Following the success of the first stage of the  Major Tour 2026  à  Just Padel , the Director General of the AFPadel ,  Marc Bourgeois , looks back at the ambitions of a circuit in full structuring… and which could well extend beyond Belgian borders.

"The Major Tour 2026 is sold out before it even starts. Is that a strong sign?"

This is more than a signal, it's a confirmation. In just a few days, all the tables were filled, for both men and women.

This shows that the players are committed to a circuit  clear, structured and demanding We are no longer in the launch phase: the  Major Tour  is becoming a permanent fixture in the landscape of  Belgian padel .

"So, what exactly distinguishes this circuit today?"

We wanted to build a circuit that meets the demands of the terrain, with a balance between  accessibility and high level The 2026 lineup is proof of this, with the presence of players like  Jeremy Gala ,  Nathan Lambrechts  or,  Gilles Stas .

But beyond the names, what matters to us is the  global density  and  quality of the confrontations .

"We also note the presence of well-known figures from Belgian sport..."

Yes, and it's important to us. The participation of  Sabine Appelmans , a two-time Olympian and a leading figure in Belgian tennis, is a true symbol. This shows that padel is now attracting profiles from the  very high level .

In another vein, the presence of  Céline Cornia , European padel champion for the hearing impaired, also illustrates our desire to highlight all forms of  performance and inclusion .

"The Major Tour also seems to be evolving towards a more national dimension..."

This is a very concrete development. Today, nearly a third of the women's draw is made up of players from the  Dutch-speaking circuit .

This shows that the  Belgian padel  is currently structuring itself beyond regional boundaries. The  Major Tour  becomes a natural meeting point for the best players in the country.

"You often talk about structuring. Concretely, what does that involve?"

By several factors. First, a  consistent and readable competition format . Then,  improved reception conditions  : player zone, physiotherapy follow-up, smooth organization…

And also a  overall prize money of €26.600 which allows the circuit to be positioned at an attractive level on a national scale.

But what's also important is the club involvement  within this dynamic. On this first stage, the  Just Padel  has clearly decided to step things up a notch by taking charge of the player accommodation  in a partner hotel, with a system of  navettes  between the hotel and the club.

This type of initiative has tangibly improved the player experience , particularly for those coming from abroad. This allows us to offer an environment that is both  competitive and comfortable , in line with current standards for a structured circuit.

The objective is clear:  to support the players' skill level increase  et  professionalize the environment .

"Could the Major Tour attract players from outside Belgium?"

This is already the case, and it's a development we're watching very closely. The geographical proximity to the  France   Netherlands  or  Luxembourg  naturally creates bridges.

We have already had the participation of international players, in particular  Philemon Raichman , then the 5th ranked French player, during the 2025 edition. This confirms that the circuit is identified  beyond Belgian borders .

We believe that the  Major Tour  could become an interesting opportunity for French or international players looking for  dense, structured and accessible competition , in a professional but still open environment.

This is also what makes the circuit so rich today: a  high real level , without being closed.

"What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?"

We have  seven steps  in total, including one outdoors during the summer, with different playing conditions that will bring another dimension to the circuit.

But beyond the timeline, our ambition is to continue building a  coherent and sustainable model . The  Major Tour  It's not about going fast, but about going right.

"In a word, what does the Major Tour represent today?"

It’s a  a tool to support the development of padel A circuit that  gathers, structures and gradually raises the level .

And probably, eventually, a  increasingly natural passage point  for players who want to test themselves against a  demanding competition , including beyond national borders.

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