This Week in Padel: Premier Padel Kicks Off with Historic Wins, Calendar Shifts, and Global Expansion (Feb 16, 2026)
A Blistering Start to the 2026 Premier Padel Season
The world of padel has been buzzing with electrifying action and significant announcements over the past week, signalling a dynamic start to 2026. From historic victories on the court to ambitious plans for global expansion and grassroots development, the sport continues to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing in the world. As the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour roars into action, fans and players alike are witnessing a new era unfold.
This week’s headlines are dominated by the thrilling Riyadh Season P1, groundbreaking initiatives from Premier Padel and the FIP, and major steps towards padel’s broader recognition on the international sporting stage. Let’s dive into the key developments shaping the padel landscape.
Riyadh Season P1 Delivers Thrills & Historic Milestones
The much-anticipated 2026 Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour officially commenced with the Riyadh Season P1 on February 9th, and it certainly did not disappoint. The season opener in Saudi Arabia set a high bar for competition and delivered a truly historic moment for the sport.
In a landmark achievement, Spanish stars Andrea Ustero Prieto and Ariana Sánchez Fallada etched their names into the history books, becoming the first-ever all-Catalan Premier Padel winners. Their triumph showcased exceptional skill, teamwork, and mental fortitude, captivating audiences worldwide. This victory is not just a personal milestone for the duo but also a significant moment for Catalan padel, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the region.
The men’s draw saw familiar faces dominating the court, with the formidable pairing of Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia continuing their reign, securing the men’s title with a commanding performance. Their victory underscores their consistent excellence and their position at the pinnacle of men’s professional padel.
The Riyadh P1 tournament served as an exhilarating curtain-raiser for the 2026 season, promising a year filled with intense rivalries, unexpected upsets, and world-class padel action.
Premier Padel Academy: Nurturing Future Talent
In a strategic move to foster the next generation of padel stars and coaches, Premier Padel announced the exciting launch of the Premier Padel Academy. This pioneering initiative will debut in 2026 with an international calendar of camps and clinics designed to elevate skill levels and provide structured training pathways for aspiring professionals and coaches.
The first camp is set to take place during the Gijón Premier Padel P2, offering a unique opportunity for participants to learn from the best in the sport. The Academy’s focus extends beyond just playing technique, aiming to instil a holistic understanding of the game, including physical conditioning, mental resilience, and tactical awareness. This development is crucial for the long-term health and growth of padel, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent to grace the professional tours.
2026 Calendar Gets a Shake-Up with Strategic Adjustments
The collaborative efforts between the International Padel Federation (FIP), Premier Padel, and Hexagon have resulted in several important updates to the 2026 padel calendar. These strategic adjustments aim to optimize the tour schedule, enhance player welfare, and maximise fan engagement.
One notable change sees the Europe Premier Padel P2, originally scheduled for September 14th-20th, being converted into an official Hexagon World Series event. This modification will undoubtedly add another high-profile tournament to the Hexagon series, offering more top-tier competition.
Furthermore, the Asunción Premier Padel P2 in Paraguay has been rescheduled. It will now take place from May 4th-10th, moved from its original slot of May 18th-24th. This shift positions the Asunción event just before the Buenos Aires Premier Padel P1 tournament, allowing players to plan their travel and competition schedule more efficiently across the South American leg of the tour. Such calendar synchronization is a welcome move for players facing demanding international travel.
Beyond the Pros: FIP Launches Global Amateur Tour “FIP Beyond”
Recognising the immense passion for padel at all levels, the International Padel Federation (FIP) has given the green light to an ambitious new initiative: FIP Beyond. This groundbreaking global amateur tour is designed to provide structured competition for players outside the professional circuit, offering a clear pathway for talent development and organized play across various age groups.
FIP Beyond will feature three distinct tournament tiers, comprehensive rankings, and even prize money for senior categories, culminating in major finals. This initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening padel’s amateur foundations, fostering community engagement, and ensuring that players of all abilities have access to high-quality competitive experiences. It’s a move that truly embodies the spirit of ‘padel for all.’
Padel on the Global Stage: Asian Games Debut Marks Olympic Ambitions
In a momentous announcement that underscores padel’s accelerating global appeal, the sport is set to make its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. This inclusion marks a pivotal moment for padel, acting as a major step towards potential Olympic recognition in the future.
Backed by the powerful alliance of the Olympic Council of Asia and the FIP, padel’s presence at the Asian Games highlights its rapid growth across the vast and emerging markets of Asia and the Middle East. Such high-profile inclusion in a multi-sport event significantly boosts padel’s visibility, attracting new audiences and inspiring fresh waves of participation. It’s a clear signal that padel is no longer a niche sport but a formidable contender on the world’s sporting stage.
Padel Mad’s Perspective: Gear Up for the Season!
With so much happening in the world of padel, enthusiasm for the sport is at an all-time high. Whether you’re inspired by the pros battling it out on the Premier Padel circuit, aiming to climb the ranks in FIP Beyond, or simply looking to enjoy a casual game with friends, having the right equipment is essential.
If you’re looking to elevate your game, consider exploring the latest gear worn and used by top players. Check out our comprehensive reviews on the newest padel rackets on Amazon UK to find the perfect blend of power and control. Don’t forget your footwork! A great pair of padel shoes from Amazon UK can make all the difference in mobility and stability on the court. And for those all-important accessories, ensure you’re stocked up on quality padel balls from Amazon UK to keep the rallies going strong.
We’re committed to bringing you the best insights and equipment guides to ensure you’re always one step ahead on the court.
Conclusion: A Week of Unprecedented Growth for Padel
This past week has been nothing short of extraordinary for the sport of padel. From the high-octane drama of the Premier Padel P1 in Riyadh, confirming the tour’s expanding global footprint and delivering historic victories, to the forward-thinking initiatives like the Premier Padel Academy and FIP Beyond, which promise to nurture talent and formalise amateur play – the momentum is undeniable.
The inclusion of padel in the Asian Games further cements its status, paving the way for even grander aspirations. As we move further into 2026, the padel community can look forward to more thrilling competitions, continued innovation, and an ever-growing global presence for this captivating sport. It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of the padel family!
