If you’ve been following professional padel for a while, you know the big news: the Padel World Tour is now Premier Padel. This is the new, single global professional circuit, governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP).
Think of it as padel finally getting its own version of the ATP Tour in tennis. After years of a fragmented landscape, all the top-ranked players are now competing under one unified banner.
Understanding the New Era of Professional Padel
Welcome to the modern world of pro padel. For years, the professional scene was split between two major competing tours, which created a ton of confusion for fans and some serious headaches for the players. That all changed in 2024.
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In a landmark move, Qatar Sports Investments—the group behind Premier Padel—acquired the old World Padel Tour (WPT). This merger finally created a single, dominant tour that streamlines everything for everyone involved. It's a huge deal for the sport.
This new structure carves out a much clearer pathway for players, whether they're just breaking onto the scene or are already established stars. No more choosing between circuits, navigating conflicting schedules, or dealing with competing ranking systems. We now have one consolidated calendar, a single ranking system, and a much bigger stage for the sport’s biggest names to shine.
What This Unification Means for Padel
Bringing everything under the Premier Padel brand is so much more than a simple name change. It’s a fundamental shift that strengthens the sport's very foundation, solidifying its professional standing and kicking its global growth into high gear.
Here’s what really matters about this unified tour:
- Clarity for Fans: A single tour makes it incredibly easy to follow your favorite players, understand the tournament schedule, and get invested in the season-long race for that coveted number one spot.
- Player-Centric Structure: Backed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and the Professional Padel Association (PPA), the new circuit puts the players first, finally resolving long-standing disputes.
- Increased Investment: A unified front is a magnet for bigger sponsors, better broadcast deals, and more prize money. This elevates the sport’s commercial appeal and creates real, lucrative opportunities for the athletes.
For players, especially those from emerging padel nations, this unified tour creates a more accessible and rewarding professional path. It represents a chance to be part of a historic moment as the sport grows globally.
A Simplified Global Circuit
The best way to think about the new Padel World Tour is as the major league of padel. It's the destination every aspiring pro dreams of reaching and where the most prestigious titles are won. By consolidating the best talent and the biggest tournaments, Premier Padel has created a seriously compelling product for a worldwide audience.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this exciting new era—from its dramatic history and tournament structure to its biggest stars and how you can catch every thrilling match. The road to a single tour was bumpy, but the result is a brighter, more exciting future for padel.
The Journey from Division to a Unified Tour
To really get why today’s pro circuit is so streamlined, you have to look back at the bumpy road that got us here. The story of modern professional padel is one of big ambition, heated rivalry, and, finally, a merger that changed the game for good. For more than a decade, the sport's professional world revolved around one powerful entity: the World Padel Tour (WPT).
Kicking off in 2013, the WPT was the undisputed home of elite padel, taking over from the old Padel Pro Tour. It did the heavy lifting, turning padel from a sport mainly popular in Spain into a genuine global spectacle. The WPT built the whole framework, staged high-stakes tournaments, and gave legends like Fernando Belasteguín and Juan Martín Díaz a consistent international stage to shine on. For years, it was a massive success, growing the fanbase and the sport's commercial power.
But as padel’s popularity skyrocketed, so did the chatter for something more—a tour structure that was more player-focused and officially governed on a global scale. That growing feeling was about to set the stage for a major shake-up.
A New Challenger Enters the Arena
Then, in 2022, a powerful new circuit burst onto the scene: Premier Padel. This wasn't just another tournament series; it was a bombshell backed by two major players. On one side, you had Qatar Sports Investments (QSI)—the same powerhouse group that owns the Paris Saint-Germain football club—bringing a massive financial injection. On the other, the International Padel Federation (FIP), the sport's official global governing body, lent its official sanction.
This new tour was offering exactly what the players had been asking for:
- Greater Prize Money: The prize pots were significantly bigger than what they were used to.
- Player Freedom: It did away with the restrictive exclusivity clauses that tied players to the WPT.
- Official Governance: For the first time, the pro tour was directly linked with the FIP, giving it official world championship status.
The arrival of Premier Padel split the padel world in two, almost overnight. The top players, who had been locked into contracts, suddenly had a real choice to make. What followed was a messy and very public rivalry between the established WPT and the ambitious Premier Padel, creating a confusing and fragmented 2022 and 2023 season for fans and the athletes themselves.
The professional padel scene became a battleground. Players had to juggle conflicting schedules, two different ranking systems, and intense legal pressure. It was a chaotic environment that seriously threatened to halt the sport's incredible momentum.
The Landmark Merger Creates a Unified Future
This division couldn't last. The constant fighting between the two tours was a drain on everyone and was confusing the market. Then, in a move that sent shockwaves through the sport, QSI announced in August 2023 that it had acquired the World Padel Tour.
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That acquisition was the final piece of the puzzle. It put an end to the bitter rivalry and cleared the path for a single, unified global circuit to launch in 2024. This new tour operates under the Premier Padel name but with the full backing of the FIP. This wasn't just a corporate buyout; it was a resolution, ending years of player disputes and signaling a commitment to a much stronger, more cohesive future.
The unified padel world tour is a win for everyone. Players finally have clarity, one ranking system to climb, and much better earning potential. And for us fans? It’s simpler and more exciting than ever. We get to follow a single, predictable calendar of events where all the best players on the planet are competing for the ultimate titles. This new era really marks the true beginning of padel's journey as a major global sport.
How Padel Tournaments and the Season Work
Figuring out the Premier Padel season is a bit like getting your head around any other major sports league. It's built on a clear hierarchy. Some tournaments are simply bigger than others—they offer more prize money, award more ranking points, and carry a ton of prestige. In the year-long battle for the top spot, every single match counts.
You can think of the season as a global journey with different tiers of competition. At the very top, you have the Majors, which are basically the padel equivalent of a Grand Slam in tennis. Just below them are the P1 and P2 events, each one a critical battleground for players trying to climb the ladder. The whole thing builds to a climax at the Tour Finals, where only the absolute best of the best get to compete for the ultimate title.
A Tiered System of Prestige and Points
Not all tournaments on the padel world tour are created equal, and that's by design. The Premier Padel circuit uses a tiered system to classify its events, which directly shapes the points and prize money up for grabs. This structure gives the season its rhythm, building huge excitement around the biggest tournaments while ensuring there's always a steady stream of top-level competition.
The main categories are pretty straightforward:
- Majors: These are the four crown jewels of the season. Winning a Major is the highest honor in the sport, handing a massive 2000 points to the champions along with the biggest paycheck.
- P1 Tournaments: This is the next level down, but these are still incredibly prestigious events held in key cities around the globe. Winners here walk away with a cool 1000 points.
- P2 Tournaments: These events offer a crucial opportunity for more players to compete on the main tour, earn valuable ranking points, and make a name for themselves. A P2 victory is worth 500 points.
This infographic gives you a quick visual breakdown of how the points stack up across the main Premier Padel events.
As you can see, the Majors are worth double the points of P1 events, which really shows you just how important they are in the race to become number one.
To make this even clearer, here's how the different tiers stack up against each other.
Premier Padel Tournament Tiers Explained
This table breaks down the different tournament categories, showing you exactly what's at stake at each level of the tour.
| Tournament Tier | Prestige Level | Ranking Points for Winners | Typical Prize Money Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majors | Highest (Grand Slam Equivalent) | 2000 Points | Highest Payouts |
| P1 Events | Very High (Major Hubs) | 1000 Points | Substantial Payouts |
| P2 Events | High (Key Tour Stops) | 500 Points | Significant Payouts |
| Tour Finals | Elite (Season Finale) | 1500 Points | Large Bonus Pool |
It's this system that creates a compelling narrative throughout the season, with players strategically planning their schedules to peak for the events that matter most.
The Global Calendar and Season Flow
The padel season is a true world tour, taking players to every corner of the globe. The calendar is carefully mapped out, with stops stretching from the Middle East to South America, across Europe, and beyond. This global footprint is a testament to padel's explosive growth, bringing the best players in the world to new and fired-up fanbases.
But the Premier Padel circuit isn't the only game in town. Other exciting formats are popping up and attracting serious investment. Take the Pro Padel League (PPL) in North America, for example. It boasts a $1 million total prize purse, which just goes to show how much commercial appeal the sport now has. The PPL mixes things up with a team-based format, including men's, women's, and mixed doubles matches, adding a completely fresh dynamic to the pro game.
This combination of a primary global tour and innovative regional leagues creates a really vibrant and diverse professional landscape. It means more opportunities for players and, most importantly, more incredible action for us fans to follow all year long. The excitement truly runs from the first serve of the season right down to the final championship point.
Understanding the Official FIP Ranking System
If you really want to get what makes the Premier Padel circuit tick, you have to look at its engine: the official FIP Ranking system. This isn't just some long list of names. It’s the global leaderboard that basically runs a player’s entire professional life, where every point earned is another rung on the ladder toward that coveted number one spot.
A good way to think about it is like earning experience points (XP) in a giant video game. The better you do on a mission (a tournament), the more XP you get, which lets you level up and face tougher challenges. On the padel world tour, these points are the currency of success. They decide everything from who even gets to play in a tournament to who gets a favorable draw.
The whole system is managed by the International Padel Federation (FIP), which keeps things consistent and fair for every pro player on the unified tour. That standardization is what makes a truly competitive global environment possible.
How Players Earn Ranking Points
A player’s FIP ranking is a constantly shifting total of points they've racked up over the previous 24 months. The idea is simple: the more important the tournament and the deeper a player goes in the draw, the more points they walk away with. Winning a Major, for example, is a massive points payday compared to a smaller event.
This setup rewards both incredible hot streaks and season-long consistency. A player who snags a Major title gets a huge jump up the leaderboard. But someone who is constantly making quarter-finals and semi-finals week after week will also stay right up there with the best. It's a relentless grind where every single match matters.
A player's rank is built from their best results over the last two years. This rolling system means players are always under pressure to "defend" their points from the year before, or they risk sliding down the rankings.
Why the FIP Ranking Is So Critical
A high ranking is the master key that unlocks almost every door in professional padel. It’s about way more than just bragging rights; it directly shapes a player's career path and how much they can earn.
The most obvious impact is on tournament entry. A player's ranking dictates:
- Main Draw Qualification: Top-ranked players get to skip the exhausting qualification rounds and go straight into the main event.
- Seeding: The best pairs are "seeded," meaning they're placed in the bracket specifically to avoid facing other top teams early on. A high seed gives you a much clearer path toward the final.
- Partnerships: The best players want partners who also have a high enough ranking to guarantee they get into the biggest tournaments together.
Off the court, a strong ranking is like a magnet for sponsorships and endorsements. Brands want their gear on winners and the most visible players. Cracking the top 10 can open the door to big-money deals for rackets, clothes, and shoes, which makes up a huge chunk of a player's income.
You can dive into a detailed padel ranking list online to see how the standings change from week to week. At the end of the day, the FIP Ranking is the ultimate measure of a player's standing and the real engine driving all the drama on the padel world tour.
Meet the Superstars Dominating the Court
Any great sports tour is really built on the shoulders of its heroes, legends, and unforgettable rivalries. The padel world tour is no different. It’s packed with electrifying athletes whose unique styles and on-court chemistry make every tournament an absolute must-watch. These aren't just athletes; they're strategic masterminds, powerhouse hitters, and masters of the glass-walled court.
Getting to know the superstars is the fastest way to get hooked on the season. Once you understand what makes each player tick—their signature shots, their competitive fire, their partnerships—you start seeing the real story unfold in every match. It’s not just a game anymore; it's a gripping narrative of ambition, incredible skill, and raw talent.
The Men’s Circuit Power Players
The men's side of the padel world tour is a thrilling collision of explosive power, mind-bending creativity, and intense tactical warfare. A handful of names consistently rise to the top, defining this modern era of the sport.
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Arturo Coello & Agustín Tapia: This duo is simply a force of nature. Coello, aptly nicknamed "King Arthur," uses his unbelievable height and reach to own the net, unleashing smashes from practically anywhere on his side of the court. When you pair that with Tapia, the "Mozart of Catamarca," whose creativity and magical touch are just second to none, you get a nearly unbeatable combination of raw power and pure artistry. Their matches are basically highlight reels waiting to happen.
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Ale Galán & Fede Chingotto: Galán is a relentless attacker, famous for his hyper-aggressive style and formidable physical presence. After splitting with his long-time partner Juan Lebrón, he teamed up with the defensive wizard Fede Chingotto. This pairing creates a fascinating dynamic. Galán’s overwhelming offense is now perfectly balanced by Chingotto’s tireless court coverage and rock-solid defense, making them an incredibly well-rounded and dangerous team.
These players truly represent the pinnacle of the men's game. Watching them is a lesson in how wildly different styles can mesh to create championship-winning chemistry.
The Queens of the Court
The women’s circuit is every bit as captivating, defined by incredible consistency, deep strategic play, and powerful partnerships that have dominated the rankings.
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Ariana Sánchez & Paula Josemaría: This pair has been a dominant force, holding onto the number one spot for a long, long time. Known for their flawless teamwork and suffocating pressure, they have a way of overwhelming opponents with a perfect blend of offense and defense. Sánchez’s strategic brain paired with Josemaría’s lethal left-handed power makes them a puzzle very few teams can figure out.
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Bea González & Delfi Brea: As one of the most exciting and dynamic pairs on tour, Bea and Delfi bring an infectious energy to every match. González is all about incredible speed and powerful shots, while Brea delivers the tactical intelligence and steady hand to keep them on track. Together, they are a massive fan-favorite duo capable of taking down any team on any given day.
The level of commitment these athletes show is immense. The mental toughness required to stay at the top is every bit as crucial as physical skill. For a deeper dive into that side of the game, our article on the role of psychology in sports motivation offers some fantastic insights.
To become a top professional padel player is to witness a small slice of history in the making. Athletes from non-traditional padel countries are now inspiring future generations and carrying the responsibility of growing the sport on a global stage.
For many of these players, the journey meant moving to padel hotspots like Spain at a young age, dedicating six or seven hours a day just to training. They live and breathe the sport, practicing in elite academies alongside other top players to constantly sharpen their game. This total dedication is what separates the good from the great on the padel world tour. Following these superstars gives you a front-row seat to the highest level of athletic performance and what it truly takes to get there.
How to Watch and Follow the Padel Action
https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdU-ERZnoxY
Alright, so you know the players and you understand what's on the line. Now for the best part: actually watching the matches. It's easier than ever to get your padel fix, with live games, highlights, and updates all just a few clicks away. The tour has really stepped up its game to bring the action to fans all over the world.
For most people, the go-to spot for live matches is the official Premier Padel YouTube channel. You'll often find early rounds and sometimes even entire tournaments streamed for free. It’s a fantastic way to get hooked on the sport. Another major player is Red Bull TV, which has become a key broadcast partner, offering crisp live streams and full replays in many countries.
Your Go-To Digital Resources
But to really keep your finger on the pulse of the tour, you'll want more than just the live feeds. A combination of the official site, a good app, and social media will give you the complete picture of what’s happening, both on and off the court.
Here are the essentials every fan should have bookmarked:
- Official Premier Padel Website: This is your home base. It’s the definitive source for the tournament calendar, live scores, the latest FIP rankings, and detailed player profiles.
- Dedicated Mobile Apps: Grab the official tour app for your phone. It’s the easiest way to get real-time score alerts, news, and schedules when you're on the go.
- Social Media Channels: Following the tour on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook is a must for behind-the-scenes clips, player interviews, and those unbelievable rally highlights that you have to see to believe.
With a global fanbase to serve, the Padel World Tour has to be pretty savvy when it comes to managing multiple social media accounts. This is how they make sure fans everywhere get engaging content that feels fresh and timely.
Beyond the Live Broadcast
While watching the matches is what it's all about, the conversations happening around the tour add a whole other layer of depth. Following player news and understanding the money side of the sport can be just as interesting. The topic of prize money, for example, is a huge one within the pro padel community.
The growth in viewership and sponsorship directly fuels bigger prize pots for the players. As the tour's global footprint expands, so does the earning potential for the athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport.
The gap in prize money between padel and a giant like tennis is still pretty wide, but it's slowly shrinking. Take the Paris Major, held at the legendary Philippe Chatrier stadium. It has a total prize pot of €525,000, with the winner pocketing €47,250. That sounds great until you compare it to tennis's Roland Garros, with its staggering €53.5 million in total prize money and a €2.4 million check for the singles champion. If you're curious, you can dig deeper into these financial comparisons in professional racket sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Padel
As you get more into the pro padel scene, you're bound to have some questions. It happens to everyone. To help you follow the tour like a seasoned pro, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common things people ask about the professional circuit.
Think of it as your cheat sheet for understanding the finer points of the game.
What Happened to the Old World Padel Tour?
For about a decade, the World Padel Tour (WPT) was the main show in town. But in a massive shift for the sport, it was acquired by Qatar Sports Investments, the same group that was backing the rival Premier Padel tour.
Starting in 2024, the two tours officially became one. This new, unified global circuit now operates under the Premier Padel name. Governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP), this merger was a landmark moment that ended years of fragmentation and created a much stronger, more organized professional tour for players and fans.
This wasn't just a business deal—it was a resolution. It finally put an end to long-standing disputes with players over things like exclusivity and conflicting schedules. This move laid a new foundation for padel's global growth and truly solidified its professional structure.
How Much Do Professional Padel Players Earn?
Player earnings vary quite a bit and really depend on how well you perform. At the absolute top, the winners of a "Major" tournament can split a prize purse of over €90,000. But tournament winnings are just one part of the equation.
A huge chunk of a top player's income comes from other places:
- Sponsorships: Big-money deals with racket, clothing, and shoe brands are essential.
- Endorsements: Players often partner with companies both inside and outside the padel world.
- Appearance Fees: Pros get paid just to show up and play at exhibitions or other special events.
While the prize money is still catching up to sports like tennis, the unified tour and a flood of new investment are pushing player earnings higher every year.
Is Padel an Olympic Sport?
Not yet, but there's a huge push to get it there. The International Padel Federation (FIP) is campaigning hard for its inclusion in the Olympic Games, pointing to the sport's explosive global popularity and massive participation numbers.
Padel has already been a hit at major multi-sport events like the European Games, which is seen as a crucial step. The entire padel community is optimistic that all this effort will soon pay off, hopefully leading to an Olympic debut that would introduce the sport to its biggest audience ever.
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