Padel has experienced an explosive rise in popularity around the world. The fast-paced, highly social sport blends the thrill of tennis with the intensity of squash, creating an exciting and engaging experience for both players and fans alike. Whether you’re an avid follower or just beginning to explore the sport, the professional padel circuit offers a thrilling showcase of talent and competition. The magic happens on the court, where the world’s best padel players battle it out in some of the most prestigious and exciting tournaments.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most anticipated upcoming padel tournaments, from the Grand Slams of the World Padel Tour (WPT) to the exciting new era of Premier Padel. If you’re a fan or an aspiring player, get ready to mark your calendars for the events that will define the next few months in the padel world.
The Professional Circuit Landscape: WPT vs. Premier Padel
To understand the landscape of professional padel, it’s important to know about the two main tours that dominate the sport: the World Padel Tour (WPT) and Premier Padel. These two circuits offer fans the best of what the sport has to offer, each with its own unique features and appeal.
World Padel Tour (WPT)
The WPT is the longest-running and most established professional padel tour. With a season-long points race, this tour is known for its intense competition and deep history. The WPT’s tournaments are held all over the globe, featuring the best players in the world who fight for rankings and prestigious titles. The WPT is often seen as the traditional tour, with high-profile events like the WPT Madrid Master and WPT Marbella Open taking center stage.
Premier Padel (Managed by the FIP and QSI)
Premier Padel, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block but has already made a significant impact in the world of padel. Managed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), Premier Padel features high prize money and a strong emphasis on expanding the sport globally. The tour includes events like the Premier Padel Paris Major and Premier Padel Milan Padel Major, which offer players and fans a new, exciting format with more international exposure.
Both tours feature the top-tier players in the sport, and the best players often compete in both WPT and Premier Padel events, making for thrilling, year-round action.
The Must-See Tournaments: Your Calendar Guide
Now that you understand the two main tours, let’s dive into the most important upcoming tournaments. This guide will help you decide which events to mark on your calendar based on when they occur and the significance of each.
A. The Crown Jewels: Major Upcoming Events (Next 3-6 Months)
These are the events that every padel fan should be looking forward to. Featuring the world’s top players, incredible rivalries, and an electric atmosphere, these tournaments are where padel’s biggest moments will unfold in the next few months.
1. Premier Padel Paris Major
- Host City/Country: Paris, France
- Dates: April 25 – May 1, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: Paris is one of the most iconic sports cities in the world, and the Premier Padel Paris Major promises to be a showcase of world-class padel in a city that has embraced the sport with open arms. With high stakes and a prestigious title on the line, this tournament attracts the best players in the world.
- Players to Watch: Watch out for the famous pairing of Galán/Lebrón and the fierce rivals Coello/Tapia. Expect some breathtaking rallies and fierce competition.
- How to Watch: This tournament will be available to stream on Premier Padel’s official YouTube channel and broadcasted on Red Bull TV.
2. WPT Madrid Master
- Host City/Country: Madrid, Spain
- Dates: May 5 – May 10, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: Madrid’s padel scene is legendary, with passionate fans and a vibrant atmosphere. As one of the flagship events of the World Padel Tour, the Madrid Master attracts the sport’s biggest names. The competition is fierce, with top players like Paquito Navarro and Ale Galán vying for the coveted title.
- Players to Watch: Keep an eye on the Di Nenno/Stupaçao duo as they continue to dominate the circuit. The rising stars of the sport, like Javi Ruiz and Lucas Campagnolo, also promise to deliver great performances.
- How to Watch: You can watch the action live on the World Padel Tour TV channel or through major TV networks in Spain.
3. Premier Padel Milan Padel Major
- Host City/Country: Milan, Italy
- Dates: June 3 – June 9, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: Milan is known for its love of sports, and the Milan Padel Major is becoming a key stop in the Premier Padel calendar. With a mix of exciting action and a high-energy crowd, this event offers everything padel fans love.
- Players to Watch: Juan Lebrón, Ale Galán, and Franco Stupaczuk will be in the spotlight, along with local favorites looking to make a mark in their home country.
- How to Watch: Tune in on Premier Padel’s official streaming platforms or through local Italian broadcasters.
4. WPT Marbella Open
- Host City/Country: Marbella, Spain
- Dates: July 15 – July 19, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: Marbella is not just famous for its stunning beaches but also for its vibrant padel scene. The WPT Marbella Open is one of the top events on the calendar, offering an exciting blend of world-class padel and a beautiful Mediterranean backdrop.
- Players to Watch: Expect fierce competition between Gonzalo Rubio, Franco Stupaczuk, and others, with a chance for younger players to break through.
- How to Watch: The World Padel Tour TV platform and Red Bull TV will provide comprehensive coverage.
B. The Season’s Highlights: Other Key Tournaments to Circle
While the crown jewels of the padel calendar are essential to watch, there are plenty of other exciting tournaments that fans shouldn’t miss.
1. WPT Rotterdam Open
- Host City/Country: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Dates: April 10 – April 15, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: The Rotterdam Open is one of the first major tournaments of the season, and it’s known for its intense matches and loyal fanbase. The Netherlands is emerging as a key hub for padel, and this tournament is a great opportunity to see rising stars make their mark.
2. Premier Padel Mexican Open
- Host City/Country: Mexico City, Mexico
- Dates: June 25 – June 30, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: With its lively atmosphere and vibrant fans, the Premier Padel Mexican Open offers a fun and energetic experience for players and spectators. Expect some exciting matchups and a truly international flavor to the competition.
3. WPT Rome Master
- Host City/Country: Rome, Italy
- Dates: August 1 – August 5, 2025
- Why It’s a “Can’t-Miss”: Rome’s historic charm combined with world-class padel action makes this tournament an essential stop on the WPT calendar.
Beyond the Pros: Other Tournaments to Follow
While the professional circuit gets the most attention, there are several other exciting tournaments that help build the sport’s fanbase and provide opportunities for new players to get involved.
A. National Championships
National championships are an essential part of the padel calendar. Countries like Spain, Argentina, and Sweden have massive followings, and their national tournaments provide opportunities for new talent to emerge.
- Spain’s National Championship: The Spanish Padel Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport and often features fierce competition between local stars and international players.
- Argentina’s National Championship: In Argentina, padel is a national pastime, and the Argentinian National Padel Championship often provides thrilling action and surprises.
B. Major Amateur & Corporate Circuits
The rise of amateur padel tours is also significant. Events like the Padel Point Tour and other national circuits are a great way for fans to get involved, whether as participants or spectators.
C. Exhibition & Celebrity Events
These events are fun and often feature top players alongside celebrities. While not as competitive as the major tours, these events are a great way to engage with the sport and its personalities.
How to Get the Full Padel Experience
A. Attending a Tournament Live
If you’re lucky enough to attend a tournament in person, make sure to check out the event schedule and buy tickets early to avoid missing out. The atmosphere at a live padel event is electric, and there’s nothing like the energy of being in the stands as your favorite players battle it out.
B. Watching from Home
If you can’t attend live, watching from home is the next best thing. Many tournaments offer streaming services, such as World Padel Tour TV and Premier Padel’s YouTube Channel, where you can watch matches live or catch up with highlights.
C. Following the Action on Social Media
To stay up-to-date with the latest news, match results, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow key social media accounts. Official accounts of both the WPT and Premier Padel, as well as top players, provide fans with live updates and engaging content.
Conclusion: The Future is Padel
As padel continues to grow, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever. With exciting tournaments on the horizon and a global stage expanding each year, the competition is heating up. The professional padel circuit is buzzing with talent, passion, and excitement—making now the perfect time to get involved.
So, which tournament are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below and share this guide with your padel partner!
FAQs: Padel Tournaments and How to Get Involved
1. What is padel, and why is it growing so fast?
Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court with walls, players hit a ball back and forth, using the walls for added strategy. Its social, accessible nature and easy learning curve have made it one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with tournaments expanding in size and popularity.
2. What are the main padel tournaments I should watch?
The two biggest padel tournament circuits are the World Padel Tour (WPT) and Premier Padel. Some of the top events include:
- WPT Madrid Master
- Premier Padel Paris Major
- WPT Marbella Open
- Premier Padel Milan Padel Major
These tournaments feature the world’s best players and attract global attention.
3. What’s the difference between the World Padel Tour (WPT) and Premier Padel?
- WPT is the traditional and longest-running tour, known for its high-level competition and deep history in the sport.
- Premier Padel is a newer global circuit, offering higher prize money and a focus on expanding padel’s reach worldwide, backed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).
4. When do the biggest padel tournaments take place?
The largest padel tournaments, such as the Premier Padel Paris Major and WPT Madrid Master, are spread out throughout the year. Some key events in the next few months include:
- Premier Padel Paris Major: April 25 – May 1, 2025
- WPT Madrid Master: May 5 – May 10, 2025
- Premier Padel Milan Padel Major: June 3 – June 9, 2025
Check out the detailed tournament schedule for a full list.
5. How can I watch the tournaments if I can’t attend live?
Many tournaments offer live streaming on platforms like Premier Padel’s YouTube channel and Red Bull TV. You can also watch the action on the World Padel Tour TV streaming service. Make sure to check the tournament’s official website for streaming details and broadcast information.
6. Can I attend a padel tournament in person?
Yes! Attending a padel tournament in person is a fantastic way to experience the excitement of the sport. Tickets are typically available on the official tournament websites, and it’s a great way to get close to the action and enjoy the energetic atmosphere. Check the official pages for ticket sales and event details.
7. What should I expect at a live padel tournament?
At a live padel tournament, you can expect high-energy matches, passionate crowds, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Expect top-notch facilities, food, merchandise, and fan engagement. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow fans and get involved with the growing padel community.
8. Are there amateur padel tournaments I can participate in?
Yes! In addition to professional tournaments, there are a variety of amateur and corporate padel circuits such as the Padel Point Tour and national championships. These tournaments offer both competitive and recreational opportunities for players of all skill levels.
9. What’s the best way to stay updated on padel events?
Follow official padel social media accounts, including those for World Padel Tour, Premier Padel, and top players. Additionally, many tournaments post live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and highlights on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also subscribe to their official YouTube channels for live match streaming and event news.
10. Can I meet the players or get autographs at padel tournaments?
Yes! Many tournaments offer opportunities to meet players during autograph sessions or at the event’s fan zones. Make sure to check the event schedule for any special meet-and-greet sessions. It’s a great way to interact with the stars of the sport and get a closer look at the personalities that make padel so exciting.
11. What is the best way to get into padel if I’m a beginner?
If you’re new to padel, it’s recommended to start by playing at a local padel club or facility. Many venues offer beginner-friendly lessons and beginner tournaments. Additionally, watching professional tournaments can help you learn more about the sport, its techniques, and strategies. You can also connect with other padel enthusiasts through social media or local clubs to stay involved in the community.
12. Do I need to have experience in tennis or other racquet sports to play padel?
While having a background in tennis or squash can be helpful due to the similarities in the use of rackets and movement on the court, it is not required. Many people begin playing padel without any experience in other racquet sports. The sport is designed to be easy to learn and offers a great entry point for new players of all skill levels.
