Padel’s worldwide boom has given rise to several professional tours, each with its own identity and audience. Here’s a concise look at the three most important circuits — World Padel Tour (WPT), Premier Padel, and A1 Padel — comparing their formats, reach, and role in the sport’s evolution.
Table of Contents
World Padel Tour (WPT)
One of the sport’s longest-running professional tours, the World Padel Tour helped establish modern padel as a global phenomenon.
- Founded: 2013, based in Spain.
- Identity: Known for its heritage, elite player base, and consistent tournament structure.
- Events: Men’s and women’s draws, knockout format through finals.
- Reach: Broadcast worldwide through official apps and streaming partners.
Official site: worldpadeltour.com
Premier Padel
Launched in 2022, Premier Padel is the newest major circuit, backed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and the Professional Padel Association (PPA).
- Identity: Global ambition with “Major” events similar to tennis Grand Slams.
- Venues: Iconic host cities like Paris, Doha, and Rome.
- Players: Attracts top-ranked athletes with large prize pools and ranking points.
- Broadcast: Strategic media partnerships for worldwide visibility.
Official site: premierpadel.com
A1 Padel
A1 Padel, formerly known as APT Padel Tour, focuses on accessibility and growth in emerging markets, giving rising talents a chance to compete internationally.
- Founded: 2020 (rebranded in 2023).
- Identity: Independent tour emphasizing inclusivity and new-player development.
- Reach: Strong in Latin America with growing expansion into Europe and Africa.
- Format: Flexible calendar with regional and global tournaments.
Official site: a1padelglobal.com
Quick Comparison
| Feature | World Padel Tour (WPT) | Premier Padel | A1 Padel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 | 2022 | 2020 (rebranded 2023) |
| Identity | Legacy circuit, elite roster | Grand-Slam-style global tour | Independent, growth-focused |
| Geographic Focus | Europe & Latin America | Global (iconic venues) | Latin America + expanding regions |
| Player Base | Top professionals | Top-ranked internationals | Established & emerging players |
| Broadcast | Official app & partner platforms | Global media alliances | Regional & online coverage |
FAQs
What’s the main difference between the three circuits?
WPT offers tradition and prestige, Premier Padel brings global scale and top production value, while A1 Padel focuses on accessibility and development for rising talent.
Do all circuits feature both men’s and women’s events?
Yes — each includes professional draws for men and women, though some stops may vary by category and location.
Where can I watch professional padel tournaments?
Check each official website listed above for live-streaming options and broadcast partners covering your region.
