Behind the Dream of Premier Padel: The Real Game Begins with the FIP

The FIP Circuit: The Quiet Foundation of Professional Padel

Full stadiums, live broadcasts, sponsorship deals and players who have become true sporting stars — Premier Padel is undoubtedly the global showcase and the goal to which many players aspire. But what we see on the centre court in Doha, Rome or Paris is only one — the most visible — part of a much more complex structure.

Behind every spectacular shot in a Major tournament lies a long and demanding journey that begins on a different circuit: that of the International Padel Federation (FIP). And that is where the real story begins.

Players must earn their place by competing in FIP tournaments — many of them held in small cities, with fewer fans, less media exposure and often much more modest conditions. These are events where padel is experienced in a purer and more authentic way, and where what is at stake is not just a title, but something far more valuable: the ranking points needed to keep moving forward.

These tournaments are the true battleground for those building a professional career. This is where emerging talents begin to test themselves against international competition, where experienced players fight to climb the rankings again, and where many athletes balance their passion with secondary jobs, endless road or air travel, and training sessions at impossible hours.

Understanding the System to Understand the Sport

One of the least-known aspects outside the professional circle is how the ranking points system works — the system that determines a player's progress.

In short: the more FIP tournaments you play — and the further you progress through the rounds — the more points you earn in the official FIP rankings. And those points are the key to unlocking access to higher-level events, including the Premier Padel circuit.

Each tournament has a category — updated last year (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum...) — and the higher the category, the more points are available.

It is not just about winning matches: it is about planning an entire season, choosing the right tournaments and doing it all with the persistence of someone who knows that climbing the rankings is slow... but possible.

More Than Just a Sport

What the FIP has managed to build in recent years is a global network of opportunities. It has democratised access to professional competition, allowing players from any country — even those without major sponsors or resources — to enter the circuit, earn points and, through hard work, reach the top.

Premier Padel is the dream. But the FIP is the path.