The History and Popularity of Padel: From Mexico to the Nordics and Baltics

Padel’s story began in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, when Enrique Corcuera created a unique racquet sport by modifying a walled court, enabling gameplay similar to tennis but incorporating walls as part of the play area. The sport quickly expanded internationally after reaching Spain, where it gained popularity in the 1970s, thanks to Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who brought the concept to Marbella. From Spain, padel’s growth continued to Argentina, embedding itself as a social and competitive sport.

Expansion Across Europe and the Role of the World Padel Tour (WPT)

The World Padel Tour (WPT), founded in Spain, elevated padel into a professional arena with ranked players and international tournaments, helping padel reach new countries. Recent additions, like the P2 Padel Series, a sub-division of the WPT, offer emerging players an entry point to professional circuits and support global expansion by creating opportunities for young talents.

Popularity in the Nordics and Baltics

In the Nordics and Baltics, padel has seen impressive growth. Sweden, in particular, experienced a padel boom, with many new courts built across the country, making it one of Europe’s top markets outside Spain. Finland, Norway, and Denmark have followed suit, each developing dedicated padel clubs. The Baltics, led by Estonia and Latvia, are also embracing the sport, with new clubs and courts appearing in response to increasing demand.

Social and Accessible: The Key to Padel’s Success

Padel’s appeal lies in its social, doubles-based nature, and ease of play for various ages and skill levels. Often played recreationally but with competitive options, padel fosters a community environment, making it a popular sport among families and groups. With its rising popularity in the Nordics and Baltics and initiatives like the WPT and P2 Series, padel is well-positioned for continued growth and potential inclusion in broader competitive platforms, like the Olympics.