Padel has surged globally in the first half of 2025, marking a historic expansion. Data from the FIP Research & Data Analysis Department reveals that international tournaments nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2024. More countries are now involved, and the number of players has grown significantly. This momentum highlights how padel continues to gain traction across the world.
A Network Driving Global Expansion
The sport’s growth isn’t solely driven by elite-level competition. A robust and expanding network of tournaments, youth circuits, and national participation is fueling padel’s rise. While Premier Padel remains the sport’s most visible platform, the real engine of development is the work of the International Padel Federation (FIP). Through initiatives like the Cupra FIP Tour and the youth-focused FIP Promises circuit, padel is reaching new heights and broader audiences.
European Championships Signal a New Era
A major milestone came in July with the launch of the new European Championships, which brought 59 national teams—both male and female—to Madrid. This event underscored the sport’s growing reach, but the most compelling evidence lies in the numbers. From January to June 2025, 132 international tournaments were held, up from 71 in the same period of 2024—an 86% increase. Only 12 of these were Premier Padel events, while 75 were part of the Cupra FIP Tour and 45 belonged to the FIP Promises circuit. Notably, the youth circuit has already surpassed the total number of tournaments held in all of 2024, proving its effectiveness in nurturing emerging talent.
Geographic Reach Expands Rapidly
The sport’s geographic footprint has widened dramatically. In early 2024, 21 countries hosted at least one FIP event; by 2025, that number had grown to 38. Europe remains the epicenter, hosting 53% of all tournaments. Italy, for example, held 7 FIP and 7 Promises events, up from 6 FIP and 3 Promises in 2024. Other continents are also stepping up: Asia hosted 20.7% of events, South America 11.6%, Africa and Central/North America 6.1% each, and Oceania 2.4%. This global distribution reflects padel’s increasing international appeal and potential for further growth in untapped regions.
Player Participation Reaches New Heights
The number of players has grown in tandem with the sport’s expansion. Between January and June 2025, 3,266 athletes (2,299 men and 967 women) from 91 countries participated in Premier Padel or Cupra FIP Tour events. This marks a 35% increase in player numbers and a 40% rise in participating nations compared to 2024. Italy ranked third in global participation with 5.6% of athletes, trailing only Spain (28.7%) and Argentina (7.1%), and ahead of Portugal (4.5%).
Focusing on the Cupra FIP Tour alone, 3,155 players from 91 countries competed, while Premier Padel events featured 583 athletes from 29 nations. Nearly 500 players participated in both circuits, showing a strong crossover and a unified competitive landscape. This expansion is expected to continue with more countries joining, additional tournaments, and increased opportunities for players worldwide.
Digital Engagement Mirrors Real-World Growth
Padel’s digital presence has also seen remarkable growth. In the first half of 2025, attracted 1.85 million unique users—a 19% increase from 2024—and over 30 million page views, up 33%. Social media followers reached 680,000, growing 23% in six months, with Instagram up 33.1% and LinkedIn up 37%. These figures reflect not just a sport on the rise, but a thriving global ecosystem that is increasingly connected, resilient, and future-focused.
