Premier Padel Circuit

Premier Padel is the global professional padel tour organised by FIP and Qatar Sports Investments. It represents the highest level of competitive padel — the equivalent of the ATP Tour in tennis.

Description

Premier Padel is the official global padel tour, launched in 2022 with the backing of FIP (International Padel Federation), Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), and the Professional Padel Association (PPA). The tour brings together the world’s best players and stages events on every continent.

Premier Padel was created in response to the need for a unified international professional padel structure, analogous to ATP/WTA in tennis.

Tour Structure

Tournament Categories

Premier Padel tournaments are divided into several tiers by significance:

Major Tournaments

Majors are the flagship events of the season. Similar to tennis Grand Slams, they take place in key cities:

• Italy Major (Rome)
• France Major (Bordeaux/Paris)
• Argentina Major (Buenos Aires)
• Qatar Major (Doha)

Major tournaments attract all top-ranked pairs and carry the largest prize funds.

Ranking System

Premier Padel uses the FIP ranking system, similar to tennis rankings:

• Points are awarded based on tournament results
• Rankings are calculated from best results over a 52-week rolling period
• Higher-category tournaments award more points
• Rankings determine seedings and admission to Majors

Top Players

As of 2025, among the leaders of the men’s ranking:

• Arturo Coello (Spain) — one of the youngest ranking leaders
• Agustín Tapia (Argentina) — known for a brilliant, creative playing style
• Alejandro Galán (Spain)
• Federico Chingotto (Argentina)

[OUTDATED] Rankings are updated weekly. For the current ranking, visit premierpadel.com.

Tournament Format

Men’s and Women’s Draws

• Main draw at Majors: 32 pairs
• Qualifying: 16–32 pairs
• All matches are doubles (2×2)
• Format: best of 3 sets, with golden point at deuce

Television Broadcasts

Premier Padel is broadcast on global sports platforms:

• Eurosport / Max (Europe)
• ESPN (Latin America)
• Sky Sports (United Kingdom)
• DAZN (selected markets)
• YouTube channel Premier Padel (free streams)

History of Professional Padel

Before 2022, professional padel was represented by the World Padel Tour (WPT), which was held predominantly in Spain. In 2022, FIP created Premier Padel as a global alternative, eventually leading to the unification of both tours into a single structure.

Prize Money

Prize funds on Premier Padel have grown significantly compared to the WPT era:

[UNVERIFIED] Prize funds continue to grow — FIP aims to bring them closer to the level of lower-tier tennis tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Premier Padel differ from the World Padel Tour? WPT was a private tour focused on Spain. Premier Padel is a global tour under FIP management, with tournaments on every continent, larger prize money, and a broader television audience.

How do you qualify for a Premier Padel tournament? Through the FIP ranking system. Top-ranked pairs enter the main draw directly; others go through qualifying. For Challenger events, a national federation ranking may suffice.

Where can I watch matches? Many matches are streamed free on the Premier Padel YouTube channel. They are also available on Eurosport, ESPN, and other platforms.

World Padel Tour: History and Legacy

The World Padel Tour (WPT) was the professional padel circuit that served as the sport’s premier competitive platform for a decade (2013–2023). WPT laid the foundation for the professionalisation of padel and its global growth.

What Was the World Padel Tour

World Padel Tour (WPT) was a professional padel tour founded in 2013 in Madrid, backed by the Spanish brewing group Damm (through its subsidiary Setpoint Events) and the Association of Professional Padel Players (AJPP). WPT succeeded the Padel Pro Tour (PPT) and quickly became the world’s leading professional padel circuit.

For ten years, WPT set the standards for professional padel: tournament formats, ranking systems, television broadcasting, and prize funds.

History and Development

Predecessor: Padel Pro Tour (2005–2012)

Before WPT, there was the Padel Pro Tour (PPT) — the first professional tour, established in 2005 through an agreement between tournament organisers, AJPP, and the Spanish Women’s Padel Association (AFEP). Over eight years, PPT ran tournaments in 20 men’s and 8 women’s categories, primarily in Spain, before beginning international expansion in 2010.

The Rise of WPT (2013–2016)

In 2013, WPT replaced PPT following protracted legal disputes between the two circuits. The new tour attracted all top players and secured major sponsors. In 2014, the legendary pairing of Fernando Belasteguin and Juan Martin Diaz split, marking a generational shift in professional padel.

International Growth (2017–2021)

In 2017, WPT updated its competition format and expanded television coverage — broadcasts on Gol TV significantly increased viewership. By the early 2020s, the tour spanned 14 countries, had 17 global sponsors, and was broadcast in over 150 countries.

The Final Season (2023)

The last WPT season set records for international reach. The Boss Barcelona Master Final in 2023 served as the historic culmination of the tour’s ten-year journey.

Tournament Categories

WPT used a multi-tier tournament system, each tier offering different ranking points and prize money:

WPT prize funds were modest compared to tennis. A Master winner could earn around €10,500, while a round-of-16 participant at a Challenger received just €131. Nevertheless, WPT was the first platform where professional padel players could earn a living from their sport.

The Transition to Premier Padel

The Conflict (2022)

In 2022, FIP (International Padel Federation) together with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) launched Premier Padel — a rival global tour. This sparked an open conflict: leading players and FIP filed a competition complaint with the European Commission, accusing Setpoint Events (operator of WPT) of violating EU antitrust law.

Throughout 2022–2023, professional padel was split between two tours, creating confusion for players and fans alike.

Unification (2023–2024)

On 24 August 2023, a historic agreement was announced: QSI acquired the World Padel Tour from the Damm group. Starting from the 2024 season, both tours were unified into a single structure — Premier Padel — under FIP governance. The World Padel Tour brand ceased to exist.

The Legacy of WPT

Over its ten years, the World Padel Tour accomplished a great deal:

• Professionalisation — transformed padel from an amateur pastime into a professional sport with a regular tour, rankings, and prize money
• Television reach — broadcasts in 150+ countries introduced millions of viewers to padel
• Stars of the sport — WPT gave the world players like Agustin Tapia, Ale Galan, Paquito Navarro, Gemma Triay
• International expansion — tournaments in 14 countries took padel beyond Spain and Argentina
• Infrastructure — the ranking system, entry rules, and tournament organisation standards became the foundation for Premier Padel

Key Milestones

How to Follow Padel Today

After the unification of WPT and Premier Padel, all professional padel is consolidated under Premier Padel. Here is how to stay up to date:

• Premier Padel App — the official app with schedules, results, and rankings
• YouTube — the Premier Padel channel streams many matches for free
• Television — Eurosport / Max (Europe), ESPN (Latin America), Sky Sports (United Kingdom)
• Social media — official Premier Padel accounts on Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok
• premierpadel.com — current rankings, schedules, news

[OUTDATED] Broadcasting details and platforms may change — check the official website for the latest information.

Padel Tournament Formats

Padel tournaments come in many formats — from the classic single-elimination draw to the social “Americano”. The format determines the number of matches, duration, and spirit of the competition.

Main Formats

Single Elimination (Knockout)

The standard for professional tournaments, including Premier Padel.

• Principle: a loss means elimination
• Used in: final stages of major tournaments
• Total matches: N−1 (for 16 pairs — 15 matches)
• Pros: fast, intense, clear winner
• Cons: one loss = end of the tournament

Draw for 16 pairs:

Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Final
(8 matches)    (4 matches)      (2 matches)   (1 match)

Double Elimination

• Principle: elimination after two losses
• Used in: amateur tournaments, club championships
• Pros: a second chance after a loss
• Cons: takes longer

Group Stage + Knockout

A combined format used in major tournaments.

1. Groups: 3–4 pairs play round robin
2. Knockout: top finishers advance to a single-elimination draw

Used in: Premier Padel Majors, World Team Championships.

Americano

The most popular social format. Ideal for club events and meeting new partners.

• Principle: pairs are randomly drawn before each round
• Scoring: individual (each player accumulates their own points)
• Round: a short match (typically to 32 points, 8 serves each)
• Number of rounds: 5–8 (depends on the number of participants)
• Winner: the player with the highest total across all rounds

Variations:

• Team Americano — fixed pairs, random opponents
• Mixicano — one man + one woman per pair (randomly drawn)

Round Robin

• Principle: every pair plays every other pair
• Tiebreakers: wins → set difference → game difference
• Used in: leagues, regular championships, small tournaments (4–8 pairs)
• Pros: everyone plays the same number of matches
• Cons: time-consuming with many entrants

Match Scoring Format

The scoring format depends on the tournament level:

Tournament Levels

Professional

• Premier Padel: Major, P1, P2 (men’s and women’s)
• FIP Tour: Cupra FIP Tour (intermediate level)
• National leagues: country championships

Amateur

• Club tournaments: internal championships
• Leagues: city-wide, regional
• Social: Americano, mixed events, corporate

Player Categories

Most tournaments divide players by level:

Seeding and Rankings

Major tournaments use seeding — placing the strongest pairs in the draw to prevent them from meeting early.

• Basis: FIP ranking, national ranking, or club ranking
• Rule: seeded pairs are placed in different quarters of the draw

Choosing a Format for Your Tournament

How to Compete in Padel Tournaments

Your first tournament is a milestone for any padel player. It does not require a professional level: most competitions are open to amateurs. This guide will help you prepare and get the most out of the experience.

When You Are Ready

There are no strict criteria, but [EXPERT OPINION] consider entering if you:

• Play regularly (at least 2–3 times per week) for several months
• Can comfortably execute basic shots: serve, volley, bandeja
• Understand the scoring system
• Are familiar with the main rules
• Are comfortable playing with different partners

Tip: start with an Americano — it is social, short, and low-pressure.

Where to Find Tournaments

Club Tournaments

The most accessible option. Most padel clubs run internal events:

• Weekly Americano sessions
• Monthly club championships
• Leagues by level

How to find out: ask at the club reception, check the notice board, or follow the club on social media.

City and Regional

• City leagues (regular format over several months)
• Open tournaments (one-day events)
• Federation-organised events

Online Platforms

Many tournaments are registered through dedicated platforms:

• Playtomic
• Padel Manager
• National federation websites
• Club and community social-media pages

Registration

What You Need

Choosing a Category

Do not overestimate your level. It is better to win in Category B than to lose every match in Category A. It is more enjoyable and better for your development.

Preparing for the Tournament

One Week Before

• Play as normal — do not suddenly increase your workload
• Work on weak spots — if your serve is inconsistent, dedicate time to it
• Rest 1–2 days before the tournament

On the Day

• Arrive early (at least 30 minutes before the start)
• Warm up — essential, 10–15 minutes
• Nutrition — eat 2–3 hours before the start
• Hydration — start drinking water early

What to Bring

• Racket (and a spare, if available)
• 2–3 change shirts
• Towel
• Water (at least 1 litre)
• Bananas or energy bars
• Headband / wristbands
• Spare shoes

Tournament Strategy

Early Matches

• Play it safe — minimise unforced errors
• Focus on serve and return — a consistent serve gives a confident start
• Communicate with your partner — agree on tactics before the match

Managing Nerves

Pre-tournament nerves are normal. What helps:

• Focus on the process, not the result
• Deep breathing between rallies
• Positive communication with your partner
• Remember: this is a game, and you are here to enjoy it

Between Matches

• Light stretching
• Replenish fluids and energy
• Brief analysis of the previous match with your partner
• Do not check other pairs’ results — stay focused on your game

Tournament Etiquette

• Be on time — arriving late may lead to disqualification
• Shake hands with opponents before and after each match
• Line calls — give the benefit of the doubt to opponents (amateur tournaments usually have no referees)
• Do not argue with opponents — if there is a dispute, refer to the organiser
• Support your partner — even after their mistakes

After the Tournament

• Cool down — 10–15 minutes of stretching
• Review — what went well, what needs improvement
• Write down takeaways — specific areas to work on in practice
• Plan the next one — regular participation accelerates progress

FAQ

Can I enter without a regular partner? Yes. Americano does not require a partner. Many clubs help match players for doubles tournaments.

How long does an amateur tournament last? Americano: 2–3 hours. Single elimination with 8–16 pairs: 4–8 hours. League: several weeks (one match per week).

What if I lose every match? That is normal for a first tournament. Losing to stronger opponents is the best learning experience. Analyse your mistakes and come back.