Padel is experiencing rapid growth. More and more players, true competitors, padel enthusiasts ready to participate in several tournaments per month, or even weekly, are evidence of this enthusiasm. Clubs, to meet the growing demand, are not short of ideas: half-day tournaments, such as the P100, P250, and now the P500 “fast and furious”, have become the norm in some clubs.

The rise of rapid tournaments and the response of clubs

Players, especially the most competitive ones, are satisfied. Clubs are simply adjusting their offerings to meet these expectations. Why offer a P100 when it's possible to offer a P500 without prize money? Although regulations attempt to limit certain abuses, the reality is that even beginners are demanding P500s, which is leading to a dilution of the level of this competition, which was once a gateway to the P1000s. This development seems almost inevitable, especially since the progression from P100s to P250s and now from P250s to P500s is a phenomenon anticipated, in part, by the disappearance of prize money.

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A drop in the average level, but a sign of the popularity of padel

Is it really that bad? For some purists and former players, perhaps, but in reality, the decline in the average level of tournaments is a sign that padel is working and that more and more players are getting involved in the sport. The explosion in the number of male players, ever more numerous and eager for tournaments, has led to this dynamic. This is good news for padel, as it demonstrates its success and appeal.

The future of P1000s: a question of authenticity

However, one question remains: will the P1000s manage to maintain their authenticity in the future? One of the issues concerns the players just below the elite, those in the French top 200, who particularly appreciate the P1000s and P1500s. With three P1000s organized in relatively close geographical areas – in Paris (Club des Pyramides), Rouen (Padel Arena), and Nantes (Urban Padel Carquefou) next May – one wonders if this isn't a category that risks being weakened, after finding its rhythm. This category was very popular with players and fans, who saw it as a real spectacle, even for those who don't play padel.

A question of balance between quantity and quality

Shouldn't the example of the three P1000s in the same area serve as a lesson to avoid a repeat of this phenomenon, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes? Indeed, next year, P1000 selections will now be made by league, and it is essential to ensure that the organization of tournaments does not harm their quality.

The FFT has found a balance by offering events aimed at competitive players, who use these tournaments as a springboard to progress. But by multiplying these competitions, particularly in the same areas, aren't we creating a skill problem? This leads to a dispersion of players and, consequently, a drop in the average skill level. Clubs and organizers risk seeing their appeal diminish, as do players, who prefer to compete against opponents of a similar skill level to continue to progress.

The future of advanced categories and the place of competitive players

Recreational players already have what they need, as do competitive recreational players. But what about advanced, competitive players who want to maintain their level? With the proliferation of tournaments, the level gap between competitions is narrowing, and players risk finding themselves in a less stimulating environment. This could make competitions less attractive to clubs and to players seeking challenges to continue their development.

It is important to meet demand, but we must also avoid losing the essence of the competitions. The question we must therefore ask ourselves is: how can we maintain a balance between the quantity of tournaments and the quality of the game, while maintaining the interest of players and clubs? The future of the P1000 and intermediate competition categories seems to depend on this reflection.

We look forward to your feedback on this topic.

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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