Kuwait selected as the host for the historic first edition of FIP World Cup Pairs

Arab Times

20-02-2025

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: Kuwait is set to take center stage in the world of professional padel as it hosts the first-ever edition of the FIP World Cup Pairs – powered by BNK Holding and in collaboration with Premier Padel – from November 3-9, 2025. The major new event for the 2025 season will award the winners the first-ever title of 'FIP World Champion,' with 2,000 FIP ranking points and a combined prize money of over €1 million shared equally between men's and women's competitions.
Kuwait was chosen as the first host for this historic new tournament. The resounding success of the Kuwait City Premier Padel P1 event held in November 2024 established the country as a rising force in international padel. Players also gave positive feedback on every aspect of the tournament organization and exceptional playing conditions.
This extraordinary debut edition sees the prestigious 'The Arena Kuwait' in Zahra, in the Hawalli Governorate area, host the center court, with additional playing facilities at the 'Rafa Nadal Academy'. In addition to last year's Kuwait City Premier Padel P1, the country also hosted a successful CUPRA FIP Tour tournament (Rise) in November 2023 and held the Asia-Africa qualifications for the 2024 FIP World Padel Championships in Kuwait City in September, further demonstrating the rapidly growing passion for padel in the country.
Eligibility for the FIP World Cup Pairs will be decided by players' position in the 2025 FIP Ranking following the Milan P1 tournament from 6 to 12 October 2025. It will feature a qualification round and a main draw of 48 male and 40 female pairs, formed by players of the same or different nationalities, who will compete in the main draws. The pairs that win the World Cup title in both categories will be awarded 2,000 FIP ranking points, while the finalists will earn 1200 points.
CARRARO 'Kuwait is a special place', said FIP President Luigi Carraro, 'It has already written important chapters of our sport. If looking back is essential to moving forward and shaping the future, then choosing this venue for the inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs perfectly aligns with Kuwait's passion and dedication for Padel. A huge thank you to BNK Holding Chairman Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Premier Padel, and the National Federation. I am confident that our teamwork and collaboration will ensure the delivery of an extraordinary event.'
AL-KHARAFI "This marks a new era for padel in Kuwait and the region, as we proudly host the FIP World Cup Pairs, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the future of sports in the Middle East. Let's make history together." added Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, CEO and Chairman of BNK Holding KSCC.
SUGDEN: 'Last year's Premier Padel tournament was a spectacular event for players and fans that firmly placed Kuwait on the global stage. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from players – praising the world-class facilities and seamless organization – played a pivotal role in securing its place as the venue for one of the sport's most significant events in 2025 and reiterates our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for players.' commented David Sugden, CEO, Premier Padel.