"I want to reach the top 20": Clément Filho opens up after his first FIP in Caen

Au PadelShot de Caen, Clement Filho, better known by the pseudonym chiquiteurr on social media experienced a highlight of her early 2026 season: her very first international tournament on the circuit FIPFollowed by more than 28 000 subscribers on Instagram, 35th French player embodies a new generation of players, at the crossroads of athletic performance and content creation. Between his progress, ambitions, and clear-eyed perspective on French padel, he speaks candidly to the microphone of Padel Magazine.

A first FIP to take a step forward

It was in Caen, at PadelAt Shot, Clément Filho discovered for the first time the demands of an international FIP Silver tournament. A different environment, more structured, more professional.

"Honestly, my first pro tournament is something else. You immediately feel that it's a different organization."

Lined up alongside Jules Marie, the Frenchman approaches this first encounter without excessive pressure, with the desire above all to confront a new level.

A controlled first round

From the outset, the French pair faced Quentin Bernard, a young player trained at the CNE in Vichy. A profile that Clément was already familiar with.

"I had faced him a month earlier with Eliott Deknuydt, and we had won by saving a match point. I knew it would be difficult."

The strategy implemented worked perfectly. Result: a clear victory 6 / 2 6 / 0.

"Honestly, a complete match. We had said we could alternate if things went badly, but everything worked out well."

A 2025 season built on progression

Classified today 35th French playerClément looks back on a season that got off to a bad start.

"I started the year injured, with a torn ligament in my ankle. I only resumed training in April."

Despite this setback, the momentum quickly builds: quarter-final in P2000 with Charles Gortzounian, victory at the regionals and qualification for the French Championships.

"Towards the end of the season, I really felt like I was making progress. Even against top 20 pairs, the matches were always close."

From the top 50 to the top 20: an ambition openly acknowledged

For a long time, Clément progressed step by step. Now, his gaze is higher.

"At first, I thought that the top 50 was already huge. Then the top 40, the top 35… Now, I want to go for the top 30, or even the top 20."

An ambition fueled by his recent experiences.

"For the past two or three months, I've felt like my level is really improving."

Gamer and content creator: a dual identity

With over 28,000 followers on Instagram, Clément Filho is one of the atypical profiles in French padel.

"Initially, my priorities were clearly the videos. Today, my athletic progress brings me much more credibility."

His approach remains deliberately uninhibited.

"I like humor, the fun side of things. When I win, great. When I lose, it's not a big deal."

A balance that has become essential.

"I couldn't do one without the other. Being an influencer without being a gamer wouldn't be fun for me."

To show padel as it really is

Since the beginning of the year, Clément has been documenting all of his tournaments.

"I film my matches, I want to get serious about YouTube. I want to show the net shots too, not just the par 5s."

A desire for transparency that appeals to an ever-growing community.

Is it possible to make a living from padel today?

On this point, the message is clear.

"Making a living solely from the French circuit is impossible. Even winning a P1000 isn't sustainable with the expenses."

Even internationally, only a few players really succeed.

"The top 5 or top 10 French riders, yes. For the others, without sponsors, it's very complicated."

However, for Clément, the year 2025 marks a turning point.

"It's really this year that I've started to be able to make a living from padel thanks to my sponsors."

A measured view of the international circuit

There's no question of multiplying FIP tournaments without careful consideration.

"If I manage to do between five and ten a year, that would already be very good. One a month is too ambitious."

The increasing number of tournaments in France is, however, an advantage.

« FIP Platinum of Marseille or Lyon…this is a real opportunity for French players.”

Despite everything, there is a desire to expand internationally.

"I would also like to play abroad, so I don't only have to face French players."

Charles Gortzounian and Jules Marie, two strong figures

On the long term, Charles Gortzounian remains his main partner.

"We get along very well. We had a break last year, but I love playing with him."

A solid relationship despite her partner's professional constraints. At the same time, Jules Mary it stands out as a natural alternative.

"We've become very good friends. For me, it's essential to play with people I know."

A duo destined to meet regularly at international tournaments.

2026 objectives: clear and ambitious

Clément Filho is now looking ahead with clarity.

Join the French top 20
Replay the French Championships and advance one round
Continue to gain international experience, with a goal in mind ranking around the world's top 400.

In terms of content, the objective is just as clear:

"Continue to document as much as possible and really launch your YouTube channel."

À Caen, for his first FIP, Clement Filho He didn't just discover the international circuit. He confirmed his trajectory: that of a player on the rise, clear-sighted about the realities of padel, and true to a unique identity on the French circuit. Between sporting ambition and authenticity, the chiquiteurr move forward without skipping steps but with objectives now clearly stated.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 at Domaine De Clairis in Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his antoushiasme and his " Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!