The FIP Tour (Federación Internacional de Pádel Tour) is the official global development circuit of professional padel. It serves as the pathway from national-level tournaments to Premier Padel, helping rising players gain ranking points, international experience, and visibility.
This guide breaks down the structure, event tiers, ranking points, player pathways, and how bettors can use FIP Tour data to spot future stars.
🟦 What Is the FIP Tour?
The FIP Tour is the international tournament system organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP).
It acts as the feeder system for Premier Padel, similar to how:
- ATP Challengers support ATP Tour in tennis
- EFL Championship feeds Premier League in football
The FIP Tour helps:
- Young players climb rankings
- Nations grow their padel infrastructure
- Create competitive pathways worldwide
🟩 Event Categories
FIP events are divided into multiple tiers, each offering different levels of ranking points.
1. FIP Platinum
- Highest tier on the FIP Tour
- Strongest fields
- Winners often move directly into Premier Padel
2. FIP Gold
- Highly competitive
- Frequently features rising stars and fringe Premier players
3. FIP Star
- Mid-level events
- Ideal for national champions and young talents
4. FIP Rise
- Entry-level international events
- Significant for ranking progression
5. FIP Promotion
- Development-focused
- Smaller points but lower entry barriers
🟨 Ranking Points (Example Structure)
Each event tier awards different ranking points:
- Platinum: Highest points, close to Premier Padel P2 level
- Gold: Strong mid-tier points
- Star: Solid for ranking consolidation
- Rise: Great for new players
- Promotion: Early career building
Players accumulate points into the unified FIP/Premier ranking system.
🟧 Tournament Format
Draw Sizes:
- Typically 16, 24, or 32 pairs
- Qualifying rounds for lower-tier events
Match Format:
- Best-of-three sets
- Golden Point at 40–40
- Tiebreak at 6–6
FIP matches use the same rules as Premier Padel.
🟫 Who Plays on the FIP Tour?
The FIP Tour features:
- Young rising stars
- Former top players rebuilding ranking points
- Premier Padel players competing for extra points
- National champions seeking international experience
- New partnerships testing their chemistry
The talent level varies widely depending on the event tier.
🟥 Why the FIP Tour Matters
✔ Player Development
It is the main talent pipeline for future Premier Padel stars.
✔ Rankings
Players earn essential points to qualify for Premier Padel events.
✔ Growth of Global Padel
Events are held across Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, LATAM.
✔ Scouting Rising Stars
Many breakout players emerge first on the FIP Tour.
🟦 Key Insights for Analysts & Bettors
Studying the FIP Tour provides massive long-term value.
1. Rising Star Detection
Elite young players dominate FIP before breaking into Premier.
2. Partnership Testing Ground
New duos use FIP events to practice — results predict future success.
3. Style Development
You can spot:
- Smash-focused prospects
- Lob-heavy defenders
- Creative counterattacking talents
4. Fatigue Factors
Players often play multiple matches per day.
5. Travel Dynamics
Rapid tournament schedules can influence performance.
🟩 Differences Between FIP Tour & Premier Padel
| Aspect | FIP Tour | Premier Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Developmental | Elite professional |
| Prize Money | Lower | High |
| Surfaces | More variation | Standardised |
| TV Coverage | Limited | Global broadcast |
| Player Level | Mixed | Top 50 in world |
| Crowd Size | Small | Arena-level |
Understanding these differences helps correctly interpret results.
🟨 Typical Progression Path for Players
- National Circuit →
- FIP Rise →
- FIP Star / Promotion →
- FIP Gold →
- FIP Platinum →
- Premier Padel P2 → P1 → Majors
This ladder explains exactly how talent rises.
🟧 Betting Use Cases for FIP Tour Data
FIP Tour insights allow bettors to:
✔ Spot undervalued players entering Premier Padel
FIP success often predicts strong early-round Premier wins.
✔ Identify weak partnerships
Some pairings repeatedly fail even at FIP level.
✔ Predict market overreactions
Players who win low-tier events may be overpriced when moving up.
✔ Find long-term futures value
Young players dominating FIP Gold/Platinum become future Premier contenders.
🟫 Summary
The FIP Tour is the lifeblood of global padel development:
- Producing rising stars
- Feeding the Premier Padel system
- Expanding the sport across continents
For analysts and bettors, the FIP Tour provides deep insight into form, partnerships, style matchups, and future breakout candidates.
Next: Page 3 — WPT History & Evolution.
