Maxi Arce: A1 Padel à Premier Padel, an ambition embraced and a dream named Tapia

He established himself as one of the revelations of Premier Padel in 2026. Former number one on the circuit A1 Padel Maxi Arce has bounced back after the abrupt demise of this circuit to carve out a place for himself among the world's elite. Now partnered with Juan Tello, the Argentinian is progressing methodically, balancing sporting ambition with financial acumen. Our colleagues at Sport.es look back at this adventure with Maxi.

The A1 Padel à Premier Padel a brutal but decisive transition

For two and a half years, Maxi Arce dominated the circuit A1 Padel , notably alongside Franco Dal Bianco. A period marked by consistent results and financial stability.

But the sudden disappearance of the circuit changed everything.

"Overnight, we found ourselves with nothing. It was very hard, especially after everything we had built."

Beyond the sporting aspect, Arce emphasizes a key point: the economic reality of professional padel .

"For a long time, we prioritized the economic aspect over the sporting one. In the end, we have to make a living."

This situation prompted him to seize new opportunities, particularly through the Pro Padel League and above all a first, memorable experience on Premier Padel .

The turning point: Stupaczuk's call and a remarkable entrance

The turning point in his career came with an unexpected call from Franco Stupaczuk.

"At first, I thought it was a joke. Playing with him was a dream."

Later partnered with Pablo Lijó, Arce quickly confirmed his potential. From his first tournaments, he challenged the world's best pairs, notably Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello.

This ability to compete at the top of the rankings relies on specific preparation:

"We train to beat the number ones. So when we face them, we're ready."

A controlled confidence in the face of the best

Today classified around the 45th place in the world Arce displays a solid confidence , without arrogance.

"Respect for the best is absolute. But if you step onto the field thinking you're going to lose, you've already lost."

Against pairs like Alejandro Galán / Federico Chingotto or Tapia / Coello, the Argentinian adopts a clear approach: to play on equal terms.

Choosing Tello: a difficult but strategic decision

After a few promising tournaments, Arce receives a call from Juan Tello. An opportunity he cannot ignore.

"He believed in me, in my ability to improve."

However, it was a complex choice, particularly on a human level with regard to Pablo Lijó.

"Calling him to tell him was one of the most difficult moments of my career."

With Tello, the goal is clear: to quickly integrate the Top 8 worldwide .

"We want to be competitive against the best and play every match to the fullest."

A dream he openly admits: to play with Tapia

Like many players on the circuit, Maxi Arce does not hide his admiration for Agustín Tapia.

"Playing with Tapia one day would be a dream. He makes everything easier on the pitch."

Alongside Arturo Coello, Tapia now forms the global benchmark, combining creativity, power and mental strength .

Arce also analyzes trends in the circuit, notably the scarcity of left-handed players:

"There are very few of them in the Top 100. That can make all the difference."

Having gone through a period of uncertainty, Maxi Arce now embodies a new generation capable of to impose themselves on Premier Padel despite an atypical career path.

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.