Premier Padel Makes U.S. Debut With Miami Mega-Tournament

Miami has long been a playground for elite and burgeoning sports, and now, an international sensation is set to make its U.S. debut here. From March 18 to 23, the Motorola Razr Miami Premier Padel P1 will bring the world’s top padel players to the Miami Beach Convention Center, marking the first-ever edition of this tournament and the first Premier Padel event in the United States.

"Miami is a worldwide sports hub, very well connected with Spain and Latin America, where padel was born," David Serrahima, general manager of Premier Padel, tells New Times. “Premier Padel has been exploring new territories worldwide, and the U.S. has been at the top of the list. Miami is the perfect gateway into the U.S.”

Padel, a mix of tennis and squash, has skyrocketed in global popularity. According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), more than 25 million people across 90 countries now play the sport. In Spain, where padel fever runs deep, it has overtaken tennis as the second-most played sport after soccer.

It’s catching on fast in Miami, too. Padel clubs are popping up across the city, with places like Ultra Padel Club, Reserve Padel, and 10BY20 in Fort Lauderdale leading the charge.

A 2023 report from Deloitte estimates the global padel market will surpass $2 billion by 2026, driven by expansion into key markets like the United States. Miami, with its deep cultural ties to Latin America and Europe, is a natural hotspot for the sport’s explosive growth.
The Motorola Razr Miami Premier Padel P1 is a P1-level tournament, making it one of the highest-ranked events on the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, just below its four Majors and Premier Padel Finals. As a brand-new addition to the Premier Padel circuit, the inaugural Miami tournament will feature a qualification draw with 16 male and 8 female players, leading into a main draw of 40 men’s pairs and 28 women’s pairs.

Expect the world’s top players battling for FIP ranking points on five principal courts — including a Center Court with a 2,400-seat capacity — and four Elite Courts. Organizers tell New Times fans can anticipate sell-out crowds by Friday, with massive turnouts expected over the weekend.

The Premier Padel experience is about more than just the sport. “Most people that attend our events are amateur or avid players, but it’s bigger than just padel,” Serrahima explains. “People not only love seeing the best players in the world, but [also] the music, entertainment, trying new equipment, and, for some, trying padel for the very first time.”

Fans can dive into interactive zones and VIP lounges and catch some up-close action on Ultra Padel Club’s three practice courts. With live music, padel clinics, and exclusive brand activations, the tournament aims to convert casual attendees into lifelong enthusiasts.

The tournament arrives at a golden moment for racquet sports in Miami. Running concurrently, the Miami Open (March 16 to 30) at Hard Rock Stadium will bring the world’s best tennis talent to town, while RacquetX, an all-encompassing racquet sports showcase, will take place March 22 to 24.

Motorola Razr Miami Premier Padel P1. Tuesday, March 18, through Sunday, March 23, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach; miamipremierpadel.com. Tickets cost $55.50 to $1,332.