The International Federation of Padel (FIP) reveals the first details of the new circuit. The first tournament will take place in Doha. We also discover the new points system, ranking, and the new prize-money. Here is the official statement of the FIP.

Doha, first destination

Only two weeks after its official launch, the International Federation of Padel (FIP), the governing body of the padel, today revealed the first details of the new official circuit.

In the first of a series of announcements expected over the next few days, FIP today officially confirmed that at least ten new tournaments will be staged this year – including four Category 1 competitions – with the first Category 1 event having been confirmed to take place at Doha, Qatar, from March 28 to April 2.

The other three Tier 1 events will be announced soon, following frenzied interest from major cities – in Europe and around the world – to host the new tournaments, following the launch of the official circuit last month. The prize amount for each Tier 1 event has been revealed to be 525 000 € for each tournament.

The 10 new official FIP tournaments in 2022 – which have immediate ranking points – add to the 120 tournaments already scheduled on the FIP calendar, spanning over 40 countries around the world.

Doha was the spectacular host city of the World Championship of padel last November, in what was widely regarded as the tournament of padel the most dazzling and successful of all time, with state-of-the-art facilities, overall professionalism and a focus on player well-being, unmatched in the padel. In recent times, Doha has become the main destination for major sporting events. Formula 1 Grand Prix, World Athletics Championships, annual ATP and WTA tennis tournaments… and even later this year, the 2022 FIFA World Cup!

New point system

The FIP also announced today the ranking point system that will govern the new official circuit. The ranking point system will include: 2000 points awarded to the winning pair of Category 1 events; 1000 points for category 2 events; 500 points for category 3 events; and then relevant points spanning the existing CUPRA FIP Tour. The new round ranking system is available here: see the attached document.

The visual identity and the broadcaster in the coming days

In the coming days, FIP is also expected to announce a major new international TV broadcast partner, which will elevate the padel at levels never seen before in various key international markets. Significant news is also expected regarding the launch of the official tour's new name, logo and other brand identities, which have been advised by some of the world's top creative consultants.

This new chapter of padel under the leadership of FIP sees the professionalization and globalization of sport fully supported by the world's leading players, represented by the Professional Players Association (PPA), and a new global strategic partnership with Qatar Sports Investment (QSI). QSI is the investment group behind several leading sports brands and companies, and will bring unparalleled expertise and business acumen in developing sports and brands on the global stage.

Exclusivity of the FIP

It is important to note that the new circuit is the only official circuit de padel, being under the governance and regulation of the FIP, benefiting from the official FIP ranking system, and falling under the auspices of the international sporting community, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC). From a governance perspective, as part of the official FIP tour, player representatives sit on various committees and directly contribute to shaping the future of their game.

Luigi Carraro, President of the International Federation of padel (FIP), said: “The reaction we have received since the launch of the new official circuit just two weeks ago has been absolutely astonishing. From host cities to international broadcasters to major sponsors and other commercial partners – including some of the biggest brands and some of the biggest names in sport. We are delighted to inaugurate the new circuit in Doha on March 28, in what will be the biggest tournament in padel never organized. We're also excited to reveal the prize pools for Tier 1 tournaments, as well as our new ranking point system. Never have we experienced such enthusiasm for our sport, nor such a positive and professional future for our players.”

The Board of Directors of the Professional Players Association (PPA) has declared : “This announcement alone shows the seismic change that is taking place in the padel under the new official circuit governed by the International Federation of padel. New major tournaments, record prizes, a new ranking point system that gives players of all ranks opportunities – these things were unimaginable a few months ago, now they are a reality. Players are finally at the heart of the future of the padel – and it's incredibly exciting.”

From his names, we can guess his Spanish and Italian origins. Lorenzo is a multilingual passionate about sports: journalism by vocation and events by worship are his two legs. He is the international gentleman of Padel Magazine. You will often see it on the various international competitions, but also on the major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best photos of padel !