In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, some tournaments are played using the latest technological innovations. Others prefer to bet on a utensil that everyone has in their kitchen. For its third edition, the  Donibaneko Frying Pan Padel Tour  has once again transformed the courts into a veritable theatre of the absurd, where frying pans have replaced the traditional padel rackets.

A tournament where food takes center stage

During the Saint John's Day festivities, a group of friends from  Tennis Club Luzien  and  Central Sports Club  has returned to the fray with a competition unlike any other.

The principle is as simple as it is outlandish: leave the rackets in the locker room and play matches with… a frying pan. The result? Drop shots become unpredictable, lobs take improbable trajectories, and every rally is full of surprises. Here, it's impossible to blame the equipment: everyone plays with the same cookware.

Donibaneko Frying Pan Padel Tour 2026: when padel is played… in a frying pan!

Players who played the game

Beyond the concept, the event mainly brought together a great group of enthusiasts who came above all to share a friendly moment.

Among them were some familiar faces to local golfers. Some hoped to finally add their name to the winners' list after several attempts, while others were mainly keen to prove that ball control works too… with a frying pan in hand.

And against all expectations, some specialists of this improvised accessory have even suggested that they may train more often in front of the stove than on the field.

An atmosphere where the score takes a back seat

While the matches offered their share of spectacular points and improbable situations, the real winner of the day was undoubtedly the atmosphere.

Laughter, good-natured ribbing, impossible shots, and applause punctuated this edition, reminding us that padel also knows how not to take itself too seriously. It's a formula that works perfectly and attracts more and more curious onlookers each year.

Rewards… perfectly in keeping with the theme

It is impossible to organize such a tournament without fully embracing the concept.

The winners went home with magnificent, brand-new stoves, donated by  Pro et Compagnie of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle A trophy that is ultimately much more useful than a cup for preparing future meals… or training before the fourth edition.

The day then concluded with a convivial meal at the crêperie.  Piper Beltz , just to check that the pans were also used for something other than making a successful bandeja.

See you in 2027

After three successful editions, the  Donibaneko Frying Pan Padel Tour  confirms that it is not necessary to have the latest high-tech equipment to keep the spirit of padel alive.

A frying pan, a few friends, a good dose of self-deprecation, and plenty of cheerfulness are all you need to create one of the most unusual tournaments of the summer. It's enough to make you want to do it all again next year… but maybe without tying the frying pan to your wrist.

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.

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