create_flag_if_missing(challenge_id: int, user_id: int, flag_content: str):
         db.session.commit()
         return new_flag.id
 
-    return flags[0].id
+    return flag
 
 
 @bp.route("/admin/cheaters", methods=["GET"])