Buenos Aires P1: The most special tournament in the world… and perhaps the cruellest for Lamperti

The circuit Premier Padel This week, it sets down its suitcases at the heart of one of the most anticipated events of the season: the Buenos Aires P1, as our colleagues at Marca tell us.

On paper, this tournament is “only” a P1. It doesn't award Major points, nor the highest rewards on the calendar. Yet, for many players, journalists, and fans, Buenos Aires remains the most special tournament of the year .

Because here, padel is an experience.

The Argentinian public, that extra something that can't be found anywhere else

The circuit Premier Padel It has taken place in spectacular locations: Rome, Doha, Paris, Brussels, and Riyadh. But very few tournaments possess the almost irrational atmosphere found at Parque Roca.

In Argentina, padel goes far beyond the realm of a simple sporting spectacle.
Every point is celebrated. Every impossible defense causes an explosion in the stands. Every Argentinian player becomes the hero of an entire stadium.

It is no coincidence that so many players explain that winning in Buenos Aires has a different flavor.
For some, almost comparable to a Major.

And this year, the sporting context makes the event even more electrifying.

Chingalán arrives on pace, Tapia/Coello under pressure

After their demonstration in Paraguay, Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto arrive in Argentina as the most in-form pair at the moment.

The winners of the Asunción P2 have regained the lead in the Race and seem to have made a psychological breakthrough against the world's number 1 teams.

Opposite them, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia arrive with a huge desire for revenge. Despite their defeat in the final in Paraguay, the “Golden Boys” have regained some of their dominance throughout the week.

But in Buenos Aires, the pressure will be immense.
Particularly for Tapia, who was expected to be a superstar by the Argentinian public.

Paquito and Guerrero's Last Ball

The tournament will also mark the end of a partnership that has been followed with great interest: that of Paquito Navarro and Fran Guerrero.

The duo will play their last tournament together before a split already hinted at behind the scenes. In such a competitive draw, every match could quickly take on the air of a farewell.

Delfi Brea under enormous pressure at home

In the women's competition, particular attention will be focused on Delfi Brea.

Argentina will be playing at home with Gemma Triay in a challenging situation. Despite impressive consistency and a string of finals appearances this season, the pair has suffered four consecutive defeats against Paula Josemaría and Bea González.

And naturally, playing “at home” can be both transcendent… and add immense pressure.

Buenos Aires, passion… but also a controversy surrounding Lamperti

But this 2026 edition of the Buenos Aires P1 could also leave a bitter taste for part of the Argentinian public.

Because many were hoping to see Miguel Lamperti receive a wild-card for what looks more and more like his last big home games.

At 47, “Miguelito” remains one of the most beloved players in the history of padel.
A player capable of getting an entire arena on its feet simply during the warm-up.

Miguel Lamperti, the end of an era: world padel bids farewell to one of its greatest icons

And yet, he was not invited to the main painting.

A decision that is already generating a lot of discussion.

Especially since at Brussels P2, the organizers did not hesitate to offer him a wild-card alongside the Belgian Isaac Huysveld.

In Buenos Aires, many felt that a symbolic gesture would have made sense.

Especially in “the most special tournament of the year”.

The Buenos Aires paradox

Perhaps that, ultimately, is the magic — and sometimes the cruelty — of Buenos Aires P1.

A tournament where emotion trumps everything.
Where the public transforms every match into an event.
Where Argentinians play with their heart before they play with their racket.

But it is also a tournament capable of brutally reminding us that top-level sport moves fast, even with its legends.

And this week again, Buenos Aires promises to offer exactly what it does best:
Noise, passion, tears… and probably some unforgettable matches.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.